Tri is a firebrand health retreat, set on the palm-shaded banks of Lake Koggala in the south of Sri Lanka. This is a project of passion from British owner Rob Drummond and his wife, Lara Baumann, while the swirling symmetry of Tri was masterminded by Raefer Wallis, of Shanghai’s A00 Architects.
Rob is big on sustainability, so walls are clad in cinnamon and living roofs planted with creepers while recycled woods and stripped cinnamon branches are utilised as a design element.
Situated on a hillside, in the heart of an old cinnamon plantation, Tri Koggala offers just 11 rooms and villas. These are placed around an ancient banyan tree to form a pattern that resembles an elegant Fibonacci spiral. The spacious Lake Suites and Lake Villas features a garden roof, bordered by swaying bamboo trees to provide privacy and enjoy picturesque views of the lake gardens. Some even benefit from a plunge pool, offering perfect space to cool off from the midday sun.
The day’s routine generally begins with a yoga session taught by Rob's wife, Lara, whose clients include Gerard Butler and Sienna Miller. Held in a treetop sala above the bamboo grove, it's not just the usual sun salutations. This is Quantum Yoga and tailored to your dosha. There is also a spa, visited by practitioner Jessie Quon, a therapist specialising in structural alignment. Later, relax in the 21-metre cantilevered infinity pool that juts out into the lake.
Amenities
Bar/PubConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableFamily RoomFitness CentreGardenLibraryMultilingual StaffOutdoor PoolRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesSpa/SaunaWi-Fi AvailableYoga Classes/Instruction On SiteStay Tri Koggala features just 11 rooms and villas. Each carefully curated villa feels like your own tropical tree house, boasting breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and jungle. The elliptical cinnamon-clad Water Tower, has three Lake View Rooms and a dramatic 360° viewing deck. While others are scattered around the tropical forest, all with lake views and some with open-air plunge pool. The top end 140 sqm Tri Villa enjoys two terraces and its own plunge pool.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at the Tri Koggala. There is a Family Villa with two separate Lake Suites which share a plunge pool – this is an ideal arrangement for four people.
Dine Dining at the Tri Koggala is a grand gourmet affair. The hotel’s restaurant boasts of high-quality local produce and the nutritious contemporary style dishes. Executive Consultant Chef, Neil Wager, has created an authentic menu which celebrates all things local with finesse. From all-day menu with familiar dishes with a twist to the 6-course gourmet dinner, dining at Tri Koggala restaurant is a journey of flavours.
Relax The emphasis here is on wellbeing with an open walled treetop yoga shala where you can join every morning for Quantum Yoga sessions, then spend some time at the adjoining spa to reinvigorate yourself. Alternatively, explore the Tri Koggala gardens or take a leisurely boat ride to the Cinnamon Island to see how the spice is harvested, observe the rich bird life from your villa or go photographing the stunning aquatic scenery.
Experience Situated on the shores of the Koggala Lake, guests can borrow a kayak to explore lake or take a guided tour of a nearby tea factory, renowned for its ‘Virgin White Tea’. Beach lovers will enjoy swimming in the Indian Ocean at Kabalana Beach which is also a popular surfing or take boat excursion from Mirissa beach for watching blue whales and dolphins. One day, visit the 17th-century Galle Fort and then explore its café- and boutique-flanked lanes.
Location Tri is located in the heart of the Koggala lake just a short drive from Galle on the southern coast of Sri Lanka.
Getting there Hotel Tri can be reached by private transfer via an 85-minute drive down the Colombo Expressway from the capital. Alternatively, Air Taxi services lands on the lake from destinations around the country.
When to go Sri Lanka is a year-round destination with consistently warm temperatures and lots of sunshine. There are two monsoon seasons but they only bring rain to the west and south-west coasts from May to September; and the east coast and northern region between October and February. The rest of the year is sunny and dry but the months of December to April are probably the best time to visit. Colombo and the low-lying coastal regions have an average temperature of 27°C.
Destination
West & South, Sri Lanka
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