Frangipani Tree Living with traditions of the South

 The most significant features of the original bungalow of the ‘Frangipani Tree’ are the large windows and verandahs that opens out to the serene ocean

Scenic Thalpe beach is the home to a number of up market luxury villas and bungalows. Passing the world famous Unawatuna beach, the Goldie Sands beach stretch in the Thalpe area is one of the most tranquil beach fronts in the Galle district. 
‘Frangipani Tree’ is an elegant and intimate Bawa influenced nine–suite boutique property that  includes four villas by a secluded beach in Thalpe. Designed by Channa Daswatta, a protégé of legendary Geoffrey Bawa, ‘Frangipani Tree’ has become a top vacation destination in the southern coastal belt by popular choice.
The main entrance of the property opens to a spectacular view of 35 metre lap pool and the ocean beyond. The lounge area is equipped with cable TV, DVD player, iPod dock, a collection of DVDs and books along with a pool table and well-stocked bar.

Nine elegant and private suites of the property -‘Hawksbill’, ‘Olive Ridley’, ‘Loggerhead’ and ‘Leatherback’ are named after marine turtles of Sri Lanka. Five suites out of nine are housed in the old bungalow and others are in the new villas close to the beach. The most significant features of the original bungalow of the ‘Frangipani Tree’ are large windows and verandahs that opens to the serene ocean, high-clay tile roofs, cooling cement floors, courtyards with frangipani trees and white washed walls with contemporary timber and steel furniture.
All suites have queen size beds, sofa beds, arm chairs writing desks, fans and safety locker and of course free WiFi. Apart from that, all rooms feature modern amenities, LCD screen TV, tea/coffee making facility, a safe, spacious bed and a private balcony ideal for a quiet evening's Al Fresco dining. 

Each of the suites have stunning ocean views and is appointed with modern and elegant custom furnishings, sun beds and private dining tables.
 ‘Every corner of the bungalow reflects the influence of legendary Geoffrey Bawa. ‘Frangipani Tree’ offers a private, trendy and unique space that has the spacious gardens and swimming pool in a calm environment that guests want to treasure as a holiday hideout’ said Natasha Ranasinghe, the Villa Manager of the ‘Frangipani Tree’.
Cuisine plays a major role in ‘Frangipani Tree’. Meals are served in the main open restaurant or in the privacy of the guest’s own verandah. Fresh seafood, authentic 
Sri Lankan and Mediterranean cuisine are 
on offer prepared with locally purchased fresh vegetables and seafood brought right to the door step of the bungalow. 
‘Chef Sameera and his team are capable of catering to all culinary needs of the visiting guests’ she said. 
Fusion cuisine promoting innovative Sri Lankan, Eastern and Western cuisine, ‘homemade pizzas’ cooked in wooden fired oven, ‘BBQ on the beach’ and the famous English pub style bar are popular with the guests at the Resort.

 ‘‘Frangipani Tree’ offers guests an experience that is intimate and personalised while providing the highest level of service’ said Chef Sameera.
Excursions and tours are another attraction of ‘Frangipani Tree’. Talpe an attractive sandy bay popular for surfing, lounging and snorkelling, virtually deserted palm-fringed beaches of Dalawella, Unawatuna and Mirissa are also a very short distance away and a haven for water sports lovers.
‘Whale and Dolphin watching in Mirissa is a half day tour, which can be arranged on request’ said Nuwan, the Assistant Manager of the Villa.
Apart from the Galle Fort, other attractions close to Thalpe include Kottawa Rainforest, spice and cinnamon plantations and a Tea plantation at Hinduangoda that is said to produce the world’s most expensive white tea. The Martin Wickramasinghe Museum and turtle hatchery at Kosgoda, Madol Duwa in Koggala, stilt fishermen at Ahangama, the Blow hole in Tangalle and the temples at Yatagala and Rumassala are also interesting places to visit.
The rates for ‘Frangipani Tree’ range from Rs. 55,000/- on to 75,500/- for 
the suites. 
 Pix by Shan Bandu 
Weerasinghe