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Designed by Channa Daswatte, a sought-after local architect and protégé of the famous Geoffrey Bawa, Frangipani Tree is a tranquil and luxurious setting. Windows and verandahs that open onto the Indian Ocean, high-clay tiled roofs, cooling cement floors, courtyards with frangipani trees, white washed walls and interiors with contemporary timber and steel furniture make this a luxurious yet homely getaway. Frangipani Trees Pakistani owner also owns Fort Printers, another exquisite boutique hotel inside Galles Dutch Fort.
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Accommodation Frangipani Tree has ten luxurious and utterly private suites in four villas named after the marine turtles of Sri Lanka that come to nest on a nearby beach. Each of the elegantly-furnished suites can be rented individually. They have covered terraces and verandahs which are perfect for private dining, a/c and overhead fans, customised bedroom furniture and bathroom fittings including stylish cement bath tubs. High-quality linen, including your choice of pillows, iPod station and iPod, and high speed WiFi connection add to the sense of luxury.
- The Hawksbill: This separate villa, set in the garden amidst swaying palms, has two suites, each with ocean views, a covered verandah with private dining tables, and bathrooms set amidst a tranquil private garden with bath tub, shower, twin vanities, and w/c. The two suites are furnished with four poster beds, sofa-bed, and desk with Geoffrey Bawa designed leather chair.
- The Leatherback: A separate villa, located closer to the beachfront, has two suites, each with ocean views and the same facilities as the Hawksbill. The bathrooms, again both with private garden space, are smaller in size in comparison to the Hawksbill.
- The Kemp’s Ridley: This one-suite villa opens out to a 35-metre swimming pool and also has ocean views. It has a platform double bed and the same facilities as the other suites.
- The Olive Ridley: This is a spacious two-storey villa which is separated from the others villas by the swimming pool. Each of the five suites in this villa provides a sense of privacy and has ensuite bathroom with bath tub, shower, twin vanities, and w/c. The three suites facing the beach front have stunning ocean views while the other two suites open out to a central courtyard lined with flowering Frangipani Trees. The Olive Ridley also has a comfortable lounge area with sofas and day beds; a library, DVD player, move projector and a collection of movies, and a music system. The elegant dining area with a 20-seater dining table is set in the covered terrace overlooking the swimming pool - perfect for friends and family celebrating a special occasion.
Facilities The main entrance opens onto a spectacular view of the pool and the ocean beyond. An aromatherapy Spa with an array of relaxing therapies is located in the garden just by the beach. Personal yoga sessions are arranged upon request. Western and Sri Lankan dishes are served at Frangipani Tree prepared with locally purchased fresh vegetables and seafood brought right to the doorstep. Meal times are special here with much care taken over creating the right ambience. They are served according to the guests wishes including on your own verandah, in the garden, by the poolside or even on the beach.
Excursions Most guests may never want to Frangipani and its secluded beach, which is relatively safe for swimming especially from November to February. Observe the fascinating nesting ritual of the marine turtles. Globally, all seven species of marine turtles existing are endangered. Of these, five come ashore in Sri Lanka. The process of marine turtles nesting, hatchlings being born, and swimming back to sea is a ritual that can be observed at night just by Frangipani Tree. For those interested in surfing and watersports, the beaches of Unawatuna and Mirissa are ideal. Water sports on offer includes sailing, fishing, coastal cruises, river trips, sea kayaking, snorkeling and boating. Koggala Lake, with its many tiny islands inhabited with several species of birds, is another wonderful experience. We recommend a visit to the historic 17th Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow streets lined with Dutch and British colonial era buildings which are still in use, sturdy ramparts looking out to sea, the lighthouse, and a growing collection of art galleries and several boutique hotels. |