The Last House is a stylish beach retreat, set outside the town of Tangalle, on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The name – The Last Place – represent the final residential work of Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Now a small hotel, it incorporates Bawa’s uncluttered style with careful balance between airy interiors and tropical modernism. The signature pergola-roofed walkways and secret gardens, all represent his work as do the windows that 'frame' views of the garden and sea.
There are just five bedrooms at The Last House. The two first-floor rooms have superb sea views, while the ground floor rooms are wonderfully private. There is one room raised on stilts with commanding views of the lagoon, home to water birds such as adjutant storks, pond herons, Indian darters and many more. Set within the central courtyard is an emerald green pool and a beautiful open-air dining room, where delicious Sri Lankan and Western dishes are served.
The Last House can be hired as the whole house (sleeping up to 14 people), which is ideal for large families or groups travelling together. Alternatively, you can also opt to hire the two-bedroom, Cinnamon Hill Suite with exclusive use of the communal areas. Please note there is no air conditioning, but each room has a ceiling fan and enjoy the sea breeze. The Last House has a full staff, entertaining equipment and can arrange cycling, surfing and boarding.
Amenities
Bar/PubConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableFamily RoomGardenLibraryMultilingual StaffOutdoor PoolPrivate BeachRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesWi-Fi AvailableStay The Last House has just five bedrooms. The house is laid out in a horseshoe shape with two bedrooms on the upper floor of the main building and a further three located in an adjacent building beside a courtyard swimming pool. The rooms are spacious and designed in a simple uncluttered but elegant style and come with wraparound verandas. Ensuite bathrooms have an outdoor shower and bath area and one has large bathroom with a freestanding tub placed dramatically in its centre.
ChildCare Families with children welcome to stay at The Last House but there are no specific facilities available for children. In addition to the five rooms, there is also a smaller room available when the property is booked exclusively that can be used either for small children or a nanny. However, all rooms are spacious and can accommodate a baby cot.
Dine The Last House is fully staffed with an experienced chef who created delicious Sri Lankan and Western favourites with fresh locally sourced ingredients. Meals are served in an open-air dining area overlooking the colourful pool and gardens. Room rates here include all meals but guests can also request for half- and full-board options.
Relax There is a large living area in the main building of The Last House and a lovely swimming pool. An Ayurvedic massage or a yoga class can be arranged. There are plenty of spots to unwind and gaze at the view, including a stylish outdoor lounge and cushioned daybeds by the pool or you can take a leisurely stroll along the Mahawella beach.
Experience Guests at the Last House are well placed to explore Sri Lanka’s southern beaches. To its west is Kudawella, with its magnificent blowhole, while to east is Rekawa lagoon, where you can visit the turtle and witness nocturnal hatchings. To the north is a Buddhist temple complex built into the mountain at Mulgirigala and further afield are Yala National Park and Bundala Bird Sanctuary. Nearby activities include fishing and snorkelling in the nearby bays and beaches.
Location The Last House is five minutes outside Tangalle.
Getting there Take an international flight to Colombo and then a seaplane transfer of 1-hour 20 minutes followed by a short road transfer The Last House.
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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