The Sandals

Located on the tranquil Weralagama beach stretch, bordering a traditional fishing village, ‘The Sandals’ is set on a hillock overlooking a picturesque beach and the horizon beyond

Balapitiya in the Southern Province is popular for two characteristic features of the area. One is the popular Madu Ganga and other is Tuna. Balapitiya is popular for tuna fishing and a number of secret culinary delights endemic to the region.

 Madu Ganga is a major attraction for travellers, both domestic and foreign. The popular Madu Ganga wetland is an estuary and the many mangrove islets on it constitute a complex coastal wetland ecosystem, which is one of the biggest selling points for hotels and resorts in the area.
Apart from Madu Ganga, however Balapitiya still seems ‘untouched’ by mass tourism, though it’s only a short drive away from Bentota, one of Sri Lanka’s major beach destinations.
Located on the tranquil Weralagama beach stretch, bordering a traditional fishing village, ‘The Sandals’ is set on a hillock overlooking a picturesque beach and the horizon beyond. This two- story, tropical modern beach Villa is designed with white washed walls and large glass windows that provide for uninterrupted sea views.

Designed by renowned architect Murad Ismail, a student of the legendary architect Geoffrey Bawa, the Villa offers truly magnificent spaces and views. 
The living and dining rooms located on the ground floor open on to a large roof top terrace for taking in the spectacular sunsets. The upper floor rooms all enjoy a long sea-view balcony. The private gardens scattered with coconut palms, leads down to the sea where swimming is possible during the season from December to May. 
‘Currently we are experiencing ‘warakan’- rough sea and guests are advised not to go into the sea. But to compensate, we have a magnificent swimming pool that aligns the horizon’ said the Manager of the Resort.
Further, the rocky outcrops on one side of the beach create little coves that are safe for a dip most of the year. Other villa facilities include a flat screen TV with satellite channels, DVD library, iPod music, books and board games. 
‘The Sandals- Balapitiya’ boasts of having five suite rooms with two located on the ground floor and three on the upper floor namely ‘Whelk Suite’, ‘Solarium Suite’, ‘Cowrie Suite’, ‘Nautilus Suite’ and ‘Mother of Pearl Suite’.

All room are provided with modern conveniences including a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, mini bar, complimentary tea coffee making facilities, en-suite bathroom fitted with all luxury amenities and free Wi-Fi throughout the property.  Each room is individually decorated with handpicked furniture from the colonial period.
The dining experience at ‘The Sandals- Balapitiya’ is always something to look forward to, as the team of chefs headed by an Executive Chef is a master in global cuisine.  The Villa offers excellent Al Fresco dining opportunities, which include seafood barbeques with freshly caught fish from the sea.
The main restaurant, which is an open space, creates a soothing atmosphere with a view of the pool. 
Breakfast, lunch or dinner, the restaurant brings the seamless integration of flavours and cuisines from around the world. 
‘Our chefs are experts in local cuisine and fusion food. The Villa is always prepared to serve guests with the finest of international fusion  cuisine to delight their taste-buds. The team of creative chefs stimulates the visitors’ culinary senses with top quality food, with a strong emphasis on Sri Lankan cuisine. Italian style preparations, French cuisine and  tuna dishes prepared to secret Sothern recipes. Sri Lankan ‘embul thiyal style black pork curry’, sea food preparations- barbecued lobster, grilled sear fish and crab are also popular with our guests’ added the Manager.

 ‘Our chef is a veteran in local cuisine and fusion food. He has served Geoffrey Bawa at his Lunu Ganga Estate, Bawa’s country retreat, for 35 years before coming to Club Villa.’ Being located within close proximity to the town of Bentota and Ambalangoda, guests can visit the Mask museum, try out water sports at Bentota, do a Madu Ganga River Safari or visit  the Geoffrey Bawa Estate in Lunuganga and Brief Garden in Dedduwa. They can also dive and snorkel in Hikka, visit Galle Fort, Kosgoda Turtle Hatcheries or can experience pulling a traditional ‘Ma del’.
 The room rates at The Sandals range from Rs 80,000/- to 95,000/- on FBD basis. Special seasonal discount are on offer for Sri Lankan travellers.
(Pix courtesy Sandals)