Max Wadiya, West Coast, Sri Lanka

Neighboured by tiny village homes hidden amongst the coconut palms that line the golden sands of Ambalangoda, Max Wadiya has a wide beach frontage where the ocean is always in view and where the only other people you’re likely to see are fishermen – and even then, only if you are up early enough to spy them pulling in their morning catch.

Max Wadiya was once an antiques salesroom and the owner has maintained this theme by filling the house with colonial furnishings, interesting antiques and artwork, much of which is sourced locally from Ambalangoda. The original building has a deep veranda on both floors and houses three comfortable bedrooms furnished in traditional Sri Lankan style. A newer building, just to the side of the first, houses two modern suites whose sliding glass doors and windows maximise the sea views. Each bedroom overlooks the ocean and a large grassy palm-shaded garden brimming with lush tropical foliage. Kids will love all the space at Max Wadiya, where they can play cricket, badminton and boules, swim in the gorgeous saltwater pool or borrow fishing rods and try their luck in the ocean. There’s even a turtle hatching box in the garden to support the conservation of these gentle sea creatures. And adults will no doubt appreciate the complimentary WiFi, cookery and yoga classes, massage and spa treatments – all in-house.

Max Wadiya is gloriously private. Guests are looked after by a staff of seven, including a friendly live-in manager who can organize airport transfers, car hire and day trips. Rates include full board with authentic Sri Lankan home-cooked cuisine being at the forefront of the menu. Only a short distance from Max Wadiya is the town of Ambalangoda, which is famed as a centre of southern culture; dancing and mask-making in particular. And if this isn’t enough, the beach mecca of Hikkaduwa is only a 15-minute drive down the road.

Max Wadiya is in the village of Urawatta, two kilometres south of Ambalangoda. Village homes and shops loosely border the main Galle Road whilst the village lays claim to a wide and almost deserted sandy beach, fringed by leaning coconut palms and carpeted in places with rich green vegetation that sprouts bright purple flowers in season. Lots of fishing action goes on along this stretch of beach; the fishermen working collectively as they cast huge nets into the sea that they then pull hopefully back onto the shore!

Max Wadiya comprises two buildings connected by a courtyard. Both open directly onto the garden and each of the five bedrooms (all with air conditioning, ceiling fans and ensuite bathrooms) enjoy sweeping sea views.

The original building is around 40-years-old and features such as polished cement floors fringed by delicate tiles and deep verandas have been retained, making the most of the tropical climate. The villa’s antique furniture, including four-poster beds and rattan planter’s chairs, is also characteristic of Sri Lanka’s recent past although the addition of plush soft furnishings mean that guests can still enjoy the comforts of today.

On the ground floor of the original house is a hallway leading into a living room furnished with sofas and a dining table for six, and with a purpose-built bar to the rear. To the left of the living room is bedroom 5, which has a king-size four-poster bed and sliding doors opening onto the front veranda and garden. This ground floor bedroom is ideal for elderly relatives.

A wooden staircase goes up to the first floor where a spacious hallway incorporating a cosy TV corner leads between two bedrooms and onto a veranda. To one side is bedroom 4, which has a queen-sized four-poster bed, wardrobe and sliding doors onto the veranda, and directly opposite is bedroom 3, which also has a queen-sized four-poster bed as well as a walk-in closet. These two upstairs rooms work well as a family suite.

The newer building houses two modern suites; one on each floor. Identical in layout, these split-level suites feature a four-poster queen-sized bed complemented by a lounge and sliding glass doors onto a private veranda. Suites come with satellite TVs, DVD players, iPod docks and stereo systems as well as kitchenettes equipped with kettles, mini fridges and coffee makers. Bathrooms feature walk-through closets and the ground floor bathroom (bedroom 2) has an additional open-air shower in a courtyard garden.

*Max Wadiya is closed every 15th May - 14th July (or up to end of July) due to monsoon conditions.

Discounts  & Other Offers 

• Lower rates are available if you choose to book the main villa only (3 bedrooms) or the suites at the new building (2 bedrooms). Contact Customer Service for assistance.

Standard deposit policy

• In order to have a booking confirmed you must make deposit payment as outlined in Private Homes & Villas Booking Terms and Conditions unless special conditions are indicated for the period you are booking. The standard deposits are:

  -          For rentals beginning more than 60 days after the date of your booking request - a deposit of 50% of the total rental amount is payable.

  -          For rentals beginning 60 days or less after the date of your booking request - the total rental amount is payable as a deposit.  

Standard cancellation policy

• In the event of cancellation, penalties as outlined in Private Homes & Villas Booking Terms and Conditions apply unless special conditions are indicated for the period you are booking.
• It is strongly recommended that you purchase trip cancellation travel insurance.

Rates

• Prices may change based on the time of your booking, arrival date and length of stay. For approximate rates, please click on the Check Availability button and enter your dates.
• Whilst every effort is made to keep rates current, they are subject to change from time to time. If there is a rate change you will be informed before a booking is confirmed.
• Confirmed booking rates will not change.
• Airport pick-up costs USD66.00 and airport drop-off costs USD60.00 per car (prices are subject to change without prior notice).

Security deposit

• Upon arrival at the villa you may be required to pay a security deposit. The security deposit, if applicable, will be returned to you prior to departure less any extra charges or costs for accidental damage to the property.

Check in/out

• Check in – 11.00am, Check out - 11.00am
• The villa does not charge for late check outs.

Private Homes & Villas full Booking Terms and Conditions are available here.