The Wallawwa is one of Sri Lanka’s most thoughtfully conceived boutique hotels — a 19th-century colonial manor house (wallawwa means mansion in Sinhala) set in a heritage garden just 10 minutes from Bandaranaike International Airport. With only 13 rooms, the property maintains a genuinely intimate atmosphere, and the quality of materials and design throughout reflects a considered approach to what a small luxury hotel should be.
Each room is individually designed, drawing on Sri Lankan craft traditions — hand-woven textiles, antique furniture, and colonial-era architectural details — while providing modern comfort and air conditioning. The garden is centred on a large swimming pool surrounded by mature trees that give the property a leafy, secluded character remarkable given its proximity to the airport. The kitchen draws on local produce for a menu that blends Sri Lankan flavours with international techniques, and the bar is regarded as one of the better gin collections in the country. The Wallawwa suits both transit guests with early morning departures and those looking for a stylish Colombo base for a short visit.
Only guests who have booked can leave a review.
