‘RED CLIFFS’ Heaven on Hill

18 October 2012 07:33 am Views - 8057

There are only four or five locations in the entire costal line in Sri Lanka that has the higher elevated land just by bay or beach. Tangalle, Trinco, Yala and Mirissa are some of the outstanding 'off cliff' places in the Lanka's tourism map .

Mirissa Red Cliff Bay is one of the best beach locations in the world.

Mirissa Red Cliff was portrayed over a hundred years ago in 1881 in water colours by Ernst Haeckel the famous German painter, when the Redcliffs of Mirissa caught his eye one sunset, ‘they seem to burn like live coal …' he said in his book, 'A Visit to Ceylon'. Haeckel in his book, went on to say, ‘… the magic splendours of Nature must be seen to be believed in,' and this in essence is the best way to describe the ambience at Redcliffs. Since then the view of Mirissa has lured heads of state, millionaires and visitors from many lands who made it their holiday retreat.

The Villa Red Cliffs on this mysteriously beautiful Mirissa hill is the house for leisure travellers for a couple of decades.

Once owned by the late President J. R. Jayewardene, this iconic villa designed by Geoffrey Bawa is now available as a private clifftop retreat for those wanting complete privacy and seclusion. The property has just been extensively renovated and comprises four bedrooms, a large open entertaining area, 2 private beaches, and a full compliment of staff.

The Villa consists of four double bedrooms of which two are located a few steps above the living and dining area; and two more bedrooms (one double and a twin) are at a level below. The upper floor bedrooms open on to a small lounge area and have sea views across the open plan living room. The two bedrooms at a level below open out to the gardens and sea views.

It is a property with the unique geography of a promontory that separates the bays of Weligama and Mirissa. The land rises to over 100 feet from sea level providing commanding views of both Weligama and Mirissa bays.

The property has direct access to beaches on both the Weligama and Mirissa sides of the bay. The beach access to the Weligama side of the bay is restricted to outsiders by the natural formation of the cliff giving complete privacy to guests of Red Cliffs.

Set on cliffs above Weligama Bay the property commands outstanding views over the bay and further to the Southern Indian Ocean. It is within easy reach of Mirissa beach (5 minutes) and the harbour which now offers Whale and Dolphin watching tours. Food and beverage at this beachside retreat is of localised character, giving opportunity to enjoy local cuisine. There is an in-house menu from which guests can order their meals. Mainly Sri Lankan cuisine and western dishes too are on offer.

‘Our standard package excludes meals giving more choice to select from the menu. The breakfast is options of English or Continental breakfast along with a selection of Sri Lankan specialties. Like wise lunch and dinner too can order according to individual choice' explained Sanjeeva Gunatilleke, the Managing Partner of Paradise Island Leisure, the Managing Company of the Red Cliffs.

The Dining Experience can be indoors, although the ambience is such that Outdoor Dining is a luxury to be enjoyed by guests at Red Cliffs. ‘The parkland is spread out over a large extent and several private dining areas can be arranged in absolute privacy to spend hours enjoying exquisite cuisine along with the pleasant climate and vistas' he added. ‘We do not encourage giving on room basis. We always give the entire Villa as it has only four rooms. Meals should be ordered from the menu' Sanjeeva said. During the season from December to April, whale and dolphin watching excursions are organised by Mirissa Water Sports and Ceylon Fisheries Corporation based at the Mirissa harbour. Mirissa Water Sports also offers a range of activities including coastal cruises, sea kayaking, snorkelling and boating. Scuba diving is possible in Dickwella and surfing is ideal in Unawatuna and Mirissa.

For more details e-mail sanjeeva@paradiseislandleisure.com