Taprobane Island, Weligama

Follow the original owner, The Count de Mauny and luminaries such as Paul Bowles in enjoying your very own island in Sri Lanka, if only for a few days, with nothing but sea between you and the south pole.

A quite extraordinary villa set on top of a small rocky island, just off the coast in Weligama Bay, southern Sri Lanka, Tabrobane was named after an original name for Sri Lanka itself.

It is a fantasy island from the wild design of the octagonal villa poking out above the lush tropical vegetation and wonderful gardens, to the slinky pool lying on the edge of the Indian Ocean, through to the elegant colonial furnishings. This is a truly unique, almost dreamlike setting for a holiday.

The four well appointed double rooms make this ideal for a group of friends, a family or honeymooners looking for an island escape. Each room comes with a four poster bed, views out to sea and light, airy, cool interiors. Large verandas surround the house. The island comes with six staff, including cooks, caretakers and a security guard. Food is as you like it; arranged with the cook and the staff who will buy ingredients locally and cook according to your wishes. Both local food and western is available.

If you can tear yourself off the island, Weligama itself is an interesting fishing village which took a big hit in the tsunami, but is recovering quite well. There is a varied local culture; there are Moorish, Malay, Tamil, Sinhalese Christian and Buddhist communities locally. Nearby is Mirissa, its sweeping curve of sand reckoned by some to be the finest in Sri Lanka. Largely unspoilt by mass tourism, Mirissa has several laid back beach restaurants and bars.

However, I sincerely doubt you will leave your island paradise...