‘Frangipani Tree’: Living with traditions of the South
Beautiful Thalpe beach is the home for number of luxury villas and bungalows. Passing the world famous Unawatuna beach, Thalpe goldie sands beach stretch is one of the most tranquiller beach frontiers in the Galle district.
‘Frangipani Tree’ is an elegant and intimate Bawa influenced nine–suite boutique property in four villas by a secluded beach in Thalpe. Designed by Channa Daswatta, a protégé of legendary Geoffrey Bawa, ‘Frangipani Tree’ has become the number one vacation destination in southern coastal belt by popular choice.
Main entrance of the property opens onto 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 DVD and books along with a pool table and well-kept bar.
Nine elegant and utterly 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 onto the serene ocean, high-clay tile roof, cooling cement floors, courtyards with frangipani trees and white washed walls with contemporary timber and steel furniture.
All suites have queen size bed, sofa bed, arm chair writing desk, fans and safely 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 quiet evenings al fresco.
Each of the suites has 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 that has the spacious of 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’. Meal are served in the main open restaurant or in the privacy of 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 is 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 beach’ and the famous English pub style bar are popular with the guests to the Resort.
‘‘Frangipani Tree’ offers guests an experience that is intimate and personalized 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 snorkeling, virtually deserted palm-fringed beaches of Dalawella, Unawatuna and Mirissa are also a very short distance away and heaven for water sports lovers.
‘Whales and Dolphins watching in Mirissa is a half a day tour, which can be arranged on request’ Nuwan Assistant Manager of the Villa.
Apart from Galle Fort, other attractions, the close to Thalpe include Kottawa Rainforest, spice and cinnamon plantations and Tea plantation at Hinduangoda that produces the world’s most expensive white tea. The Martin Wickramasinghe Museum and turtle hatchery at Kosgoda, Madol Duwa in Koggala, stilt fishermen at Ahangama, Blow hole in Tangalle and the temples at Yatagala and Rumassala are also interesting places to visit.
Pix by Shan Bandu Weerasinghe
The rates for ‘Frangipani Tree’ are ranging from Rs. 55,000/- on to 75,500/- for suites
For more details log onto www.frangipanitree.com
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