Handun Villas: Healing hospitality

Handun Villas, Sri Lanka’s newest beachside getaway, celebrated its launch on 15 June, in a traditional ceremony true to its ‘authentic Sri Lankan experience’. Handun Villas is beautifully designed for comfort and relaxation, welcoming families to enjoy a refreshing, sun-drenched (and utterly Instagrammable) holiday by the waves.

An elegant 120-year-old Dutch Architecture manor house nestled in a natural bay in Talalla South (in Matara), has been outfitted with every modern convenience – Wi-Fi to hot showers and sumptuous furnishings. While respecting the original architecture and design, the décor is cosy and contemporary. Wooden flooring and bare-brick accents on white walls create warm, welcoming spaces, with a pop of colour from statement pieces. The result is a haven – soothing, serene, and ideal for a getaway.

Director Nayomi Handunnetti remarks on the importance of wellness and an escape from busy, tech-saturated lifestyles: “Handun Villas has had a rich history of love and comfort for over a hundred years and we are proud to be able to share that heritage with our guests. We believe that health is everything. So, we built the brand around wellness, from the all-natural products in our spa, to the food we offer at our restaurant. The simple traditions we follow, like welcoming guests with a cooling natural drink, and lighting an oil lamp with a prayer, help them to step back into a simpler time, free of digital and other distractions, and just relax.”

The location contributes to the sense of well-being. It’s easily accessible, but far enough from busy cities to allow visitors to relax undisturbed on a beautiful private beach in the bay. Or they can wander with their kids around its spacious estate. Not yet one of the crowded tourist hubs, the village outside offers a quiet peace. It’s also a great starting point from which to explore the Uda Walawe and Yala parks, or have the unique cultural experience of visiting the Kataragama temple.

The Ayurveda spa, stocked with high-quality organic products made especially for it, emphasises the focus on wellness. These artisanal products can be taken home by those who want to prolong the soothing experience. Yoga and meditation classes help visitors relax their minds as well as their bodies, and a sparkling outdoor pool invites loungers to dive in for swim to cool off from the tropical heat.

Aware that health starts from the inside, Handun Villas prepares its cuisine with care. Guests can sample delicious fruit juices and fresh salads at the juice and salad bar, or enjoy a meal made of garden-fresh, home-grown vegetables from the property’s farm. The child-friendly menu will keep little ones’ taste buds happy, while parents can choose to enjoy a more sophisticated fine dining experience.

In keeping with its authenticity, celebration of culture, and immersion in the island’s heritage, visitors can learn how to cook Sri Lankan meals. Handun Villas’ experienced and talented chefs, shares the stories of the food they prepare.

Having officially opened its doors to guests, Handun Villas is now inviting you to partake of its unique fusion of healing, history, and hospitality. To plan your next beachside escape with them, contact info@handunvillas.com or visit http://www.handunvillas.com.