Villa Shala

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Sleeps: 14 - 18 Bedrooms: 7 Bathrooms: 6

Overview

Wedding Venue Pool Villa/House Beach Nearby Ideal for Kids Wheelchair Access Parking Space

Listed as one of the top ten luxury villas in the world by The Times, Villa Shala is, without a doubt, a fantastic home for those wishing to visit Sri Lanka. This stunning, sophisticated home sits paces away from the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean and is staffed by a fantastic team who are on hand to ensure you have the perfect trip.

Sleeping up to eighteen guests, this villa is ideally suited to a larger family or group of friends who want space and privacy. The villa is situated in lush tropical gardens filled with vibrant florals and towering palm trees. This private haven has been constructed from the finest materials by skilled local artisans to create an elegant space filled with antique furnishings and original artwork. Everything here works harmoniously to create a warm and welcoming home that looks out over the leafy surroundings and the sea.

The vast main villa is set over two floors and has all the space needed for a larger party. The living room offers comfortable sofas and day beds where you chat and unwind together and leads to a lovely breakfast room, where cabinets of blue and white china stand ready for the morning breakfast service. On top of these more formal spaces is a children's TV room and a large cinema room where you can get the popcorn out and watch your favourite movies comfortably.

The bedrooms at Villa Shala are bright and airy and boast access to a wraparound veranda or a private terrace. With super-king-sized beds and en-suite bathrooms, you are assured of a restful night's sleep here. Six gorgeous bedrooms are located within the main villa on the first floor, including the brilliant bunk room where the kids can enjoy a sleepover every night under the watchful eye of a nanny who can utilise one of the larger beds if needed. Outdoors, one more bedroom, the Garden Room, is tucked away in the oasis-like grounds. This room is a romantic retreat for a couple.

The kitchen here is well-equipped, and it is here that the catering team, led by a highly-regarded local chef, will prepare dishes throughout the day. When you book your stay, you can select menus depending on your preferences and dietary requirements. Some days, you may wish to take all of your meals at Villa Shala, while others may opt to go out to a restaurant. Whatever you wish, this can be accommodated. The menus here are delicious and varied, from breakfast tables brimming with regional dishes and British staples to lunch and dinner menus made up of Sri Lankan cuisine and sumptuous international dishes. One night you could be tucking into a seafood feast; the next, you could be sampling some of Sri Lanka's tastiest street food. There are even vegan menus and children's menus on offer. In addition to the kitchen staff, the home boasts a manager, cleaning and waiting staff, while yogis, masseurs and therapists can be booked on request.

Outdoors, the home is enveloped by a breathtaking landscaped garden filled with palm trees, lawned areas and colourful florals. Here, you can find the large swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers and hammocks and even a 20-metre water slide with its own pool! Whether you wish to dine al-fresco on the atmospheric terrace, play a game of cricket or practice yoga with a local teacher, this space is yours to do as you wish for the duration of your trip. With fenced grounds and 24-hour security, you can feel safe and relaxed as you unwind here.

If you can bring yourself to leave Villa Shala, you will be happy to learn that you are just a stone's throw away from the nearest sandy beach, just at the end of the garden. There are countless beaches within easy reach of the villa, including Hiriketiya Bay, one of the best on the island.

On top of the postcard-worthy beaches, within proximity to the villa, you can visit Buddhist temples, charming villages and protected parkland. Bustling towns with historic attractions and traditional markets are also easily accessed by car. 

Oliver Approved

What you should know…

  • The house is staffed by a helpful team, including security, an acclaimed chef and six additional catering staff.
  • While the staff and chef are included in your booking, the cost of meals will be charged separately based on your menu choices. This is to be paid before arrival.
  • Villa Shala sleeps 18 guests across 7 bedrooms, one bedroom is located in the separate garden cottage. Please note one twin bedroom and the bunk bed bedroom in the main villa are recommended for children. Please see the 'Features tab' for more information.  
  • One of the bedrooms is set within a separate garden cottage, offering peace and privacy the occupants.
  • Please note when booking for the lower 14-person capacity, the garden cottage will be closed and not accessible. 
  • To see more of the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, you should hire a car or book transportation through the villa owners, there is plenty to see and do within a short drive of the home. 
  • Please note air-conditioning is featured in the bedrooms only.

Property Features

Private Pool Wi-Fi/Internet Air-Con BBQ Microwave Coffee Machine Safety Deposit Box Hairdryer Smart TV Wheelchair Access Table Tennis Home Cinema DVD Parking Space Beachfront Seaview

1. The 14-person capacity includes 5 bedrooms in the main villa only. The Garden Cottage will be closed. 
2. The 18-person capacity includes 7 bedrooms across the main villa and the Garden Cottage. 

