Nestled along Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Kalukanda House is a villa in Weligama and stands as a beacon of luxury, wellness, and female empowerment. Celebrated by both Condé Nast Traveller and HIP Hotels, this boutique villa offers an immersive retreat that harmoniously blends colonial elegance with modern mindfulness.
A Sanctuary of Wellness and Design
Kalukanda House, envisioned by British-Sri Lankan interior designer Dee Gibson, is a meticulous colonial villa built from the ground up in 2017 that marries traditional architecture with contemporary comforts. Surrounded by lush gardens and just 100 meters from Turtle Beach, the property features four en-suite bedrooms adorned with antique furnishings and local artwork. The addition of a yoga shala provides guests with a serene space for daily practice, complemented by private in-villa massages and wellness workshops
Empowering Women Through HERA Project X
Beyond its tranquil ambiance, Kalukanda House is the birthplace of HERA Project X, an initiative spearheaded by Dee Gibson aimed at fostering creativity and leadership among women. This program offers immersive retreats that combine yoga, wellness sessions, and cultural experiences, all designed to inspire and empower female participants .
Recognized for Excellence
Kalukanda House's commitment to wellness and inclusivity has garnered international acclaim. In 2024, it was featured in Condé Nast Traveller's "Best Places to Visit," highlighting its transformative retreats and dedication to empowering women .
Embrace Slow Travel
For those seeking a meaningful escape, Kalukanda House offers more than just a luxurious stay—Hip Hotels features our offering into the heart of Sri Lankan culture and a space for personal growth. Whether you're indulging in a wellness retreat or exploring the vibrant local community, Kalukanda House invites you to experience travel that nourishes both body and soul.
Villa Details, Rates and T&C's
OCCUPANCY
Our villa is available for exclusive use or rooms can be booked individually outside of school holidays.
Max 8 people
LOCATION
Two hours from Colombo by car, we can arange transfers.
BEDROOMS
4 double bedrooms all with en-suite shower rooms come with handmade 4-poster beds created by local craftsmen as standard. All rooms have air conditioning, ceiling fans and handcarved shutters that open out to our jungle garden.
All showers have hot power showers. Towels and organic toiletries are in the rooms for your use during for your stay.
SHARED SPACES
Entering the house you will be greeted by the grand double height lounge enclosing a spectacular space, beautifully styled with hand selected antiques and 1.8m specially commissioned chandeliers that enhance the dramatic sense of scale in the villa.
We have fast Wifi, international plug sockets and ceiling fans in these spaces too.
We have a villa kitchen accessible to guests and a massage room.
There is a separate chef kitchen in another building.
GARDENS
Landscaped and bursting with tropical plants and trees, wildlife regularly comes through and you will spot Kingfisher, Indian Flycatchers, Woodpecker, Peacocks and an Eagle from time to time along with Mongoose and monkeys in the trees. Our yoga shala HERA's Garden is a private spot to work through sun salutations, and the poolside cabana perfect to lounge in the shade during the day or candle lit pre-dinner drinks.
THE POOL
The pool is a hit with everybody of all ages – whether you want to practice your dives, swim at night or just cool your toes. Poolside beds are a favourite spot to snooze beneath the umbrellas or read your holiday fiction.
Pool is 15m x 5m, it is long and deep. Children need to be supervised at all times by adults, our pool is open to the gardens and house and because we are a private location, there is no life guard on duty.
THE LOCALE
Turtle Beach is less than 100m away down a sleepy village lane and a seasonal beach bar draws in a few surfers and paddle boarders from nearby villas and boutique hotels. There is nothing more relaxing than watching the sunset from this spot, and hearing the ebbing and flowing of the ocean waves as the light turns golden and the sun drops off the horizon.
An early morning walk to the cove may reward you with the sight of fishermen coming in with their catch of the day.
We are close to restaurants and bars, and plenty of activities such as surfing, bike rides, swimming with turtles, cookery class, a day in Galle Fort and much more.
A week with us will fly by...
STAFF
The villa is fully staffed with a team of 5 including a chef. You can discuss meals with the manager so that your schedule and daily plans are accomodated as much as possible. We have trained our staff to offer you the best possible service, with an attention to detail that gives you a sense of familiarity and being at home.
Nothing is too much trouble and transport, excursions and bookings can be made for you by your hosts or the villa team.
EXPERIENCES AT THE VILLA
Cookery Class, Yoga, Massages, Gong Bath, Kandyan Dancers, Special occasion meals
EXPERIENCES WE CAN ORGANISE AS DAY TRIPS
Safari, Bike Rides, Temple Trip, White Tea Plantation Tour, Rainforest trekking, Lace making, Pottery and more. We can curate an itinerary when we take your booking.
RATES 2024/25
Please contact us directly for rates. Contact us here to find out more.
Reservations and cancellations procedure 2024
- Bookings are made through direct enquiry with Kalukanda House owners or via one of our trusted, accredited travel partners only. This is earmarked with a refundable £100 deposit made to Kalukanda House. Dates are confirmed and blocked off in the diary with a 50% deposit, the balance is due 60 days before check in.
- Check-in details are taken at least 48 hours prior to arrival.
- All guests must travel to Kalukanda House with necessary visa and insurances including Covid cover.
- All SLTDA and government requirements in place at the time of stay must be met by guests while staying at Kalukanda House. Management reserves the right to refuse guests entry if health guidelines are not adhered to.
- Guests must advise us immediately if unwell within 14 days of arrival at Kalukanda house.
- If guests are unable to travel on their due date because of a national travel ban policy in Sri Lanka or in their home country we would provide a refund or re-book for 18 months with a price promise if they prefer. *
- If guests or a member of their booking party are disinclined to travel due to health or other reasons they must approach their insurers in the first instance. We respectfully ask guests to take precautions and responsibility for their health prior to their holiday and provide a doctors certificate to verify non-travel *
- Cancellations for any other reasons are subject to our standard terms and conditions found here and would not be possible without loss of 50% deposit. If the dates can be re-sold, the deposit will be passed back minus USD 250 admin fee *
- Any booking modification or cancellation must be sent to us by email
- A no-show results in loss of deposits.
