Sustainability and Regeneration
Our sustainability and regeneration ethos considers the ecosystem around Kalukanda House, landscapes and people are an integral part of that. We make decisions that bring you, our team, local communities and our operations into focus, there is always more that can be done but we would like to share some of what we do here.
Our guests are design conscious and want to travel and embrace new cultures, explore through adventure and see the world in a way beyond generic guidebooks. At the same time, we care about how we run our business and the impact we can make positively on nature and society. We are all in a symbiotic relationship and we strive to support a circular economy. Your stay with us is an opportunity to be part of this.
We hope to set an example as a beautiful destination villa that is a steward of the land, enriches the lives of others and and is a business that is a force for good in Sri Lanka. The creation of our Kalukanda House has created 100% local employment with an immediate trickle down effect to other local businesses. We hold events to raise awareness and support around female empowerment initiatives and we champion a local NGO. Most of this hums in the background, but for the curious read on.
Sustainability | Environmental and Community
“The Earth is what we all have in common.”
Building : Kalukanda House was designed by a British-Sri Lankan interior designer intent on designing in a local architectural vernacular. Built by Sri Lankan builders from our immediate community, we commissioned Sri Lankan artisans and craftsmen, recycled where we could (roof tiles, doors, windows), upcycled and repurposed wherever possible. You will find the interiors full of antiquities bought at a time when nobody else wanted them, and artwork and styling curated with ethical sourcing in mind.
Gardens : The gardens have been planted with shrubs and trees that do not require watering every day. We allow our gardens to have a little wildness to them in some areas to give our endemic bird and wildlife population to thrive.
Food: Our menu is based on fresh, seasonal and local ingredients, and we are continually striving to become 100% reliant on food sourced from the immediate area.
Experiences are arranged with local experts and suppliers, from surf lessons, cookery classes, tea plantation tours and massages to historic walks and tours. 100% of the experience costs are paid directly over to the suppliers, and we continuously build our network.
Industry partners :are operators with the same values who we have personally met and appointed. Our ecosystem is built on human contacts and mutual respect and understanding.
Sustainability | Social Mobility and Socio-Economic
“It is good people who make good places”
Staff: All the team are Sri Lankans from the local areas. Many of our team has been with us from the beginning. Our caretaker, had to retire from a fishing accident and is a local grandfather who lost an arm in a fishing accident, we retained him as a permanent staff member. They receive a share of our profits through regular bonuses.
Empowerment: In 2023 we held the very first 100% female, creative entrepreneur showcase, fostering cultural exchange and hosting conversations between local and travellers like. HERA Project X is the collective name for this community and was launched to continually shine a spotlight and promote Sri Lankan female founders with social impact. We are also proud co-founders of Women in Travel Collective, a national initiative in Sri Lanka to encourage women into hospitality and provide community, mentoring and career pathways. Launched in 2024
Their Future Today | Our NGO Partner
Kalukanda House supports Their Future Today (TFT) which was founded in 2004 post Tsunami. The TFT mission has always been to end the institutionalisation of vulnerable children in disadvantaged circumstances in Sri Lanka. Projects include education, housing and emergency relief, and communities are empowered and lives transformed through these carefully monitored projects. The Global Charter on Children’s Care Reform, launched in September 2025 at the UN General Assembly, aiming to ensure children grow up in safe, nurturing family environments rather than institutions. The charter pushes to strengthen families and prevent unnecessary separation. After 21 years working in this space, TFT has been tasked to devise a pilot Alternative Care Program, working closely with NGO’s and Government to build a Foster Care framework for Sri Lanka.
Through guest revenue contributions and fund raising events we have donated over £10k in the last few years.
Learn More (hyperlinked): https://www.kindtraveler.com/content/kalukanda-house-every-stay-gives-back
Your Part
“Don’t listen to what they say, go see”
Our guests are adventurers, people with a conscious and curious mindset who are excited to explore the world. Human, all-sensory experiences are the key to unlock this, and we stay close so we can help you do all this and learn about how your revenue contributes to our impact projects.
We ask you to participate in our experiences and to take the time to read about our local causes. Leaving behind a positive footprint is one of the greatest gifts you can give to us. Our reviews are a testament to the enrichment that guests experience.