We couldn’t imagine working with a better property in Sri Lanka; small, sustainably designed, brilliantly located and owner-run. Tekanda is a property that is rich and soulful and offers so much more than an overnight stay. It’s what Sri Lanka has been missing for so many years in our opinion; connecting guests with the typically southern Sri Lanka surroundings. British owners Richard and Charlie are fully committed to the local projects that they have set up in the nearby village; a girls’ cricket team and an education centre. This, combined with their ethical approach to construction, demonstrates their positive and light touch approach to tourism that we support wholeheartedly.
Located 7 minutes from Ahangama and Kabalana Beach, guests have the best of both worlds; 10 acres of beautiful plantation as well as a fun tuk-tuk hop down to the beach to surf within minutes. It’s also just 30 minutes from Galle, by car or by train. The lodge rooms and cabanas are stylishly put together but nothing is unnecessary; the traditional thatch keeps the rooms cool and the hot showers powered by solar. There’s a shimmering infinity pool (often visited by fireflies in the evening), both communal or separate dining areas, and seriously incredible views over paddy fields and secondary forest. Often you’ll see purple faced langur monkeys around the property, and more rarely wild boar. Richard and Charlie have also designed a comprehensive list of activities - fishing on Koggala lake, surfing at Weligama or Kabalana, estate walks, visiting their community projects, yoga, cycling through local villages and an exhaustive list of incredible restaurants nearby to try. We know Sri Lanka, and we know a gem when we see one, so are delighted to be sharing this property with the world.
