Taprobane Island
Weligama

A shimmering speck off the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Taprobane Island is quite simply one of the most exclusive and magical places to stay in the Indian Ocean. Just 30 minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Fort, this palm-fringed islet floats just offshore from the beach at Weligama and is reached only by wading through the surf - or, to really make an entrance, by elephant.

Once owned by French Count de Mauny-Talvande in the 1920s, who dreamed of creating a private Eden, the island has long attracted bohemians, royals and writers alike. Today, Australian interior designer Geoffrey Dobbs lovingly owns and curates this otherworldly retreat. His distinctive touch has turned it into the stuff of travel legend, a fantasy villa drenched in history, style and romance.

Taprobane houses five beautiful en-suite bedrooms, sleeping up to ten guests, surrounded by lush tropical gardens, shaded verandas and a dramatic infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean. The villa’s open-plan architecture is designed to maximise sea breezes and panoramic views, with soaring ceilings, antique furnishings and four-poster beds that hark back to its decadent past.

This is barefoot luxury redefined, an experience that is as much about feeling as it is about form. A discreet team of five full-time staff, including a talented private chef, are on hand to look after your every need. Wake up to the sound of waves, take breakfast on the breezy terrace and feast on Sri Lankan seafood curries and just-caught lobster at candlelit dinners under the stars. With no neighbours and no noise, Taprobane feels like a dream you never want to wake up from.

Dining at Taprobane Island is a deeply personal and indulgent affair, tailored entirely to your tastes and rhythms. With your own private chef on hand, meals are created using the freshest local produce, such as just-caught Indian Ocean seafood, tropical fruit from nearby markets and Sri Lanka’s fragrant array of spices and herbs. Breakfasts are leisurely and sun-drenched with tropical platters of papaya, mango and pineapple alongside fresh juice, eggs any style and warm homemade roti. Long lunches often centre around signature Sri Lankan rice and curry spreads or light, zesty seafood salads. As evening falls, candlelit dinners appear under the frangipani trees or on the wraparound verandas, perhaps grilled lobster with tamarind butter, seared yellowfin tuna or an aromatic jackfruit curry. There’s no menu here, just inspired daily creations based on your cravings and the catch of the day. Taprobane is not just an island retreat, but a culinary experience, where flavours of Sri Lanka are elevated by setting and soul.

It’s little wonder Condé Nast Traveller called Taprobane “one of the world’s most romantic escapes” and Tatler described it as “the most decadent, divine and downright delicious villa in the Indian Ocean.” This island hideaway has quietly earned its place among the world’s most iconic private villas.

Taprobane has two stylish sister properties in nearby Galle; the refined Sun House, a former planter’s residence turned boutique hotel, and the chic Dutch House, both known for their design credentials and old-world charm. Guests often combine a stay on the island with time in Galle or the Hill Country, for a luxury Sri Lanka itinerary that blends coastal calm with cultural depth.

Whether you’re travelling as a family, a group of friends or on a honeymoon in Sri Lanka, Taprobane Island offers a once-in-a-lifetime stay; remote, ravishing and utterly unforgettable.

My favourite thing is to go where I've never been.
Diane Arbus