Minimalist and luxurious, Saffrons is the creation of architect Philip Weeraratne, a young Sri Lankan architect in increasing demand for his innovative and unique designs.  The villa took almost five years to complete as Weerarartne and Saffron’s Australian owners paid painstaking attention to design detail. The result is an exquisite beach villa that will appeal most to those that like modern minimalism, clean lines and refined luxury. From the shadows that reflect on stark white walls creating `natural art’, to the mesmerizing 50ft Koi carp pond at the edge of the living room, the setting is magical. There are large open spaces, cooling cement floors and high roofs. The interiors are fitted with elegant contemporary furniture and infused with creative mood lighting. White-washed walls provide the perfect backdrop for the owner’s stunning black & white photography.

Accommodation
Saffrons has four suites furnished with double beds that can accommodate up to eight adults.  The ground floor consists of two suites: one at the front opening out to a tranquil walled spa garden and the other opening out to the palm-fringed lawn and the ocean beyond.  The two suites on the upper floor have panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and have ensuite bathrooms with bath tub and open air showers with a roof garden.

Facilities
On the ground floor, open spaces merge from one to another creating living, dining, and relaxing areas all opening out to the extensive garden and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.  The swimming pool edged with a stone wall encased with 21 burning oil lamps creates a magical atmosphere at night.  Meals are served in the indoor dining area overlooking the pool, garden pavilion by the edge of the sea, or even on the owner’s private island in Koggala Lake just 10 minutes away.  Sri Lankan and Western meals are served prepared with fresh produce purchased daily at the local market.  Fresh seafood is brought to the doorstep daily by the village fishermen.  Saffrons have a fully equipped modern kitchen as well as a curry kitchen where Sri Lankan rice and curries are cooked in traditional style in clay pots over a hearth.  Guests are welcome in the kitchens and the in-house chef will be more than happy to share his delicious recipes.  Saffron has a staff of four that lives in, ensuring that you are well taken care of.

Excursions
From November to March, the beach in front of the house is safe for swimming.  There is also good snorkeling in unspoilt coral pools nearby.  Surfing is possible in various bays along this coastline, especially the crescent-shaped Mirissa Bay. Mirissa also offers a variety of watersports: sailing, fishing, coastal cruises, river trips, sea kayaking, snorkeling and boating.  The nearby Koggala Lake with its many islands, inhabited with several species of birds, is another wonderful experience.  Much time can be spent on Saffrons Villa’s own private island in Koggala Lake where guests can relax in a rustic setting and take in the southern rural lifestyle.  The historical town of Galle, with its Dutch Fort, a UNESCO-protected World Heritage site and a melting pot of cultural influences, is just a 15-minute drive from Saffons Beach Villa.  With its well-preserved ramparts overlooking the cricket stadium, the lighthouse staring into the Indian Ocean, narrow streets, interesting restaurants and boutique hotels full of character, Galle Fort deserves hours of exploration.   The Hadunagoda tea factory, Yala National Park and the Sinharaja rainforest are other interesting excursions that guests can go on with a tasty picnic lunch in hand prepared with care by the Villa staff.