Kadju House

Shower under a Frangipani tree, luxuriate in a cinnamon-walled spa or stroll down the hill to the beach. Kadju House is serene, relaxed and intimate. Overlooking a pristine crescent-shaped beach, the house offers five bedrooms (four of them en-suite), an Ayurvedic spa and an infinity pool with sweeping sea views. The design blends a simple tropical aesthetic with modern luxury. The four full-time staff include a gourmet chef. The house is located in a cashew grove just outside the fishing village of Tangalle and close to nature reserves and temples.

The 36-foot-long rooftop infinity pool seems to merge with the breaking waves below as you swim along it towards the sea. Those who want to stay dry can sunbathe on the adjacent terrace or lounge in the breezy and shaded pavilion, with its mesmerizing view of the sea and gardens.

The garden and the living spaces have plenty of spots for reading, resting and contemplation. For an island of its size, Sri Lanka has made a remarkable contribution to world literature. There are many celebrated authors of Sri Lankan origin, such as Michael Ondaatje, Shyam Selvadurai and Romesh Gunesekera. The island has also inspired foreign writers, including Pablo Neruda, Paul Bowles, Arthur C Clarke and Leonard Woolf, who all lived and worked here for a time.

BEDROOMS

Each of the four bedrooms are en-suite and have air-conditioners for the convenience of guests.

Sea Room
Lie in bed and watch waves crash on the beach below or soak in the tub and gaze at the stars above. From the Sea Suite's balcony, enjoy views of the large tropical garden and the Indian Ocean.

Courtyard Room
The courtyard suite opens into its own secluded garden. The room has sea views and its own deck. The shower is outdoor, open to the sky and shaded by a frangipani tree.

Pool Room
The Pool Suite offers complete privacy from the rest of the house. It has high ceilings, sea views and opens onto a private deck and tropical garden. From the shower there are tantalising glimpses of a thin blue sliver of sea.

Garden Room
The Garden Suite opens onto a lush garden filled with fruit trees. It has twin beds and is perfect for children. The bath tub stands next to lily pond full of fragrant red flowers.

DINING

Guests can eat at the long table in the formal dining area, on the terrace by the pool, and at any spot they like in the lush garden or on the beach itself.

The villa's chef can prepare both Sri Lankan and European food. Fresh fish can be bought straight from the fishing boats on the beach. The villa serves fresh organic ingredients from nearby waters, local markets and its own vegetable garden. Fishermen amble by the villa with lobsters and fish caught that day just offshore and if required, Jumbo, the villa's delivery man can source a wide variety of other equally fresh seafood.

SPA

The 4,000 year-old Ayurvedic tradition of herbal medicine is still widely practiced in Sri Lanka. Local therapists offer simple massages or more specialized treatments in Kadju House's cool, breezy spa room with its cinnamon stick walls. A garden of medicinal herbs is being laid out under the supervision of Dr Vasantha, the area's foremost Ayurvedic expert.