Villa Interior 

 Main Villa (511m2)

 Ground Floor

 - Entrance hall with feature staircase 
 - Living room with day beds, sofas, armchairs and desk
 - Breakfast room with table seating 14 
 - Fully fitted kitchen for the use of staff 
 - Cinema room with projector and surround sound (can become a bedroom)
 - Kids TV room
 - Bathroom with shower, sink and WC
 - Guest WC
 
 First Floor

 - Master Suite with veranda access, king-sized bed and access to bathroom with bath, shower, double sink and WC
 - Bedroom adjoining to master suite with twin beds and shares the ensuite bathroom
 - 2 x Bedrooms with veranda access, king-sized beds and en-suite bathrooms with shower, double sink and WC
 - Bedroom with balcony, king-sized bed and en-suite bathroom with shower, double-sink and WC
 - Bunk room with twin double beds and 4 single beds and en-suite bathroom with shower, sink and WC
 
 Garden Cottage (21m2)

 - Bedroom with king-sized bed and en-suite bathroom with shower, sink and WC
 - Bathroom for the pool
 - Toy storage for pool
 
 Outside Grounds

 - Private swimming pool with sloping access (137m2, max depth: 1.5m)
 - Slide pool with 20m water slide
 - Fenced garden with beach access and views of the Indian Ocean
 - Large lawned spaces with palm trees 
 - Covered veranda with dining table seating 20 guests 
 - Yoga space
 - Cricket pitch
 - Cricket umpires hut
 - Pool side sun loungers and parasols
 - Rattan sofas
 - Hammocks 
 - Barbecue 
 - Pool toys 
 - Outdoor toys 
 - Parking (2 spaces)

Facilities 

 - Wi-Fi
 - Air conditioning (in bedrooms only)
 - TVs with Apple TV
 - Film projector
 - Sound system
 - Iron and ironing board
 - UK plug sockets
 - Ping pong table
 - Board games
 - Children's toys
 - Hairdryers 

Location

About the surrounding area of Villa Shala
Beach Nearby Rural Location Outstanding Landscapes Outdoor Pursuit & Activities Tourist Towns & Villages Historical Sites Surfing Boat Trips
Loading map

Sri Lanka is a beautiful place for a holiday, and with its temples, lively cities, elephants and delicious street food, the Southern Province has everything you could wish for. Villa Shala is well-situated for lazy beach days or trips to nearby towns and attractions.

There is so much to do at Villa Shala, within the house and the expansive grounds, that you can spend many days simply relaxing in the home's tranquil setting with your nearest and dearest. Here, you can soak up the sun in the splendid garden, swim in the pool, practice yoga, play a round of cricket on the lawn and end the day with a delicious meal and a film in the cinema room. The house and garden are perfectly equipped for family life, and the staff are on hand to ensure everything goes smoothly.

When you wish to go out and see some of your surroundings, the nearest beach is visible from the house. Within a few steps, you can find yourself lounging on the sand and swimming in the blue Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka is known for its incredible beaches, and there are plenty more that you can visit nearby, including Hiriketiya Bay, one of the best beaches on the island. Hiriketiya Bay is a horse-shoe-shaped bay with white sand, which attracts everyone from sun-bathers to surfers, and is just 5km away from the villa!

If you would like to step off the usual tourist trails and get to know authentic Sri Lanka, you could visit one of the small local villages or lively towns, such as Matara, which is 17km away. Matara is a coastal town with secluded beaches like Polhena Beach to one side and the town centre to the other. Here, you can wander around the historic streets, visit the famous Star Fort and shop at the town's brilliant market for goods such as clothing, souvenirs, and fresh fruits. If you have overindulged on the street food, you can walk off your lunch on a coastal walk to the Dondra Head Lighthouse, which offers panoramic views. If you are interested in spirituality, you may also enjoy a trip to the Buddhist Monastery, home to 140 monks. The monks welcome visitors who wish to learn more about Theravada Buddhist teachings, spirituality and meditation.

A little further out is the city of Galle, the capital of the Southern Province. Galle is a fantastic place to visit and is made up of the old town and a newer area packed with shops, restaurants and galleries. The city is a melting pot of cultures, cuisines and architecture because the Portuguese settled it and then colonised by the Dutch and the British. The main attraction of Galle is the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort; this is the old town, which is enclosed by thick, defensive walls and was fortified by Dutch settlers. On your visit, you can wander around the pretty cobbled streets of the old towns, shop in the boutiques and look out for historic churches, prisons and the imposing lighthouse.

Sri Lanka has much more on offer, depending on your interests. You can go on safari, head out on a boat trip, visit ornate temples and explore tea plantations. 

