The Saffron House

Set in nearly three acres of tropical gardens, this fully staffed, luxury ocean-front villa provides stunning panoramic views, sea breezes, 100 meters of dramatic rocky coastline and is located between two of the finest beaches in Sri Lanka. The Saffron House occupies one of the finest locations on the south coast of Sri Lanka. Set in nearly three acres of tropical walled gardens, this fully staffed villa provides stunning panoramic ocean views, sea breezes, 100 meters of dramatic rocky seafront, simple luxury and complete privacy. The villa lies about 15 kms from the southern tip of the island and about 45 minutes from Galle. It has four double bedrooms, with extra beds available for children. There are large open and covered verandas for dining and relaxing. The swimming pool adjoins the veranda and main courtyard and all have stunning views to sea. There are four en-suite double bedrooms, three of which are set around the courtyard, with the fourth bedroom closer to the sea. The bedrooms are cool and airy, with polished concrete floors and contemporary furniture, hand-built from local teak and mango. Thick 12" mattresses and fine linen lie on striking, under-lit polished concrete beds topped with huge mosquito nets. Each room has a selection of thick white towels, colored beach towels and lots of flowers. The gardens include bougainvillea, heliconia, Japanese auraliya, hibiscus, mango, wood-apple and much more, including a vegetable garden. Below the main lawn, a coconut grove slopes down to the dramatic rocky shoreline; all to explore. Watch the sun set over Dondra lighthouse on the southern tip of the island and later, the fishing lights out to sea at night. Directly ahead, across 5,000 miles of uninterrupted water, lies the coast of Antarctica. We have seen blue whales passing close to the bottom of the garden; few places on earth offer such an opportunity. There are also monkeys, tortoises, many types of birds, including sea eagles and most evenings the local peacocks arrive to roost in the coconut trees. Guests have exclusive access to nearly three acres of tropical garden and 100 meters of dramatic rocky shoreline, as well as all the facilities in the house and its grounds. The villa is fully staffed, including a chef, housekeepers and gardeners. Our managers, Christobel and Jeremy Claessen provide a world-class service. The Saffron House lies on the edge of the town of Dickwella, 25 minutes from the end of the new Southern Highway. The stunning Dondra to Tangalle coastline is now within easy reach, with Galle only 45 minutes away. The entrance lies up a quiet lane, 30 meters above sea level, the highest point on this small headland and sandwiched between two of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful beaches, each just a few minutes’ walk away. Hiriketiya (Horseshoe) Bay, a 250 meters stroll, is idyllic, with safe swimming and a year-round surf break. The beach curves 450 meters from end to end, although the neck of the bay is only 180 meters wide; a near perfect horseshoe. Some mornings it is as still as a pond. 400 meters to the west of the house is Dickwella beach, a beautiful 2 kms stretch. It can see some impressive waves, although the water is usually calm at this end of the beach; it is good for body boarding. Dickwella Beach Resort lies at the far end and offers various water sports, including diving excursions. With Yala National Park (to the east) close enough for a day’s tour and Galle now easily accessible to the west, this is the perfect location from which to experience all Sri Lanka’s "deep south" has to offer; from elephants and leopards at Yala to leatherback turtles at Rekawa and blue whales at Mirissa. We can organize transport for short trips, day trips or much longer tours, at reasonable prices. We grow much what you will eat when staying with us. From fresh herbs, rocket, spinach and tomatoes to mangos, jams, chillies and chutneys. We are careful to select the best produce from the market if we don't grow it ourselves and always buy our fish and seafood locally. Our whole focus is on the freshest ingredients, preferably grown by us. The villa has eight full-time staff. Christobel (Chris) & Jeremy Claessen manage the villa; they are very experienced, a mine of information and look after a wonderful team. Chris has a wide repertoire in the kitchen, from traditional Sri Lankan cuisine to other Asian and western dishes. You can discuss with her your menu requirements. She will also prepare picnic breakfasts and/or lunches if you plan a day trip. The staff will shop for food daily; you can pay for food supplies on a daily basis or we can present you with an invoice at the end of your stay; it’s up to you.