Villa Alba
Ahangama
A genuinely boutique hotel of just 5-rooms in serene rice paddy position close to Ahangama
Rooms and spaces
Just 5 bedrooms at Villa Alba - all generous in size and all equally neatly styled; all look out to either the paddy or lush garden just before it.
The living spaces - an open ‘kitchen’, dining and living room and a sweetly separate reading room - open onto the terrace that drops into the gorgeous pool
Our neighbourhood
Open beaches and cinnamon hills
Our village is technically Thithalagala - about 10 minutes drive in from Kabalana which these days pretty much runs into Ahangama.
But really we’re supremely quiet on a little elevated promontory poking out into the rice paddy fields.
We’ve a scattering of little ‘kades’ - small village shops on the roads nearby but it’s mostly rice paddy and cinnamon hills around us.
Kabalana beach is due straight South - its light shallow waters pretty postcard perfect. Ahangama, just down the road, has the somewhat buzzier cafe and restaurant scene (for now).
Eating
…at Alba
For a little hotel of just 5 rooms we think Alba excels itself on the food front.
We have an all-day dining menu that mixes Sri Lankan classics with more European takes (nearby lake-caught crayfish with fries, for example).
Breakfast is an easy-going thing with a help-yourself (done nicely) setup alongside a select menu to order from.
Krishan and team also like to throw in evening ‘specials’ when different ingredients in the market catch their eye.
Everything’s on offer in the dining room, terrace or at your room if you prefer.
Yoga and pilates
We can arrange private yoga classes at Alba with a visiting teacher (on request) or there are a number of great studios within easy reach if you fancy more of a group atmosphere. Pura, Ulu, and the classes at Senses in Midigama are popular.
Beach days
Jump in a Tuk for a short ride to Kabalana and Ahangama beaches. Kabalana’s generally quieter and a little more old-fashioned on the F&B side. Ahangama’s bustling and boujis.
Massage treatments
Alba’s fortunate enough to have a really great massage therapist who can visit (pretty much any time) on appointment for excellent in-room treatments.
For massage treatments, yoga classes, use of the bikes or other ideas…
Best is to speak to Kalana
WhatsApp Kalana…
+94 77 129 5700
House story and who’s there
Villa Alba was designed and built by Chris and Euan - originally from Scotland but having spent most of the last twenty years living and working across South East Asia.
Kind of miraculously, they were able to oversee the project from Hong Kong, unable to be on site during Covid lockdowns. The house reflects their passion for stylish detail and considerate hospitality, many touches inspired by their travels and experiences across Asia.
Kalana & Amila
Both Kalana & Amila have been with Alba since day 1. And whilst there’s an excellent slightly wider team, it’s most likely you’ll meet one of them first.
Kalana lives at Alba, and Amila’s from the village, from both are a great resource for local ideas and suggestions.
Getting here
If you’re coming from Colombo/Galle (anywhere via the highway) then the Imaduwa Junction is the best exist. From the coast road, one of the turnings at the Western end of Kabalana is fine.
And then just follow Google Maps. The owners built a new concrete road to the property for the last couple of hundred metres so be a little careful - it's quite narrow crossing the rice paddy.
Important contact details
House manager - +94 77 129 5700
New House Hospitality - + 94 77 444 3901
Notes and ideas
In the rooms
Hot water, bidet, shower, towels, toilet paper, soap, shampoo, hair dryer, clothing storage, hangers, air conditioning, ceiling fans, wifi, ear-buds, dental kits (on request).
Laundry service is available and ironing can be done on request.
In the kitchen
In and around the garden
As well as the main (private) kitchen, Alba has a really neat kitchen pantry in the main living area where you can help yourselves to cool water, good coffee, tea and, in the mornings, fresh fruit and granola.
The pool is the centrepiece really and steps just by it lead down to the main garden with shady spots overlooking the rice paddy. Our vegetable garden - normally quite abundant - stocks the kitchen with chilis, cucumber, tomatoes and any number of local herbs and spices.