Maya Villa
Tangalle

Tucked away in the rural village of Aranwella, just 15 minutes inland from Tangalle’s palm-fringed beaches, Maya is a deeply stylish and serene five-bedroom villa set within two acres of tropical gardens. With its elegant fusion of Dutch and British colonial architecture and contemporary interior design, Maya exudes quiet sophistication and timeless charm, perfect for design-conscious travellers seeking space, seclusion and soul.

As you approach the villa, a winding path leads you past centuries-old trees and a small Buddhist shrine, before the beautifully restored 110-year-old manor house reveals itself, low-slung and handsome beneath the Sri Lankan sun. The villa is enveloped by a garden filled with frangipani, swaying palms and flowering creepers, while birdsong and butterflies lend the air a dreamlike quality.

Maya features five individually designed en-suite bedrooms, each blending classic features, such as carved timber doors and antique furnishings, with chic modern touches. The layout includes a 20-metre L-shaped pool, ideal for laps or lazy lounging, at the heart of the property, with the house embracing it in a soft arc. The surrounding landscape opens onto savannah-like plains and thick jungle, creating a natural amphitheatre for birdlife and golden light.

The villa can be rented in its entirety for families, groups or special occasions, but works just as beautifully for couples or honeymooners seeking privacy and understated luxury. Interiors have been artfully styled by Niki Fairchild, a British designer known for her contemporary take on tropical minimalism, expect smooth cement floors, soft linens, subtle colour palettes and curated antiques that feel at once global and rooted in place.

The outdoor dining pavilion and bar area are perfect for al fresco meals and evening cocktails, while a hidden hammock strung between trees offers the perfect spot to drift off with a book or simply watch the changing light. The villa is fully staffed, including a talented chef who prepares exquisite Sri Lankan and international dishes, with ingredients sourced from nearby markets and Maya’s own garden.

Ideal for families with young children, groups of friends or romantic escapes, Maya is a place to truly slow down. Whether you're exploring the wildlife reserves and temples of the south, spending the day on nearby beaches or simply doing nothing at all, Maya offers a rare combination of style, authenticity and peace.

I dislike feeling at home when I am abroad.
George Bernard Shaw