Thalassa

Why Thalassa?
This spacious beach house sits on one of the island’s most enchanting beaches; wide and long, Mahawella Beach is typically deserted save for the fishermen that busily haul their catamarans in from the rolling surf and litter them colourfully on the soft golden sand. Sited back from the beach, Thalassa is a six bedroom property that epitomizes barefoot living and highlights the comforts and conviviality of a family home. Thalassa was recently designed by Amila De Mel, a talented architect who has worked with Geoffrey Bawa in the past, and its clean lines, pillared verandahs and ease of airflow through the property hint at Bawa’s tropical idealism. The word ‘thalassa’ means ‘sea’ in Greek, and this mirrors the villa’s advantageous location overlooking the expansive free-wheeling waves of the Indian Ocean. Thalassa sits amidst abundant greenery, with a grassy palm shaded lawn that stretches naturally down to the beach. To the front of the property is the sleeping/living area that houses six bedrooms as well as a Sitting Room with a large day bed and an adjacent toilet that can double up as a seventh room if necessary. From here a walkway flanked by beautiful Indian temple pillars and crimson heliconia takes you past the enclosed yellow, blue and green tiled swimming pool with Jacuzzi to the spacious kitchen and dining area, behind which are located the staff quarters. Just off from the sociable dining verandah is a cosy study with satellite TV, books and games. Thalassa offers the ideal tropical hideaway for large groups of families and friends. Enhanced by a range of antiques, modern furnishings and artwork that is predominantly Sri Lankan, Thalassa’s mix of both sociable and intimate areas, both inside of the villa and out, offer plenty of opportunities for anyone to enjoy some private time, even if within a group. The rolling surf is popular with bodysurfers and swimmers whilst the less active can bask in the sunshine and privacy of the villa’s beautiful pool. With a full staff to take care of you this villa is an idyllic beach hideaway in one of the Deep South’s most unspoilt areas.
In the know Mahawella is located just seven kilometers south of the fishing town of Tangalle. The beautiful Burmese teak floors in the downstairs bedrooms, sitting room and study were actually recycled from a redundant ballroom in Nuwara Eliya. Thalassa’s talented chef is proficient not only in Sri Lankan and western dishes but also in delicious Pakistani cuisine. Hammocks scatter the garden, and a croquet set and badminton net are available to use. Massages can be arranged with prior notice and administered in a small open-sided pavilion in the garden. Distance from the airport; six hours by road and one and a half hours by air. Address Mahawella, Tangalle Location Recognition "Thalassa has been a member of Sri Lanka in Style since 2009"