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Why House is a family orientated boutique hotel, set near the beaches of Talpe, on Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast. Nestled within a beautifully landscaped three-acre private estate, this walled property is beautifully surrounded by lush gardens, fruit trees and spice plants. Its stunning, secluded beaches are becoming increasingly popular with visitors turned off by the increasing crowds of Unawatuna, and that makes this place a perfect holiday retreat for couples and families.
Surrounded by rice paddies and palm trees, Why House offers just eight rooms. The main house, villa and two cottages sit adorned with high timber roofs and colonial style interiors. Rooms are spacious and independently decorated in minimalist style with large windows, period style furniture and cool concrete floors. Amidst the tranquil gardens are ample spaces to relax with a good book, be it in the veranda or in a hammock, strung between the trees.
Meals at the Why House are taken on the large table in the dining pavilion. Breakfast menu ranges from fresh fruit to American style pancakes or a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast of hoppers. Light lunches can be arranged by the pool and gourmet dinners can include a wide variety of Western, Lebanese and Sri Lankan dishes. Don’t miss the beautiful and secluded beaches, which are just 15-minute walk away or spend the day exploring the cultural and historical sites along the coast.
Amenities
Stay Why House in Talpe has just eight rooms. Each are individually designed in period style furniture, four-poster double beds and luxurious ensuite bathrooms. There are three spacious suites in the main house with living areas, a desk and sofa. Two guest suites are located in separate cabanas, perfect for couples. Each has a split king-size beds and outdoor bathrooms with showers. The 3 Garden Doubles have smooth concrete floors, antique furniture and open-plan shower areas.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at the Why House in Talpe. The suites in the main villa have an anteroom that can act as a day room or a sleeping pavilion with two single beds. The third suite is furnished with a queen-size bed and a single bed for kids. Also, one of the Garden Rooms has a has a mezzanine sleeping level with two single beds so works for a family. Special meals for children can be prepared and babysitting service can be arranged, upon request.
Dine Dining at the Why House is a communal affair and served on a large table in open-sided dining pavilion, providing a house-party feel. Why House has a full staff with an experienced chef who will serve a fusion of Western, Mediterranean and Sri Lankan cuisine. Breakfast is a buffet of fresh fruit, cereal and toast including String hoppers, Sri Lanka’s favourite. Lunch and dinner come in courses of mostly fish-based dishes, soups and salads.
Relax Facilities at the Why House include a large salt water swimming pool set amidst tropical gardens; Ayurvedic and Aromatherapy massages, and yoga class can be pre-booked. On several evenings special events including traditional folk dance and music take place. Why House also has a tuk-tuk for guests wishing to explore the surrounding area. Guests can also take cooking lessons with the house chef.
Experience There is plenty to do at Why House whether you are take a stroll along the hotel beach, strewn with egg-laying turtles around Full Moon or exploring the local area by bicycle. Activity enthusiasts can take a short tuk-tuk to Unawatuna beach for swimming, diving or snorkelling. Further west is the 17th-century Galle Fort, a Unesco-listed site. Inland, you can visit Koggala lake and visit its many islands, home to over 50 species of birds and take a guided tour of tea plantation.
Location Why House is located in Mihiripenna, just 10km from the historic town of Galle on the south coast of Sri Lanka.
Getting there Fly to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. From Colombo airport Why House is is apporximately 2-hours drive away.
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.
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