STAY Holdings unveils jewel in the south – the exquisite ‘Kathaluwa Mahawalawwa’

February 15, 2020, Colombo: The quest for a truly authentic holiday experience begins and ends at the newly-unveiled Kathaluwa Mahawalawwa, near Koggala in the south of Sri Lanka. Steeped in history, the circa 1600 manor has now been refurbished and restored into a stunning villa that exudes its rich colonial past while simultaneously offering modern creature comforts. Now refurbished and launched by STAY Holdings, members of the media and travel and tour fraternity were taken for a tour of the enchanting property, which has now opened its doors to local and foreign tourists. The Kathaluwa Mahawalawwa offers a unique blend of history and culture for a one-of-a-kind hospitality experience.

Commenting on the unveiling of the Kathaluwa Mahawalawwa, Mr. U. K. Thilak De Silva, Chairman of STAY Holdings (Private) Limited says, “We are delighted to unveil the beautifully restored and refurbished villa and welcome guests to come and experience the feel of a bygone era. During the refurbishment, we took care to ensure that all ancient architectural elements of the 400-year-old mansion were retained. The Department of Archaeology has deemed this villa a national monument and the restoration has done justice to the rich history of the property. There is an emerging breed of travellers exploring authentic experiences that linger with them and this property offers just that – a throwback to colonial grandeur and history. The villa offers a bespoke luxury holiday experience that is distinct and unforgettable, be it the ancient property, the exquisite scenery and surroundings, the fusion cuisine or the courteous staff. We have curated a truly top of the line hospitality experience for tourists which must be experienced at least one in everyone’s lifetime!”


Originally intended to be the centre-piece of an extensive plantation way back in the year 1625 when it was constructed, the exquisitely crafted architecture of the manor inspires awe. Delving briefly into its rich past, the origins can be traced back to Portuguese national Don Owen Ferdinandes who took the now-famous Obeyesekera name and the house went on to become the proud seat of the Obeyesekara family name. It took a winding path through ownership, with the Jayawardhana family marrying in and taking the Mahawalawwa over from the Obeyesekaras, with it then being refurbished by STAY Holdings and eventually ending up as a grand holiday villa. The property shares ties with eminent figures of Sri Lankan history such as Mrs. Sirimawo Bandaranayake, the world’s first female prime minister, and the famous Ehelepola Maha Nilame. Architecture buffs can espy architectural styles of the Portuguese, Dutch and the British in the property.

An explosion of flavours and aromas await guests at the Kathaluwa Mahawalawwa as its culinary experts serve up fusion cuisine with the freshest local ingredients for a distinctive dining experience. Dining amidst the grandeur of the property with rolling gardens, cool breeze and swaying coconut palms is a magical experience. The extravagance of French cuisine, the vibrancy of Italian food, the spice journey of Sri Lankan cuisine or the warmth of Chinese soul food – guests can expect delectable meals at the villa that take them on a veritable food safari.

Facilities

The Villa has four luxurious and spacious bedrooms and a spacious living area with creature comforts of a modern villa. The lush and verdant property also offers a swimming pool and Jacuzzi along with outdoor and indoor dining options.

Things to Do

The property is located near Koggala, the scenic coastal town along the south coast of Sri Lanka, with azure skies, golden beaches and emerald waters of the Indian Ocean. Breathe in the refreshing salt-speckled breeze as a short tuk-tuk ride takes guests from the villa to the sandy shores. Water sports, boat rides, nature tours, short day trips are easily accessible and are enjoyable things to do while staying at the Kathaluwa Mahawalawwa. The serene Koggala Lake, quaint Koggala town and the museum of the famous Sri Lankan author, Martin Wickramasinghe, and the Dutch Galle Fort are experiences not to be missed.

Accessibility

Kathaluwa Mahawalawwa is located a short 2.5 hour car ride from the Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo) and a 5 minute drive to Koggala beach and half-hour drive to Galle. Airport pick up and drop off facilities are also offered by STAY Holdings.

Contact

To learn more, call STAY Holdings on Telephone +94 912 281 321/ +94 777 353 130; Email: visit@stayspaces.lk; Visit website www.stayspaces.lk