The Chalet - Whole Villa 2 Bedroom (Sleeps 4)

The Chalet felt like a home away from home during our 10 days in March. My wife, our 20-year-old son and I used it as a base for surfing trips along the coast, and we had a very pleasant stay. If we make it back to Sri Lanka one day, we’d choose the Chalet again.

I went to check the place three weeks before our group was due to arrive, because I had a bad feeling, and I was shocked. The accommodation was hidden behind ruined buildings, and I could barely find it. The photos make it look like a luxury resort, but the buildings are squeezed between surroundings that look like slums. The chalet itself might be to some standard, but the area made it feel like a nightmare. It’s not a luxury place at all. We cancelled in advance and weren’t given our prepayment back. We had to fight to get the money returned, and the owners’ attitude was shameful. It’s a pity they contribute to such a bad impression of Lankan people.

Be careful with this place. The rooms and surroundings didn’t match the photos or the promised standard, and I was shocked when I arrived to check in. I only got my prepayment back after threatening to call the police.

We found fresh fish from the fishermen early in the morning, and the staff made us the best dinners whenever we asked. We picked up shopping and some prepared food from the little shops in Kathaluwa, too. After time spent in traffic and crowds around the country, a week in this gorgeous villa was a welcome chance to relax. We had privacy in the garden, lovely rooms and a terrace where we could eat, drink and play games out of the rain and hot sun. The garden has plenty of shade as well as sunbeds for sunbathing, and the pool is great. The staff were very kind and made us feel safe and welcome. We went to the beach and had some great snorkeling in calm water in front of South Point Villa, another property from the same owner. The natural coral reef kept the waves from coming through easily, so we could enjoy the lagoon while the surfers had bigger waves at the beach. We’re planning to return.