Tekanda Lodge

Rooms

Four generous rooms sit within the main lodge, each with a terrace facing flower-filled gardens, whilst two round cabanas – perfect for honeymooners – are tucked in the grassy gardens. Based in the lodge, we looked out onto towering travellers’ palms and heliconias from wood-framed glass doors, which filled the room with light.

Spaces are appealingly airy, with high beamed ceilings and thatched roofs of woven iluk adding to the cosy lodge feel. Big beds are topped with soft blue bedspreads and patterned cushions, and mosquito nets are draped over bamboo frames.

Polished concrete floors are softened by handwoven rugs, whilst bathrooms feature smooth stone tiles, huge rain showers and deliciously aromatic shower products. Some also have sink-into tubs. Much of the furniture was made by the team of craftsmen who lived on the hill for almost two years, and no two rooms are exactly alike – this is very much part of Tekanda’s charm.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Bathrobes
• Beach towels
• Fan
• Hairdryer
• Mosquito net
• Safe box
• Terrace/balcony
• Toiletries
• WiFi

Eating

Begin your days with a fresh coffee poolside or on the curved sofa as the sun rises over the swimming pool and the treetops beyond. Wander over to the communal table for a feast of fresh fruit, buffalo curd topped with nuts and kithul treacle, and your choice of eggs. We adored the classic egg hoppers – delicious bowl-shaped rice flour pancakes – and freshly grated spicy coconut sambol.

Lunches and dinners are convivial affairs, eaten family-style around the shared table on the open-sided main terrace. Daily-changing set menus make the most of seasonal ingredients – and showcase fruit and vegetables from the one-acre kitchen garden. Although meals are eaten communally, there is also a private pavilion for those who would prefer to eat apart – e.g. honeymooners. Food can also be served on each room's private terrace. Our dinner began with fried mushroom bites, nibbled whilst sipping cold G&Ts and chatting to fellow guests. We then tucked into mouth-watering sesame-coated seared tuna atop a vermicelli noodle salad with a zingy soy sauce. Rounding off the evening with a slice of cake was a nice touch!

Guests do eat out too: there are lots of cafés and restaurants in Kabalana and Ahangama, both 10-15 minutes away by tuk-tuk. Highlights would include CITRA, Indigo, Uncle's (for sundowners), Abode by the Beach, and TRAX (bar & late night club). Cafés for brunch or lunch in the same area would include Sisters, Cactus and The Kip.

Features include:

• Bar
• Dinner by arrangement
• Kids' meals
• Lunch by arrangement
• Restaurant
• Restaurants nearby
• Vegan options
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Rise early for a guided walk through the 10-acre estate with Richard, admiring the kitchen garden, organic cinnamon, tea and coconut plantation, and verdant jungle
  
• Keen surfers can hire boards or take lessons at striking Kabalana Beach, five minutes’ drive away, between December and April
  
• Charlie and Richard are passionate about the ‘Gamata Athak’ Village Empowerment centre which they have created through the Tekanda Foundation. Visit the centre or you could possibly help with one of the clubs or classes, attended by 350 children
  
• Tours of Wilhena Tea Factory, where Tekanda’s tea is taken to be processed, are fascinating
  
• Boat rides on nearby Koggala Lake, home to slinking crocodiles and fluttering birds, will delight nature lovers
  
• Lively Ahangama, with its cafés, boutiques and bars, is great for sundowners by the sea
  
• Tekanda also offers rejuvenating morning yoga classes, as well as Sri Lankan cooking lessons & market trips with the head chef
  
• Unesco-listed Galle Fort is 20km away; spend a lovely afternoon and evening here sightseeing and dining

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Birdwatching
• Boat trips
• Cooking classes
• Farm tours
• Historical sites
• Private guided tours
• Surfing
• Swimming
• Tea plantation tours
• Wildlife
• Yoga

Kids

Tekanda Lodge’s easygoing feel lends itself well to families with older kids (aged 6+). There’s an inviting shared sitting area with TV and board games, and one end of the swimming pool is fairly shallow. The depth does increase, so parents will need to keep an eye. Beyond Tekanda, outdoorsy activities for older kids and teenagers – from surfing to cycling – abound.

Best for:

Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

Separate from the main lodge, Cabana Kale is ideal for families of four as it has two built-in day beds; some of the main lodge rooms also include an extra bed. You can book two Lodge Rooms as a 2-bedroom Suite on request.

Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

10-acre hilltop escape Tekanda Lodge is five minutes’ drive from the southern coast, in tranquil rural Sri Lanka, close to Koggala Lake. Kathaluwa, the nearest village, is very quiet, whilst the nearby seaside town of Ahangama has a real bustle.

By Air:
Colombo Bandaranaike is the island's main international airport.

From the Airport:
Tekanda Lodge is two hours’ drive from the island’s main airport; they can arrange transfers.

Getting Around:
You'll want to explore the area. Tekanda sits just inland from many of the south coast’s top-notch surf spots, and is about 20km east of Galle Fort. The Lodge has a team of trusted tuk-tuk drivers who will take you to local destinations (either pay cash or be billed at the end of your stay).

If you’re planning to travel around Sri Lanka, enquire through our Tailormade Tour Operator; they can collect you at Colombo airport when you land, drive you to the hotel, then drive you to your onward destination(s) after your stay, as well as taking you on all day trips etc.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.