Read more about Southern Coast

Local Amenities
Nearest Airport Bandaranaike International Airport

(196km)

Nearest Train Station Bambaranda

(2km)

Nearest Village Maaliyadda

(1km)

Nearest Town Dikwella

(5km)

Nearest City Matara

(17km)

Nearest Restaurant Dikwella

(3km)

Nearest Beach

(On-site)

Kids

Best Suited For: All Ages
Ideal for Kids Ideal for Teens

The South of Sri Lanka is a delightful place to take your children for a memorable holiday. With white sandy beaches, protected parklands and many friendly towns and villages you can visit as a family, Sri Lanka has something for everyone!

If your children are animal lovers, as many little ones are, the climate here means there are many species of animals they will not be used to seeing back home. For example, you could drive to Rekewa turtle nesting beach, which is 30km away, to see the baby turtles hatching! You must arrive at 9pm for the magical experience of seeing the turtles breaking free from their eggs and heading out to sea.

If you would like to go on safari as a family, this is also possible at Udawalawe National Park, which is 82km away and well worth the drive. As you travel around the breathtaking mountainous park, you can see Asian elephants, eagles, buffalo, leopards, exotic birds and crocodiles.

Baby and Toddler Equipment

  • Cot(s)
  • High Chair(s)

Kids Activities Close-by

  • Kid-friendly excursions
  • Water excursions/Boat trips
  • Beach Nearby
  • Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
  • Tourist Towns & Villages
  • Historical Sites

Onsite Facilities

  • Table Tennis
  • Home Cinema
  • DVD
  • Toys
  • Fenced Grounds
  • Beachfront

Services Available

  • Chef/Cook Included
  • Maid Service Available
  • Babysitting Available

Extras

Oliver's Extras

  • Cooking Classes Available
  • Spa Treatments Available
  • Transfers Available
  • Chef/Cook Included
  • Maid Service Available
  • Babysitting Available
  • On-Site Concierge
  • Security guard
  • Laundry Service
  • Full Board

At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:

- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off

Extras included at this property:

- Welcome drink
- Concierge service 
- Garden maintenance
- On-site staff and chef for all meals (ingredients are subject to an extra cost)

Compulsory extras at this property (paid before arrival):

- Ingredients for all meals

Extras available on request at this property (payable locally):

- Fizzy drinks, alcohol and coffee
- Private catering
- Cooking lessons 
- Massage and spa treatments 
- Extra Housekeeping 
- Babysitting
- Transfers
- Laundry service

Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!

Event information

Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a higher security deposit, which will be in addition to any published rental rates and fees.

All events are on request only and subject to prior agreement from the owner, who reserves the right to refuse all events without their prior authorisation.

Terms & Conditions

These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.

Security deposit A deposit equivalent to the price for 1 night is paid in cash to the owner upon arrival and refunded upon departure, subject to full inspection.
Arrival time 2.30 p.m - 8.00 p.m
Departure time 11.00 a.m
Minimum stay 7 nights in peak season. 3/5 nights during all other seasons.
Changeover day Flexible.
End of stay cleaning included? Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit.
Energy costs included? Yes.
Linen & towels included? Yes.
Pool towels included? Yes.
Pool opening dates? Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming.
Pets welcome? Not allowed.
Smoking Allowed? Outside only.
Other Ts and Cs Villa Shala sleeps 18 guests across 7 bedrooms, one bedroom is located in the separate garden cottage. Please note one twin bedroom and the bunk bed bedroom in the main villa are recommended for children. Please see the 'Features tab' for more information.
Other Ts and Cs Please note when booking for the lower 14-person capacity, the garden cottage will be closed and not accessible.
Other Ts and Cs One of the bedrooms is set within a separate garden cottage, offering peace and privacy the occupants.
Other Ts and Cs Please note air-conditioning is featured in the bedrooms only.
Internet access? Wi-Fi internet access included.
Tax Visitors Tax is included.
Other Ts and Cs Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges.
Other Ts and Cs While the staff and chef are included in your booking, the cost of meals will be charged separately based on your menu choices. This is to be paid before arrival.

Rental Rates

Please note: All rates below are subject to 10% Service Charge

Prices based on an occupancy of 14 people:

Rental period 3 Nights 4 Nights 5 Nights Weekly
Dec 11th 2024 - Dec 12th 2024 - - £9,028 £12,635
Dec 12th 2024 - Jan 8th 2025 - - - £25,918
Jan 8th 2025 - Feb 15th 2025 £5,417 £7,223 £9,028 £12,635
Feb 15th 2025 - Feb 25th 2025 £6,945 £9,259 £11,574 £16,199
Feb 25th 2025 - Apr 22nd 2025 £7,639 £10,185 £12,732 £17,819
Apr 22nd 2025 - May 1st 2025 - - - £9,396
May 1st 2025 - Jun 28th 2025 - - £6,713 £9,396
Jun 28th 2025 - Sep 8th 2025 - - £9,028 £12,635
Sep 8th 2025 - Oct 17th 2025 - - £6,713 £9,396
Oct 17th 2025 - Dec 12th 2025 - - £9,028 £12,635
Dec 12th 2025 - Jan 8th 2026 - - - £25,918
Jan 8th 2026 - Feb 13th 2026 £5,973 £7,963 £9,954 £13,931
Feb 13th 2026 - Feb 25th 2026 £7,639 £10,185 £12,732 £17,819
Feb 25th 2026 - Apr 22nd 2026 £8,334 £11,111 £13,889 £19,439
Apr 22nd 2026 - Jun 14th 2026 - - - £10,367

