Bougainvillea Retreat overlooks an incredible natural amphitheatre, where the shimmering Victoria Lake and the lush emerald fairways of the 73-par Victoria Golf Resort come together beneath the vertiginous Knuckles Range. Kandy and the city’s many cultural attractions are less than an hour’s drive away.
This stunning Tuscan-style property, immersed within an acre of gloriously landscaped bird-filled gardens, is home to seven comfortably appointed bedrooms split between the four-bedroom Main House and three cottages in the garden. The villa also has a reservoir-facing infinity swimming pool, open plan living and dining space that spills onto a convivial veranda, a library, a home cinema and a garden spa with Jacuzzi, steam bath and daily yoga sessions.
This is very much an engaging home from home where large gatherings of friends and intergenerational groups can expect subtle luxuries, nutritious home-cooked food and highly personalised service amidst a remarkable sanctuary of peace and calm. Golfers will delight in the Donald Steel-designed 18-hole course, yet the locality offers so much more; guided hikes and walks, lake kayaking, bountiful nature and off the beaten track cultural sights.
Key facts
- The property sleeps 14 adults and up to 6 children
- Rollaway beds, cots and high chairs are available
- There’s a large freeform pool set in a manicured tropical garden
- The property is fully staffed with a chef, manager and housekeeping team
- Nutritious daily changing menus cater to all dietary requirements
- Small spa with massages and yoga (on request), Jacuzzi and steam bath
- The climate averages a very comfortable 27 degrees for most of the year
- The seaplane from Colombo lands on Victoria Lake – seasonal flights (November to April) connect to Colombo and southern beaches
Experiences
- Play a round of golf at the scenic 73-par, 6,399-yard championship Victoria Golf Course (caddies, ball spotters and golf buggies are available)
- Order a picnic and explore the Knuckles or Hantane mountain ranges
- Book a relaxing massage, yoga or meditation class, or relax in the jacuzzi
- Spot over 100 species of birds on an early morning nature walk
- Sign up for a Sri Lankan cookery class, or a children’s cookery class
- Go canoeing on the lake – there are two two-person canoes available – or borrow one of the two bicycles to use on local trails.
- Learn about Sri Lankan coffee production on a tour to a local plantation
- Take a morning guided hike to Bambaragala Rock (ancient monastary with ancient cave temple, reclining Buddha and 360-degree summit view)
- Visit the Samadhi Centre’s two waterfalls, swim in the rockpool and enjoy a guided tour to see spices and organically grown veggies, followed by a traditionally cooked Sri Lankan lunch
More Information
- The hotel overlooks the Victoria Reservoir and golf course
- The Victoria Golf Resort is 25km east of Kandy
- The air taxi lands at Polgolla Lake, 19km west of the resort
- Distance to Colombo is 140km
- Distance to the Bandaranaike International Airport is 125km