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Tamarind Lodge, perched at the edge of a hill overlooking Victoria reservoir and the surrounding Kandyan hills, is an exquisite boutique villa located within the estate of the scenic Victoria Golf and Country Resort. Designed by a Sri Lankan and American architect, the Tamarind Lodge is a clever fusion of Asian and Western contemporary design. The entranceway, shaded by a Tamarind tree, lets you into this tranquil property with definite design influences of Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lankas iconic architect. Open terraces and balconies blur the boundaries between `inside’ and `out’, letting you soak up the tropical sunshine and fresh air. Rough granite floors, pebbled courtyards and saffron-coloured walls of the interiors are blended with comfortable furnishings, antique Sri Lankan statuettes and even bath-fittings from Paris. Tamarind Lodge is divided into two wings with both sections having three bedrooms and separate facilities allowing guests a great deal of privacy.
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Accommodation There are six ensuite bedrooms (3 twins and 3 doubles), simply but stylishly furnished. Some open out onto the garden, while others have small private balconies overlooking the reservoir. The ensuite bathrooms are sleek and have hot and cold showers. The master bedroom has a private sun terrace and a secluded outdoor shower with breathtaking views.
Facilities Tamarind Lodge’s two wings are separated by an artistic pebbled courtyard. The main entrance is through the first wing, which consists of indoor living and dining spaces, a small kitchen and bedrooms opening out to the garden. The second wing, which is accessed through the first wing, has bedrooms on the upper floor, an outside dining area with BBQ overlooking the spectacular infinity pool on the ground floor. This wing has a secret doorway on the second floor from which to dive into the swimming pool below. Other facilities at Tamarind Lodge include satellite TV, music system with outdoor speakers, internet facilities and library. The property is managed and maintained by the Victoria Golf and Country Resort. There is also an attentive housekeeping couple that live-in, ensuring you are looked after and giving the property a homely feel. Sri Lankan and western cuisine is served here prepared with fresh meats and vegetables bought locally.
Excursions The magnificent Victoria Golf and Country Club, just 10 mins walk away, offers a wide range of facilities including an 18-hole golf course, a putting green and practice range, bar and terrace dining, floodlit tennis court, Saddle club and horse safaris, as well as a large outdoor swimming pool. The surrounding reservoir and central hills are ideal for bird watching. Over 100 species of birds can be spotted while going on nature trails within the 500-acre estate accompanied by a local expert. Mountain bike trails also provide for much adventure. The city of Kandy itself is steeped in history and culture. Interesting activities include a visit to the Temple of the Tooth where a sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha is enshrined; Peradeniya Botanical gardens, with its orchid collection and formally laid-out trees; nature walks in Udawatte Kale Forest Reserve; and Kandy’s rich ancient arts and crafts including: drum-making, Dumbara mat-weaving, crafting Kandyan jewelry and traditional Kandyan dance and drumming. |