The Wallawwa

Nestled amongst acres of beautifully manicured gardens, this antique colonial manor house cannot be beaten for its convenience. It makes for a lovely introduction or ending to your Sri Lankan holiday. Being beautifully quiet, it’s also perfect for a few days' gentle acclimatisation. Just 20 minutes from the airport and a short distance from the hustle and bustle of Colombo and the beaches of Negombo, this hotel’s location is spot on but is still very quiet and tucked away.

Built over 200 years ago in the traditional Dutch warehouse style, the 17-bedroom property combines old and new concepts in chic Sri Lankan style. Relaxed rooms around a central courtyard feature traditional Sri Lankan furnishings and modern amenities. Outside, you'll find pretty manicured gardens with lush planting. There’s also a Family Suite available.

The small, open-air Veranda restaurant is welcoming and homely. It serves fresh, flavoursome interpretations of local classics and international dishes. Don’t miss the lavish afternoon teas, either.

Z Spa & Relaxation is a small and stylish addition to the Wallawwa, offering sublime treatments in a tranquil setting. ‘Z’ offers signature massages, traditional ayurvedic treatments and a unique array of health and beauty alternatives to help you unwind comfortably.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to stay at The Wallawwa is all year round.

Accommodation

Built over 200 years ago in the traditional Dutch warehouse style, the 17-bedroom property combines old and new concepts in chic Sri Lankan style. Relaxed rooms around a central courtyard feature traditional Sri Lankan furnishings and modern amenities. Outside, you'll find pretty manicured gardens with lush planting. There’s also a Family Suite available.

Activities

While it's tempting to stick around the hotel's beautiful garden and pool or enjoy a Sri Lankan cooking demo, the region offers perse activities.

Start in Negombo, where you can explore on foot with a guide, visiting Catholic churches, a Dutch fort, and lively fish markets. Take a boat or kayak to explore the mangrove-fringed lagoon and Dutch canals.

Colombo, just a 30-40-minute drive away, boasts high-end shopping, dining, and art galleries. A guided walking tour through the Fort area and Pettah Bazaar district is a delightful way to experience the city.

Facilities

The 16m stone-lined pool is surrounded by lush tropical foliage, offering privacy away from the hotel. It features a shallow chill-out ledge and a terrace with cushioned loungers on grass and gravel.

Sustainability

At The Wallawwa, the team fosters a familial atmosphere, extending warmth to guests and staff alike. They prioritize hiring locally and provide comprehensive training and mentoring opportunities to support career advancement.

The staff actively engages in community initiatives, including our charitable foundation CARE (Creating a Rewarding Experience), which aids local causes. So far, CARE has facilitated the provision of medicine, food, and reading glasses to low-income families and has initiated programs to empower youth with employment opportunities.

Children

Welcome. However, there are no specific facilities.

Getting There

The drive from Colombo’s International Airport to The Wallawwa takes approximately 20 minutes by car, while from central Colombo takes 40 minutes to drive.