Lunuganga Country Estate Bentota, Sri Lanka

Best For

Countryside escapes and nature lovers

the Low Down

Lunuganga was once the country home of the world-renowned Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa. Recognised for his unique ability to blend distinct buildings with their natural surroundings, Lunuganga was transformed into one of the most seductive, passionate pleasure gardens of the twentieth century and includes 9 bedrooms furnished delicately with antiques and art. Inspirational, whimsical and enchanting, sleep here and experience Bawa’s vision at your leisure, pausing to admire carefully considered architectural flourishes, leaf-framed lake vistas and vast, serendipitous 15-acre Lunuganga gardens created over a period of 40 years. This soulful, authentic artist’s retreat sits near west coast Bentota, a tropical idyll, with elegant gardens, courtyards, lily ponds, walkways, romantic pavilions and inspirational views over Dedduwa lake and the surrounding jungle.

the Peaks Promise

Complimentary experience

Each booking will receive a signature Garden Tour once during their stay, tours run daily at 9.30am or 11.30am.

the Peaks Purse

60 USD to spend at the resort on whatever you wish!

The Best Room For You

  • A feast for architectural eyes – Explore the beautiful surroundings and admire the 15 acres of exotic gardens
  • Enjoy an utterly romantic experience with a private candlelit dinner set up in the garden
  • Homey exclusive living – The 9 rooms are individually designed and equipped with modern amenities, they are restful private sanctuaries.
  • Delicious dining – the ethos is to provide an authentic experience of Sri Lankan home cooking to all guests. A changing menu, which includes both Sri Lankan and international cuisines, is available and uses a variety of seasonal ingredients in its preparation.
  • Extra goodies – Complimentary fresh fruit platter on arrival as well as afternoon tea and cookies
  • Accommodation:
    The 9 bedrooms and suites are preserved as they existed during the lifetime of the architect and are decorated with a resplendent mixture of antique and modern furniture, and traditional and contemporary art. Sizes range from 30 to 60 sqm and some feature verandas and/or separate living space.
  • Location:
    Lunuganga country estate sits on the banks of Dedduwa Lake, a 10-minute drive from the laid-back beach resort of Bentota in Sri Lanka. Hidden within a 12-acre garden, the setting is serene and totally private.
  • Getting there:
    The airport is a 90-minute drive away though sea planes land on Bentota’s lagoon if you fancy arriving in style.
  • What to pack:
    Light, summer clothes and swimwear.
  • Restaurants:
    The open plan lake-view restaurant gazes into the garden. Lunuganga is the venue to try some of the island’s standout dishes – plain or egg hoppers, kiribath, and fiery chilli- and lime-infused coconut sambol – as well as international and contemporary Asian fusion meals. Traditional rice and curry can be enjoyed at lunchtime and also at dinner, and curries are also on the menu for breakfast, alongside more traditional western options such as scrambled eggs and homemade granola. Drinks include coffee, Ceylon Tea (when in Rome!) and freshly squeezed juices. All dishes use the finest local ingredients, and many of the fruits, vegetables and herbs used in their freshly cooked meals are plucked daily from the gardens of their sister hotels. The chefs cater to all dietary requirements and a children’s menu is also available.
  • Spa:
    There are no spa facilities however there are Ayurvedic spa centres within a short drive from the hotel
  • Signature Activities:
    Lunuganga Garden Tour: Lunuganga garden in Bentota is a destination in itself – the artistry that went into the evolution of this iconic country house deserves slow and gentle exploration. Hosted garden tours are included in stays though in-house guests can explore the estate at their own leisure. Bawa created Lunuganga over a period of 40 years and it is a revelation of his architectural evolution where many of his trademark innovations sit alongside experimental flourishes.Other activities include Sri Lankan Cookery Demonstration, Madu Ganga boat trip or the Southern Art tour
  • All rates are inclusive of taxes and service charges

  • Board options: Bed/Breakfast, Half Board and Full Board.

All rooms are equipped with the following amenities:

King-, queen- or twin-size bed

Mosquito net

Air conditioning & Fan

Mini bar & In-room Tea / Coffee

Safety deposit box

Torch, Toiletries, Hair dryer, Bathrobes

Wi-Fi
Extra beds are available on request for certain rooms.

Average Temperature & Rainfall in Days

Average Room Rates in USD

These rates are based on Bed & Breakfast for double occupancy room

Visa Cost

Tourist visas can be applied for prior to arrival and cost $25. For more information click here.

Top Tip

Ride the cute train around Ella through the most bewitching of landscapes – tea estates, forests, waterfalls, hills, bridges – is something you’ll cherish for the rest of your lives.

Local Currency

The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee

Weather

Peak period is December to April as it's cooler. Off-peak period is May to November yet Sri Lanka is an all year destination.

Location

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