The background

Nestled on Sri Lanka’s sandy southeastern coastline, Mawella Bay is the most glorious landscape in a country coveted as one of the best beach destinations in the world. The bay, that stretches for approximately a mile, is formed by a collection of quaint fishing villages and is fast becoming a fashionable holiday location for tourists looking to explore scenic spots overlooking the Indian Ocean. However, unlike neighbouring islands such as the Maldives, Sri Lanka is yet to be struck by an overwhelming influx of tourism and remains relatively inexpensive to visit in comparison. This makes it the ideal destination for those looking for a peaceful beach holiday in an area that is off the beaten path but still jaw-droppingly beautiful. Sri Lanka is among the hottest countries in the world, known for its soaring temperatures and heavy rainfalls. If you’re looking to soak up the sun rather than getting drenched in the rain, it’s recommended to visit before monsoon season. This begins in October and lasts until January. For more action than simply sunbathing, you can enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities and excursions including kayaking in the Mawella Lagoon and snorkelling with turtles in the nearby town of Mirissa. To discover local culture, visit the Mulgirigala Raja Maha Viharaya, an ancient Buddhist temple built on a 205m-high rock, located in the large town of Tangalle, just 17km away from Mawella. Or you could always lounge by a private pool and listen to the lapping ocean waves in the distance. Sri Lanka may be the destination that meets all your holiday needs.

The villa

The beautifully designed M Beach House is a four-bedroom beachfront villa on four acres of manicured land surrounded by palm trees, tropical vegetation and a glistening ocean view. Inside, the indigenous flower gardens add a colourful hint of bright greenery, and the open verandas allow the cooling ocean air to waft through the villa. The 20-metre lap pool is the centrepiece of the property, surrounded by three pavilions. The bay-facing pavilion is home to two en suite bedrooms, an indoor dining and living space alongside a guest kitchen. Overlooking the pool, a traditional Sri Lankan “ambalama” (a structure historically constructed as a sheltered place for travellers to rest, away from the sun) has a separate dining and lounge area shaded by an overarching portico. A range of first-class amenities including daily housekeeping, serving staff and a private chef mean that guests won’t have to lift a finger. Organic meals are cooked onsite and prepared using fresh produce grown in the gardens. In its entirety, the villa hosts eight guests. The interiors fuse together a blend of home comforts and modern architecture, making it the perfect choice of accommodation for a getaway with family or a large group of friends.

The details

M Beach House is available from £790 – £1,180 per night. The villa is available exclusively for a minimum of three nights. Visit sjvillas.co.uk for more information and to book.