Jim’s Farm Villas
Matale
A boutique hotel set within 50 acres of organic farmland surrounded by palm trees and landscaped gardens, Jim’s Farm Villas is home to three luxurious properties which can be booked individually or on a room by room basis.
Located 30 minutes north of Kandy and close to Sri Lanka’s leading UNESCO World Heritage sites, Jim’s Farm Villas is the ideal base for exploring the nearby parks and temples. Guests are completely enveloped by nature at the property and can spend their days relaxing by the pool, taking part in a cooking class or learning about Sri Lanka’s diverse environment on the organic farm.
There are 14 rooms at the property in three room categories; Mango Villa, Spice Garden Villa, and Hilltop Villa. Mango Villa is the main communal building of the property with the spa, restaurant, and outdoor terrace. The rooms in the Mango Villa and Spice Garden Villa are exceptionally spacious and can have extra beds added, accommodating well to young families. The Hilltop Villa is best suited to exclusive use and booked as a private villa for groups and families. It has five bedrooms, an open-plan living and dining space with library, a poolside veranda and a cabana for private BBQs.
The beautifully appointed villas fit seamlessly into the surroundings radiating a feeling of ease and serenity. The traditionally decorated bedrooms have en suite bathrooms with solar powered hot water and air conditioning. Handmade teak and rattan furniture, vaulted wooden ceilings and lime plaster walls showcase the best of Sri Lankan craftsmanship.
Authentic local meals are prepared throughout the day by resident chefs who cater for all requirements and preferences. Sri Lankan cuisine is the main fare on the menu however western dishes are also available. Breakfast is enjoyed individually but dinner is a communal affair with guests gathering around a table on the veranda sharing stories of their day, and sometimes the owner of the villa may join guests too. Private dining can be arranged upon request either in room, or al fresco within the grounds.
There are good yoga facilities onsite, with yoga pavilion, equipment, and experienced instructors. They offer yoga retreat packages and cater for beginners up to advanced students. The yoga package also includes some spa treatments from the resort's Bamboo Spa. The spa offers a good range of Ayurvedic treatments, which aim to balance the mind, body and spirit through traditional techniques, promoting good health.
Jim's Farm Villas was named after the father of the owner, Kevin, who dedicated the farm to his father’s memory. Jim was a farmer in Suffolk for many years, and inspired Kevin to create his own sustainable organic farm in Sri Lanka. Guests can learn about local agriculture and how Kevin sustainably grows his produce. Learn about coconut farming or see the nuts being harvested (every six weeks). Here they grow coconut palms, banana palms, mango and papaya trees, black pepper, cinnamon, coffee and cocoa, all providing a wonderful environment and beautiful views all around.
My favourite thing is to go where I've never been.
Diane Arbus