SERENDIPITY IN SRI LANKA
For a small island, Sri Lanka has a huge amount of variety, so most holidays move from place to place. But with careful thought, it’s possible to enjoy the islands magic and diversity without moving hotels. The location plays a big part in getting this balance right and a characterful hotel with great hospitality and terrific local food is key to a truly enriching experience.
YourHoliday
This holiday begins with a direct flight to Sri Lanka from which you’ll be whisked to Kalukanda House for 9 nights. Kalukanda is a fully staffed, colonial-style, boutique villa close to Weligama beach. Spend some time kicking back and relaxing by the pool or in the tropical gardens, getting acclimatised whilst enjoying snacks, sunsets and G &Ts.
It’s just a short stroll to Turtle Beach where you can head for crab curry, to watch fishermen bringing in the catch or for long lazy walks along the beach. When you’re ready to explore slightly further afield, you’ll have a driver on hand to take you on leisurely trips to historic Galle Fort and to a boat trip along the Kapu Ela river where you'll discover the scenery and birdlife with a naturalist. Also included is a full day trip to Uda Walawe National Park to see Elephants.
Back at Kalukanda, you could choose to take a complimentary yoga class, surfing lesson or to hang out in the kitchen and learn about Sri Lankan cooking with the chef. But there is absolutely no obligation to do anything at all should relaxation be the order of the day.
At the end of the trip, you’ll be transferred by private vehicle, back to Colombo airport for your direct flight back to the UK.
DEE'SSTORY
Raised in London, with Sri Lankan roots, Interior Designer Dee contacted Experience Travel Group in 2016 to rediscover the island of her childhood with her own family.
They set off on an adventure exploring the island and quickly fell in love with the sites, the hospitality, the tropical scents, and the mouth-watering food. Whilst hanging out with their guide Deepal’s family, picking herbs from the garden and cooking in an outside kitchen, an idea began to form. By day 12 they were standing on a piece of land for sale, with a vision of Kalukanda House, by the time they left Sri Lanka, they owned it.
Returning to the UK, Dee took time off work to build Kalukanda from scratch, working with local people to create a property full of heart, generosity, and rich tradition. They’ve been receiving guests since 2018. As a Sri Lankan and a traveller at heart, combining luxury and individual experiences is Dee’s definition of a successful holiday and including Kalukanda in this holiday collection is an easy decision for us.
THE VILLA
Lovingly built in 2017 on the grounds of an existing property, the villa is colonial in style, with tasteful, modern touches. Kalukanda sleeps up to 8 people in 4 bedrooms – each featuring locally crafted 4 poster beds with fluffy pillows and quality linen. Shutters and ceiling fans keep the rooms cool and airy although there is air con if preferred. The balconies offer a spot from which to relax with a book and spot wildlife in the surrounding tropical garden. The 15-metre pool flanked with loungers – is another tranquil place to kick back.
Unlike your typical hotel set-up, this is a home-from-home with a small team of staff on hand to cook and look after you, providing both attention to detail and a warm, relaxed familiarity.
HOLIDAY DETAILS
This holiday is priced at £3,850 per person, based on two people travelling with exclusive use of the villa. It is £2,450 per person based on four people travelling with exclusive use of the villa and £1,939 pp if six people are travelling.
All prices are for high season, including international flights, private transfers, 9 nights accommodation, and experiences as described.
Rather than trying to attract your attention by listing the lowest possible cost for this holiday, this price is a realistic indication for the high season, when the weather and holiday experience will be at their best. Prices are subject to availability and may be less in the low season or higher in peak season.
When to go?
Working out when the weather is best in Sri Lanka can be confusing since there are two monsoons that affect different parts of the island. For this holiday Christmas through to April, then July through to September are the safest bet. Bear in mind that the weather in Sri Lanka does not always run like clockwork and you can wake up with clear blue skies in the rainy season or encounter a thunderstorm in the dry season.
Book With Confidence
An ETG experience cannot begin unless our travellers feel secure in every respect. Financially secure: we are fully ABTA and ATOL bonded. Fully supported: our friendly team is on hand to help 24/7 before, during and after your trip. Free from hassle: we will ensure your trip runs like clockwork. Plus, all our experiences are tried and tested by our discerning team, so you can rest assured that any excursion you take with us is sound.
TRAVELBETTER
Sri Lanka is the birthplace of Experience Travel Group and Kalukanda is inspired by Dee’s own Sri Lankan heritage. The importance of supporting the community and ecosystem that has given us so much is very important for us all.
From the original contractors to the staff today, Kalukanda is a local affair. Staff are thought of as part of the family, well paid and supported in training with a view to receiving a share of profits. Food is locally sourced, and guests are encouraged to participate in activities that showcase and benefit the surrounding area.
Additionally, Kalukanda supports Their Future Today – a charity set up after the 2004 Tsunami that works tirelessly to reunite and support families separated due to poverty.
Beyond the ethos of Kalukanda House, all experiences we include in your holiday are crafted by ETG to ensure your experience of Sri Lanka is unique, locally-led and ethical, supporting the economy and environment.