Prices based on an occupancy of 18 people:

Rental period 3 Nights 4 Nights 5 Nights Weekly
Dec 11th 2024 - Dec 12th 2024 - - £10,417 £14,579
Dec 12th 2024 - Jan 8th 2025 - - - £25,918
Jan 8th 2025 - Feb 15th 2025 £6,250 £8,334 £10,417 £14,579
Feb 15th 2025 - Feb 25th 2025 £6,945 £9,259 £11,574 £16,199
Feb 25th 2025 - Apr 22nd 2025 £7,639 £10,185 £12,732 £17,819
Apr 22nd 2025 - May 1st 2025 - - - £11,339
May 1st 2025 - Jun 28th 2025 - - £8,102 £11,339
Jun 28th 2025 - Sep 8th 2025 - - £10,417 £14,579
Sep 8th 2025 - Oct 17th 2025 - - £8,102 £11,339
Oct 17th 2025 - Dec 12th 2025 - - £10,417 £14,579
Dec 12th 2025 - Jan 8th 2026 - - - £25,918
Jan 8th 2026 - Feb 13th 2026 £6,945 £9,259 £11,574 £16,199
Feb 13th 2026 - Feb 25th 2026 £7,639 £10,185 £12,732 £17,819
Feb 25th 2026 - Apr 22nd 2026 £8,334 £11,111 £13,889 £19,439
Apr 22nd 2026 - Jun 14th 2026 - - - £12,959

Prices based on an occupancy of 14 people:

Rental period 3 Nights 4 Nights 5 Nights Weekly
Dec 11th 2024 - Dec 12th 2024 - - $11,519 $16,122
Dec 12th 2024 - Jan 8th 2025 - - - $33,070
Jan 8th 2025 - Feb 15th 2025 $6,912 $9,216 $11,519 $16,122
Feb 15th 2025 - Feb 25th 2025 $8,861 $11,815 $14,768 $20,669
Feb 25th 2025 - Apr 22nd 2025 $9,747 $12,996 $16,245 $22,736
Apr 22nd 2025 - May 1st 2025 - - - $11,988
May 1st 2025 - Jun 28th 2025 - - $8,566 $11,988
Jun 28th 2025 - Sep 8th 2025 - - $11,519 $16,122
Sep 8th 2025 - Oct 17th 2025 - - $8,566 $11,988
Oct 17th 2025 - Dec 12th 2025 - - $11,519 $16,122
Dec 12th 2025 - Jan 8th 2026 - - - $33,070
Jan 8th 2026 - Feb 13th 2026 $7,621 $10,161 $12,701 $17,775
Feb 13th 2026 - Feb 25th 2026 $9,747 $12,996 $16,245 $22,736
Feb 25th 2026 - Apr 22nd 2026 $10,633 $14,177 $17,722 $24,803
Apr 22nd 2026 - Jun 14th 2026 - - - $13,228

Prices based on an occupancy of 18 people:

Rental period 3 Nights 4 Nights 5 Nights Weekly
Dec 11th 2024 - Dec 12th 2024 - - $13,291 $18,602
Dec 12th 2024 - Jan 8th 2025 - - - $33,070
Jan 8th 2025 - Feb 15th 2025 $7,975 $10,633 $13,291 $18,602
Feb 15th 2025 - Feb 25th 2025 $8,861 $11,815 $14,768 $20,669
Feb 25th 2025 - Apr 22nd 2025 $9,747 $12,996 $16,245 $22,736
Apr 22nd 2025 - May 1st 2025 - - - $14,469
May 1st 2025 - Jun 28th 2025 - - $10,338 $14,469
Jun 28th 2025 - Sep 8th 2025 - - $13,291 $18,602
Sep 8th 2025 - Oct 17th 2025 - - $10,338 $14,469
Oct 17th 2025 - Dec 12th 2025 - - $13,291 $18,602
Dec 12th 2025 - Jan 8th 2026 - - - $33,070
Jan 8th 2026 - Feb 13th 2026 $8,861 $11,815 $14,768 $20,669
Feb 13th 2026 - Feb 25th 2026 $9,747 $12,996 $16,245 $22,736
Feb 25th 2026 - Apr 22nd 2026 $10,633 $14,177 $17,722 $24,803
Apr 22nd 2026 - Jun 14th 2026 - - - $16,535

Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.

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