Jim’s Farm Villas
Matale

Set within 50 acres of organic farmland fringed by swaying palms and landscaped tropical gardens, Jim’s Farm Villas is a peaceful boutique retreat comprising three luxurious villas.

Tucked 30 minutes north of Matale and within easy reach with several of Sri Lanka’s leading UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this is an idyllic base from which to explore the island’s cultural heartlands. Life here unfolds slowly, with days drifting by the poolside, through fragrant spice gardens or over Sri Lankan cooking classes and leisurely farm walks.

There are 14 spacious, individually styled rooms across three villas - Mango Villa, Spice Garden Villa and Hilltop Villa. Each can be booked by the room or as exclusive-use private residences. Mango Villa is at the heart of the property, home to the restaurant, spa and a wide terrace for communal dining. Rooms here and in Spice Garden Villa are generous and adaptable, perfect for families. Hilltop Villa is a five-bedroom hideaway and is best booked for exclusive stays, complete with an open-plan living and dining space, a library, a poolside veranda and a cabana ideal for BBQs.

The villas have been sympathetically designed to blend into their surroundings, radiating calm and tranquility. Interiors feature vaulted wooden ceilings, lime-plastered walls and handmade teak and rattan furniture, all showcasing the best of Sri Lankan craftsmanship. All rooms come with en-suite bathrooms, solar-powered hot water and air-conditioning.

Resident chefs prepare delicious, home-style Sri Lankan fare using ingredients sourced straight from the farm, though Western options are also available. Breakfast is enjoyed individually, while dinner brings guests together on the veranda, often joined by the owner Kevin. Private dining, whether in-villa or al fresco within the gardens, can also be arranged.

Wellness is thoughtfully integrated into the experience. The property features a dedicated yoga pavilion with all equipment provided and offers yoga retreats suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Spa treatments are available at the Bamboo Spa, which specialises in Ayurvedic therapies designed to balance body, mind and spirit through traditional techniques.

The property is a passion project, created by Kevin in honour of his father, Jim, a Suffolk farmer who inspired the idea of a working organic farm in Sri Lanka. Guests are welcome to explore the estate, learning about local agriculture and witnessing the sustainable farming of coconut, mango, papaya, banana, cinnamon, pepper, cocoa and coffee. The result is a vivid mosaic of verdant jungle, open paddy and tropical fruit groves alive with birdsong and sweeping views.

Whether you're after a cultural adventure, a wellness escape, or a family getaway immersed in nature, Jim’s Farm Villas is a charming, down-to-earth sanctuary that offers a true taste of rural Sri Lanka.

I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.
Bill Bryson