 | IF Villa, South Coast, Sri Lanka |
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| Price: US$ 600.00 - US$ 1,600.00 daily incl tax
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| Sleeps: 10 - 11
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| Bedrooms: 5
| Back to IF Villa |
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| Our Inspection | |
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| | 28-Jul-2010 |
| Character/Charm | 9/ 10 |
| Location | 9/ 10 |
| Outside Area | 8/ 10 |
| Living Area | 9/ 10 |
| Kitchen | 7/ 10 |
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| Bedrooms | 7/ 10 |
| Bathrooms | 7/ 10 |
| Facilities | 8/ 10 |
| Staff | 8/ 10 |
| Value | 8/ 10 |
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| REVIEW |
| Overall Comments: |
| IF is one of my favourite villas in Sri Lanka; it has such a lovely feel to it and benefits from a great layout, not to mention a fabulous beach. I’ve been here a few times and have experienced it à deux as well as with a group of friends. Like any large villa this one welcomes company and is better when full . On each occasion that I’ve stayed at IF the huge living room was rarely used and perhaps this was because there were a number of alternative, more personable, sitting spots, some of them pleasingly outdoors; the ocean-side terrace was wonderful at sunset whilst the dining pavilion’s open-sided design was delightfully breezy and sitting in here felt sociable, even when alone, as it overlooked the entire property. I like the position of the TV area as it is in a sociable spot near the bedrooms which, themselves, were breezy and comfortable (although the skylight in bedroom 1 didn’t allow us much of a lie in). The smallest double room is perhaps best for a single traveller than a couple since its bathroom is separated from the sleeping area only by a partition wall. On our stay, fishermen came to the gate to sell fish, lobster and prawns which we got the chef to cook exactly to our liking. Meals were discussed rather than chosen from a menu, and the curries and seafood come highly recommended. The staff shop on your behalf here if you give them cash, and you can check receipts with the cook every day. Because the kitchen is set back in its own building away from the house, it gave us privacy from the staff; but even so, we found them discreet and helpful. |
| Read More |
| Highlight: |
| The villa’s direct access onto a safe-swimming beach (rare in Talpe) is a superb highlight. IF’s location close to many attractions including a turtle hatchery, bird-filled lagoon, tea factory and selection of restaurants enhances its attraction for families as there’s a lot to keep kids amused and parents sated; the large stretch of lawn at the villa is big enough for sports and there are plenty of cricket bats and balls available for use. |
| Surprises: |
| IF is close to the main road so you can hear some traffic noise; however, there is a fair expanse of garden between the house and the road (unlike many other villas along this stretch) which acts as a muffler. At weekends and during holiday periods expect to see (and possibly hear) locals enjoying the beach, but since IF is elevated from the sand privacy is not lost. |
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| DESTINATION |
| Surrounding area: |
| IF Villa sits directly opposite the best swimming beach in Talpe; protected by an offshore reef, the waves here break early and filter gently into a delightfully blue lagoon that offers safe swimming year round (mornings only during the May to October off-season). WHY Beach Club to the other side of IF is an exclusive Italian-owned restaurant for private dining (by appointment only) whose Italian cuisine, homely atmosphere and relaxing ambiance are exceptional. Other favourite restaurants close to IF include ERA Beach (2km) for its fabulous Mediterranean cuisine, Friday cocktail nights and Sunday brunches; and Wijaya Beach Restaurant (4km) for its sociable vibe, rustic setting and reasonably priced menu of food and drink. Just down the road from IF Villa is Habaraduwa (1km), a village characterised by its long, wide stretch of walking beach, fishing boats and fabulous Wednesday market when everything from fresh produce to plastic containers and clothes attracts people from near and far. Here there’s a small turtle hatchery whilst Koggala Lake (2km) just beyond is famed for its cinnamon plantations, spice gardens and astonishing bird life that can be admired by paddle-driven fishing boat. The Fortress (3km), a beautiful boutique hotel, is also located in Koggala and has a fabulous spa whose long list of delicious treatments come highly recommended. Here, there’s also a small boutique selling glamorous beach wear, gifts and souvenirs. The Handunugoda Tea Factory (9km) also has its own shop selling an extensive range of home-grown tea; come here for a tour of the factory and a tasting session accompanied by lots of freshly made cake! |
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+65 6475 3121
(Singapore, +8hrs GMT)
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| customerservice@phvillas.com |
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