A chic minimalist affair, The River House is a five-suite property situated by the serene banks of the Madu River and tucked away amidst lush greenery. “Soulful intimacy, luxuriant suites, intimate dining and amazing service are the hallmarks of the offerings of The River House,” said Asia Leisure CEO Reyhan Morris. Asia Leisure’s vision is to provide one-of-a-kind hotel experiences across a variety of locations with focus on unique concepts, catering to a diversity of interests and tastes of the luxury traveller. “The River House has been recognised as one of the Most Special Escapes in the World by the Mr. and Mrs. Smith Hotel Awards, as well as named one of the Top 50 Honeymoon Destinations in the World by The Knot, the largest source for wedding information,” he added.

The elegance of a bygone era – high vaulted ceilings, wrap around verandahs, exotic bedspreads and antique furniture and sculpture – artfully blend with elegant contemporary comforts in River House’s five suites. Named after rivers in Sri Lanka, each suite is both a villa and sanctuary in its own right.

Vibrant colours of the earth come together to create a warm, cosy feel in Kirinda and Kala whilst offering absolute solitude with not a soul in sight but the nil manel blossoming in your private pond. Gin and Walawe both offer an open air jacuzzi for two with a waterfall and a private garden overlooking the river. Meanwhile, quiet grandeur and gorgeous views of the Madu River come together in the immense suite that is Manik, home to one of CNN Travel’s 21 Sexiest Plunge Pools for Skinny Dipping in the World.

River House offers an assortment of intimate dining options be it a champagne breakfast by the river bank, a picnic lunch under a kumbuk tree, or a candle lit dinner in the seclusion of your suite. Its seven acres of tropical garden teems with wildlife whilst the magnificent pool is surrounded by cashew and nuga trees with purple-faced langurs swinging on the branches. And Asia Leisure’s proprietary amoda spa is the perfect start to any holiday, using ayurveda rituals and luxurious products to massage your stresses away, the ideal start off to a romantic getaway.

River House has its own private boathouse and offers boat trips down the Madu River promising sightings of water monitors, kingfishers, eagles and monkeys amongst the 64 islets and verdant surroundings. Guests are also offered the option of kayaking on the river if they prefer to explore on their own. Lunuganga – the architectural marvel that world renowned Geoffrey Bawa designed and called home – as well as Brief Gardens – the former home of his brother Bevis Bawa – are also nearby and trips can be arranged by the hotel. The River House, Balapitiya is the intimately romantic offering by Asia Leisure, the leisure subsidiary of Asia Capital PLC.