Set in a 10-acre estate, Illuketia is a botanical wonderland: a secluded haven of colourful flowerbeds, undulating lawns, mazy paths and tranquil waterways, with plantations of tea, pepper, rubber and cinnamon all around. The main building, which sits on a small hill at the back, is an elegant villa built with a Balinese wooden roof and antique temple doors. Throughout the property the effect is exquisite: a host of floral arrangements, pillared verandas, comfy sofas, wicker chairs and ornate wall hangings. Not far below, but out of sight, is the Pond House with exclusive views of a very exotic-looking lily-pond, and which can be rented separately or simultaneously. Illuketia comes highly recommended by Conde Naste Traveller and was voted best plantation house by The Independent 2004.

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Accommodation
The main house has four suites with ensuite bathrooms, all accessed through the central courtyard, and has a terrace or sitting area.  The Pond House, located in the garden, consists of a living and dinging room overlooking a magnificent lily pond and has two additional suites.  The Pond House is serviced by a separate butler and can be rented in its entirety or as individual rooms.  Names of flowers set the mood for each of the suites at Illuketia, which have coordinated colours and furnishings.

• Hibiscus Suite: This spacious suite opens out to a large covered balcony overlooking paddy fields. With comfortable built-in settees, the balcony is a perfect place to dine, read or relax. The Hibiscus Suite is highlighted with touches of red and fuschia and has a king-size bed raised on a cement platform and canopied with mosquito netting. The ensuite bathroom has twin sinks and shower and is decorated with Turkish tiles.
  
• Lotus Suite:  Highlights of lemon yellow and olive green adds a soothing touch to this spacious suite with a view to the tea plantation.  Furniture includes a king size bed wioth matching hand-painted bedspread, a comfortable sofa, and wicker recliners.
  
• Citronella Suite:  This a/c suite is smaller than the others, but is compensated by a private garden terrace. The suite has a double bed and the en-suite bathroom has a shower and twin vanity basins.
  
• Water lily suite: This single suite, with views to the garden and opening out to the central pond and courtyard, has a charming Dutch period antique four-poster bed, a cabinet and mirror stand. The en-suite bathroom has a shower.
  
• Ginger Suite:  Located in the Pond House, this spacious a/c suite opens out to a verandah and a tranquil pond strewn with lotuses.   The suite is furnished with a king size bed on a raised platform.  The bathroom is spacious and unique with outdoor twin bathtubs and showers.
  
• Jasmine Suite:   Also located in the Pond House, the a/c Jasmine Suite has two queen size beds under one canopied mosquito tent.  The room opens out to the verandah and the lily pond.  The bathroom has a walled-in garden with shower.

Facilities
Entrance to Illuketia is through a soothing central courtyard with a pond.  Beyond is the grand living room with a two-tiered roof highlighted with Balinese carvings and doors that open out to a spacious verandah and gardens beyond.  Bamboo furniture, lacquered Chinese cabinets, antique porcelains, chandeliers and paintings from Indonesia adorn this grand room. The upstairs consists of the recreational areas with great views of paddy fields and gardens. There is a lounge with a TV and DVD player, a library with a billiard table and extensive collection of travelogues, books, novels and magazines in English, French and German; and an office room with an antique writing desk.  An infinity swimming pool, with a shallow table specially designed for children, sits amidst the gardens.  Emphasis is placed on preserving nature and an extensive water recycling system is in place at Illuketia. Meals are prepared using fresh fruit, herbs and vegetables from their own organic garden.  Fresh seafood is bought daily at the local market.  Mainly Sri Lankan and eastern dishes are offered and painstakingly presented. Meals are served on the verandah of the main house and tea is served in a private corner of your choice. Guests are most welcome to learn Sri Lankan cooking in the well laid-out kitchen.  In-house massages and yoga lessons are organized on request.

Excursions
Explore Illuketia’s quaint surrounding on bicycle which is available at the house.  There are several good beaches close-by including some renowned surfing spots, such as Ahangama and Midigama, which are not more than 20 minutes drive away.   The historic 18th century Dutch Fort in Galle is just a few kilometers away where much time can be spent sight seeing, and exploring the narrow maze of streets with its quaint houses, antique shops, and restored boutique hotels.