Villa Don Hendrick

As always, a stay at Villa Don Hendrick is a masterclass in what genuine hospitality is all about, delivered unobtrusively. There are a multitude of reasons that we have stayed here so many times and every single time each one of those things is delivered to perfection. From the pre-arrival communication and updates to the genuine warm, open-arm welcome as you step through the gates into this hidden tropical haven of peace, tranquility, colour and aromas, everything is always delivered with grace, charm and sincerity - it's like being a member of a family that you see maybe once a year or so, where nothing is too much trouble because they are genuinely delighted to see you and want your stay to be memorable for all of the right reasons. It's not just the obvious things like the sprawling, immaculately cared for gardens - manicured, but not in a stuffy colonial sense like other establishments - or the fact that there can only ever be just 6 guests at a time, or the super comfortable bed in each of the beautifully maintained mini 'villas' that house wonderfully, airy large bathrooms and walk in showers with all the amenities one may require, right down to bathrobes and slippers. Nor is it the mini snack bar / tea & coffee station that is re-stocked - as if by magic -everyday or the delicious, healthy breakfast that sets you up for the day. It's the little touches such as the handwritten welcome postcard beside your bed (regardless of whether it's your 1st or as in our case 6th visit!) your own personal mobile phone, fully credited and for you to use as you wish during your stay. It's the heady joss sticks left for you to scent your room (not that you need to when the glorious Frangipane trees outside your window are in full bloom and perfume the air with their heady, exotic aroma) and it's the so simple, but genius idea of sending each guest a PDF upon arrival of all the inhouse information and local recommendations so you have it at hand wherever you are. Back late at the night? Then Neil the Nightwatchman is waiting, turbo torch in hand, to discreetly light the route to your villa. This is subtle, understated 'luxury' at it's best and makes this one of the finest places to stay in Sri Lanka in our opinion. We will be back again, of course!

Villa Don Hendrick is a rare gem that exceeded our expectations in so many ways. From the moment we arrived, we were treated like gold class guests by the gentle yet delightfully fussy owners Harold and Raf - who clearly have a passion for perfection. We stayed in the first of three identical bungalows - each a fair distance to the next, facing an expansive and well-manicured lawn, complete with a constant parade of resident peacocks and indigenous birds. (Photos simply don't do justice to the estate). Over the next days, we discovered several of our fellow-guests are recurring patrons with their own favourite bungalow, like it was their personal holiday home. Normally, in the tropics, I prefer AC, but here at Villa Don Hendrick, I was completely content with the Geoffrey Bawa'esque style of architecture that favours natural ventilation. And in spite of the hot water being somewhat eccentric, we had nothing to complain about. We spent lazy afternoons reading on our porch, leaving it only occasionally to take a dip in the inviting pool or to dash across the lawn to the "kitchen box" to make iced tea. Here, I also had a memorable encounter with a shy land monitor. Our trip to Sri Lanka lasted a mere two and a half weeks - we enjoyed both the calmer waters around Kalpitiya and the surf culture at Ahangama; roughed out the rugged safaris in Wilpattu and Lunugamvehera National Parks; drove precariously through Ella in a tuk tuk; sipped elegant cocktails at Ropewalk in Galle; developed an insatiable addiction to coconut sambal - but the most alluring part of our love affair with Sri Lanka in Feb/Mar of 2025 was our 4 night stay at Villa Don Hendrick.

Like many before us, we'll be back!

This is our second stay at VDH and it didn’t fail us in anyway - from the welcome from Harold and Raf the amazing owners to the kindness of all the staff - we had a heavenly 6 days in our beautiful bungalow in an amazing garden - full of peacocks monkeys and beautiful flowers and trees - you really feel like you are in paradise. As well the breakfasts are absolutely delicious - fresh fruits, buffalo curd, home made jams and breads and eggs anyway you want plus Harold’s delicious juice of the day and fresh coffee - it starts the days off perfectly. We will definitely be returning!

Harold and Raf are the most wonderful hosts, so welcoming, kind and thoughtful. Nothing is too much trouble and the attention to detail is amazing. The bungalows are lovely, the garden and the pool stunning. Breakfast is delicious and when Harold cooks he is a real pro. So many things to do if you can tear yourself away from the property - very special was kayaking on a lagoon to watch the sunrise and look at wildlife. More ideas and restaurants suggestions all provided. We loved it all

Yet another truly blissful and wonderful stay at the hidden paradise that is Villa Don Hendrick. A stay here always soothes the soul and recharges the batteries, especially if you are on a tour of the country that is heaven on earth, otherwise known as Sri Lanka. From the sumptuous never-ending breakfast feast served up each morning, enjoyed while surveying the beautiful manicured tropical gardens, after taking an early morning refrshing dip in the inviting infinity pool, you can then simply choose to relax on the veranda of your individual villa - one of three which means no more than 6 guests in residence at a time - or laze away your day poolside or wandering around the gardens listening to the birdsong, watching the local wildlife go about it's daily business and the sounds of village life quietly emitting in the distance.
Everything you need or want during a relaxing stay is supplied, from luxurious towels, bathrobes, incense and bathroom products that clean and sooth the mind to a minibar full of little treats - replenished daily courtesy of VDH. And when evening falls, take a drink of the local speciality spirit Arrack on your veranda while watching the Parrokeets come in to roost, before either taking the 'surprise' 3 course dinner lovingly prepared and served by Raf & Harold (only on select evenings) or go 'local' and head out to one of the many local curry spots in or around Tangalle (Mango House is particularly good...possibly some of the best food I've eaten on my trips to Sri Lanka over the years!). Villa Don Hendrick is the kind of 'home' you dream of living in and wish you could return back to every single day, locking yourself away from the outside world - understated elegance, luxury that is of a simple kind and peace and tranquillity - luxuries in themselves in todays frantic, chaotic and troubled world. Go stay and enjoy the sound of silence and nature and the wonderful home and company of Raf and Harold and their lovely hardworking team. You won't regret it! Thank you to all at VDH for yet another wonderful stay...we'll be back...again!.

Villa Don Hendrick surpassed all expectations - Raf and Harold our hosts were definitely “hosts with the most”. The boutique hotel was like walking into a very beautiful Vogue cover shoot. The food was out of this world and worthy of Michelin stars. It was totally luxurious, heavenly and we are booking to go back next Xmas.