Malabar Hill
Weligama, Galle & Environs, Sri Lanka
Reviewed by
Saskia Walker
Once a cinnamon plantation, Malabar Hill has been transformed into a resplendent hideaway, where endemic birdlife and vegetation abound. Created by two friends who have lived in Asia for decades, this sumptuous small hotel fuses design elements from across the region to craft a serene sanctuary for romantic couples and friends travelling together.
Rajasthani-inspired architecture and Middle Eastern furnishings meet Sri Lankan craftsmanship and natural materials in the Hill House, an imposing restaurant pavilion offering 240° views of tropical treetops and the sea. Just alongside sits the 35m infinity pool, where four-poster daybeds invite guests to bask in the sunshine, zingy cocktails in hand. The villas themselves are hidden along meandering garden paths, each with private plunge pools and panoramic vistas. Feast on Cordon Bleu-trained chef Roshini’s delectable fare, try your hand at cooking classes, yoga and guided birdwatching, or head out to explore this very special corner of Sri Lanka’s south coast. Beautiful and secluded, Malabar Hill’s real secret is its superb team, whose warm welcome and flawless service had us absolutely charmed — and made it very tricky to leave.
Rajasthani-inspired architecture and Middle Eastern furnishings meet Sri Lankan craftsmanship and natural materials in the Hill House, an imposing restaurant pavilion offering 240° views of tropical treetops and the sea. Just alongside sits the 35m infinity pool, where four-poster daybeds invite guests to bask in the sunshine, zingy cocktails in hand. The villas themselves are hidden along meandering garden paths, each with private plunge pools and panoramic vistas. Feast on Cordon Bleu-trained chef Roshini’s delectable fare, try your hand at cooking classes, yoga and guided birdwatching, or head out to explore this very special corner of Sri Lanka’s south coast. Beautiful and secluded, Malabar Hill’s real secret is its superb team, whose warm welcome and flawless service had us absolutely charmed — and made it very tricky to leave.
Highs
- A design lover’s dream, the hotel fuses Sri Lankan, Rajasthani and Moroccan influences to create an indulgent, bohemian vibe
- The friendly team’s attention to detail is exceptional — including messaging on WhatsApp to ask if we’d like another round of cocktails on our terrace
- An abundance of biodiversity: birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts can marvel at myriad plants and birds
- The sublime sense of seclusion is ideal for honeymooners
- Surfers are a short drive from the waves of Weligama, Ahangama and Mirissa – also the place to go for airborne whale-watching tours
Lows
- Children must be age 12+ to stay; this is a tranquil, adult-focused hotel
- If you plan to arrive by car, you’ll find the hill road very steep. Ask the hotel to send their electric cart to meet you at the gate
- Polished concrete floors can be slippery — all the more reason to take your time when stepping out of your plunge pool
- No spa yet, but plans are underway to build one in the grounds. At the moment, restorative in-room massages are a great way to relax
Best time to go
Malabar Hill is open year-round. Sri Lanka’s south coast is in season between November and March, when you can expect balmy temperatures and lots of sunshine. This is also the best time of year for surfers, who can hone their skills at nearby Weligama Bay.
April is Sri Lanka’s hottest month, and perhaps best avoided — although villas are air-conditioned and there’s generally a breeze on the hill.
April is Sri Lanka’s hottest month, and perhaps best avoided — although villas are air-conditioned and there’s generally a breeze on the hill.
Our top tips
Ask for breakfast in your villa, and perch either on your terrace or on round cushions at the low wood-and-brass table just inside, facing the panorama. You’ll spot yellow orioles and fluttering butterflies as you sip your morning coffee and tuck into fresh fruit and Sri Lankan specialities. The service that we experienced was seamless, and the egg hoppers with fiery lunu miris — an onion, chilli and lime dip — were delicious.