This converted 19th Century plantation Villa is superb. Set in stunning grounds of tropical trees and plants, the beautifully designed gardens are a delight at every step. Grey Languars swing from tree to tree, monitor lizards wonder harmlessly across the lawn, the trees abound with birds and chipmunks and you are surrounded by the tropical hum of croaking frogs, cicardas... More

Over breakfast on the verandah we spotted a changeable hawk eagle, fire breasted woodpeckers, scarlet minnivets, barbets, and many others, Illuketia is a veritable bird watcher's paradise. The garden and pool are magnificent. We had been warned to watch out for the mosquitoes- but frankly we experienced no problems. The pool is quite lovely. The house itself is full of... More

Don't let the pictures fool you on their web site. This place is way more beautiful. We only stayed there one night, but it was fantastic. We got there early and spent the whole day just relaxing at the pool, enjoying the walks in the garden and the food. We were there with a 10, 7 and 5 year old.... More

A few kilometers from town in a lovely garden setting. Monkeys, birds and monitor lizards all around the place. The rooms are classy, central courtyard with fountain is very italian style and the main lobby area very cosy. Food is great and the Staff are warm friendly, welcoming and helpful. Overall a really great stay More

Magical. Quiet. Perfect. This hotel isn't in Galle -- it's a 15 minute tuktuk ride away -- but that shouldn't stop you. (The hotel organizes the tuktuks, which are very easy.) The grounds are absolutely lovely, peaceful, magical. We ate a delicious breakfast while watching monkeys overhead. We arrived home from dinner and drank wine and whiskey on the porch,... More

The villa is set up high above really lovely grounds which make sitting out on the surrounding terrace having breakfast in the mornings magical. The evening meal was also served on the terrace and was excellent as was the service from the staff. We and our friends were in the Pond House and the downside was the infamous (see earlier... More

We have stayed at Apa Villa Illuketia twice within the last months, and it is a beautiful place with a warm and welcoming staff. We much enjoyed hanging out on the terrace overlooking a wonderful garden and taking in the peace and quiet of the place. The villa is an old plantation house, which has been reconstructed quite ingeniously and... More

Sadly we only stayed one night, all that was available at short notice early January. We had the Jasmine Suite which was one of two in a lovely building by a lily pond in the beautiful rain forest gardens. Other suites are in the main house where there are grand public rooms and verandahs. WiFi was painfully slow at times... More

Authentic Sri Lankan feel, beautiful gardens and an oasis in the increasingly busy tourist location of SW Sri Lanka. Easy to access Galle, beaches (narrow and a little disappointing, with vicious currents if you are not careful), Wijaya beach probably the best, love those pizzas. Food in Illuketia a little variable with the local food being the best option. If... More