Set in rolling, Renaissance-inspired tropical gardens, Lunuganga is the former country residence of world-renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa.  Opened as an exclusive boutique hotel in December 2005, Lunuganga offers guests a rare opportunity to step inside the private life of one of the world’s most celebrated architects, a man dubbed “the father of Asian architecture”. Once within the 25-acre estate, after a bumpy ride down winding lanes, it is not difficult to understand why in 1948 Bawa bought this former rubber estate to craft into his garden idyll. After decades of careful, exquisite, creative thought and design Bawa’s legacy and perhaps most personal life’s work is today a wondrous and inspiring place to visit and savour. With astonishing views and beautiful interiors, with many original Bawa artwork and blueprints on the walls, a stay in one of Lunuganga’s six fine suites is guaranteed to be a highlight of any holiday. The GQ Magazine in the UK recently judged Lunuganga "The world’s most stylish resort". The property is only available from Dec to April each year. For the rest of the year it is handed back to the Bawa Trust who invite artists each year to use it as an inspired retreat.

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Accommodation
Lunuganga comprises of six ensuite bedrooms all with airconditioning except for the Studio Room.  Three rooms are located in the main plantation house, one is housed in Geoffrey Bawa’s former art gallery/studio, and two rooms in a separate cottage located at the edge of the cinnamon plantation.  The whole property can be rented in its entirety or on an individual room basis.  Each of the rooms is filled with character and Bawa touches making them unique and inspiring.   Carefully crafted views of the gardens and the lake beyond, instills a sense of tranquility and calmness.

• The Guest Room - Located in the main house, this double ensuite Guest Room is spacious and has sleeping and a lounging area opening out to a quaint outdoor private courtyard where meals are served upon request.  The bathroom has a bath with dual showers, and hot and cold water.  The room is elegantly furnished with a comfortable king sized bed fitted with mosquito netting. The walls are adorned with paintings and objects d’art carefully placed, giving this room a sense of charm.
  
• The Gallery/Studio: Originally a cowshed that was used to house farm animals; this area was converted over 20 years ago into Geoffrey Bawa’s private art gallery/studio.  A stay in this large Studio suite is a fantastic experience where stairways leads to a dramatic downstairs sitting room and doors adorned with art, lead to the bathroom.  The Studio room is filled with Bawa’s collection of special pieces of furniture, sculptures and artifacts from around the world.  The walls of the living room downstairs are adorned with architectural blueprints of his works such as Kandalama.  There is a king size antique four-poster bed fitted with mosquito netting in the main area and the ensuite bathroom has a quaint Victorian bathtub and hot and cold water showers.  The Studio suite is not airconditioned, but has high roofs, large doors and windows and fans that keep the room cool and airy.  An outdoor private courtyard surrounded by ochre coloured walls is ideal for dining under the stars.
  
• The Glass Room:  This is a long narrow room, edged on either side by large glass windows that gives it a feel of a glass room and is set on the upper level over the entrance to the main plantation house. This is a magical room beaming with sunlight and wonderful views, which over the years have been the home of many artists in residence at Lunuganga.  The front door to the room opens out to the beautiful gardens.  This airconditoned room is furnished with Dutch period antiques including a queen sized four-poster bed, planters chairs, and a work desk.  The ensuite bathroom has showers with hot and cold water.
  
• The Donald Friend Room:  Once the gatehouse of the plantation bungalow, the upper floor has now been converted into a cozy and comfortable room with alcove windows looking out into the jungles.  Named after the famous Australian artist Donald Friend, who was a frequent visitor to Lunuganga, this airconditioned bedroom has an elegantly furnished living and sleeping area and ensuite bathroom with his and hers sinks.
  
• The Cottage at Cinnamon Hill: Set away from the main house, Cinnamon Hill provides guests with maximum privacy and serenity with magnificent views over the lake and paddy fields. The Cottage has two airconditioned bedrooms, elegantly furnished with king size beds and has its own indoor and outdoor living areas.  Meals can be arranged in the privacy of your own garden.  The Cottage comes complete with its own butler.

Facilities
The main house has living and dinging areas - personal space that was cherished by Geoffrey Bawa and is filled with his favourite pieces of art and antiques.  This area opens out to    panoramic views of the Dedduwa Lake.  There are several outdoor areas scattered around the estate - overlooking the lake, jungles, ponds or paddy fields that is ideal for hours of inspired work or just relaxing.  Lunuganga chefs takes pride in their cuisine and is ever willing to serve meals where ever you wish – under a tree, in your own room, or even a picnic lunch to be enjoyed on a boat on the Lake.    From contemporary gourmet cuisine with Asian and Mediterranean influences, to delicious Sri Lankan rice and curries are served using fresh ingredients purchased from the local market each day.  The finest Sri Lankan teas with freshly baked scones are served throughout the day.

Excursions
Although Lunuganga doesn’t have a swimming pool, the beautiful beaches of Bentota and Hikkaduwa are just a short drive away offering numerous water sports and safe swimming.  There is a lake nearby which is perfect for picnics.  Galle Fort can be reached with a 75 minute drive along the west coast.