Villa Saldana - A Dutch Colonial Beachfront Villa in Habaraduwa, near Galle
Villas in Galle, Sri Lanka
Description
What gives Saldana its character is the way it's furnished. The rooms are filled with South Asian and international antiques, artwork and old local pieces collected over years, so the house reads as a genuine colonial home rather than a modern build dressed up as one. Two master bedrooms sit on either side of a large central sitting area that opens toward the ocean, and a sea-view veranda runs along the back of the property.
It's a villa for people who want the south coast at a human scale: small enough to feel like your own house, characterful enough to be memorable, and close enough to Galle Fort that you can be wandering the ramparts twenty minutes after leaving the pool.
Villa Features
Recommended For
- Couples
- Family
- Friends
Villa Spaces
Dutch Colonial Architecture and Interiors
Saldana's architecture is the first thing guests remark on. Enormous pillars carry a wide, deep veranda; tall archways open one space into the next; and high timber ceilings keep the rooms cool and full of air even in the middle of the day. It's a style built for this climate long before air conditioning existed, and it still works though the villa has A/C throughout as well.
The central sitting area is the heart of the house, generously proportioned and looking out toward the pool and the Indian Ocean beyond. Antique furniture, South Asian and international pieces, and old local artworks line the walls, giving the interiors real depth. There are several distinct places to settle through the day: the sitting room when the sun is high, the front veranda in the morning, and the sea-view veranda at the back for the long, slow end of the afternoon.
The Bedrooms
Villa Saldana has three ensuite bedrooms sleeping six guests, all air-conditioned, arranged around the central living area.
The master bedroom sits on one side of the living area and is the largest room in the house, with a king bed, a television, an ensuite bathroom, and views over the pool to the Indian Ocean. It's the room to take if you want to wake up looking at the water.
The second master lies on the opposite side of the living area, also with a king bed and an ensuite bathroom, and equally spacious. Its floor-to-ceiling windows open directly onto the outdoor dining and seating area, which makes it the easiest room for anyone who likes to step straight outside with a coffee in the morning.
The third bedroom is the villa's twin room, with two single beds and its own ensuite bathroom. It's a little smaller than the two masters and sits near the entrance the natural choice for children or for a third couple travelling as friends. Baby cots and highchairs are available on request.
The two-master layout is what makes Saldana work particularly well for two couples travelling together: neither pair is compromising, and the living area sits between them.
The Pool, Garden and Veranda
The pool sits between the house and the ocean, framed by lush garden planting, so the view from the water runs straight out to sea. Loungers and shaded corners are set around it, and because the grounds are enclosed and green, the pool area stays private despite the beach being just beyond.
The gardens are mature and well kept, and the sea-view veranda at the back of the property is where most groups end up in the evening, close enough to the water to hear it clearly, sheltered enough to sit out through a shower. Between the front veranda, the poolside and the rear sea-view veranda, there are more places to sit outside than there are guests in the house, which is exactly as it should be.
Dining and Service
Saldana is fully staffed, with a resident team handling housekeeping, cooking and the day-to-day running of the house, and a security guard on site. Meals are prepared to your preferences Sri Lankan or international and charged on ingredient cost, so you pay for what's actually cooked rather than a fixed rate. That arrangement tends to suit families and longer stays particularly well.
Meals can be taken in the outdoor dining area beside the pool, on either veranda, or indoors. Practical comforts are all in place: air conditioning and ceiling fans throughout, wifi, satellite television, a washing machine, and airport transfers available on request. Welcome drinks, staff, electricity, water and daily cleaning are included. Meals are arranged with the cook in advance, ideally a day ahead, which is worth knowing when you plan, as there are few restaurants within easy reach.
A security guard is on site through the night, checking the beach access regularly. Guests travelling with small children mention this often, direct beachfront can feel exposed after dark, and here it simply doesn't
Where Villa Saldana Is
Habaraduwa sits on the coast just east of Thalpe, between Galle and Koggala, and it's an unusually well-placed base for the south coast.
The Habaraduwa Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery is right on the doorstep one of the most visited hatcheries in Sri Lanka, running since 1986, where all five species that nest on these shores are cared for and where visitors can often help release hatchlings into the sea. It's the kind of morning children remember for years.
Just inland, Koggala Lake opens up: boat safaris and kayak trips run out to its small islands, temples and fishing villages, and it's one of the best half-days on this coast. In the hills above Koggala, the Handunugoda Tea Estate produces the celebrated Virgin White Tea and gives genuinely good tours of the plantation. The stilt fishermen work the water along this stretch, and Galle Fort UNESCO-listed, with its ramparts, galleries, boutiques and restaurants are around twenty minutes west.
Also close by: the beaches at Unawatuna and the more secluded Jungle Beach, Dalawella with its rope swing, and, further east, the surf breaks of Ahangama and Midigama. Colombo airport is roughly two hours north via the Southern Expressway.
Ideal For
Couples, two couples travelling together, families of up to six, and anyone who would rather stay somewhere with genuine colonial character than a modern beachfront build. The twin room, baby equipment, enclosed pool garden and the turtle hatchery down the road make it easy with children, and the two-master layout makes it equally good for friends sharing.
Reviews 25 reviews for Villa Saldana - A Dutch Colonial Beachfront Villa in Habaraduwa, near Galle
Saldana Villa exceeded all our expectations. Aruna & Sumedu went above and beyond to make our stay extremely comfortable. The villa felt like home instantly. We were there to celebrate our mom’s 70th birthday and it was truly special. My family and I did not want to leave, we hope to come back here. I would strongly recommend this home to everybody.
We had a wonderful stay and thoroughly enjoyed our time here. The villa was beautiful, clean, and exactly as described. The peaceful beach right in front of the property made it the perfect place to relax and unwind.
A special mention to Kumudh for being so kind and helpful throughout our stay, and to the cook - the food was absolutely delicious and one of the highlights of our trip. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and we would happily stay here again. Highly recommend!
Wow, what a place. The location and facilities are amazing. Aruna, cooked some fantastic local and western meals for our family and was able to source fresh ingredients for delicious meals. We will definitely be staying here again when we return to Sri Lanka.
We had a wonderful stay at Villa Saldana! It was a perfect house to spend time with friends as a family with two small kids since there was a big pool in the common area and a yard and the beach right infront of the house. All meals cooked by Aruna were excellent, even on short notice! Everyday the place was cleaned and we felt very well looked after and very safe. It was great to be in a calmer location but it was still easy enough to get around on foot or take a short tuktukride to more lively areas.
We had the most incredible stay here—truly one of our favorite Airbnb experiences. The home itself is beautiful, with an amazing pool, direct beach access, and some of the softest sand we’ve ever felt. The sunsets each evening were absolutely breathtaking, and falling asleep to the sound of the waves was something we’ll never forget.
What really made this stay exceptional, though, was the staff. Aruna’s cooking was hands down the best we’ve had—every meal was outstanding, and he could make just about anything we asked for. Sumudu kept the house spotless the entire time, somehow staying on top of all the mess that comes with traveling as a family of six. We also really appreciated the security guard in the evenings and overnight, who made us feel safe and well looked after throughout our stay.
Everything felt so easy, relaxing, and well taken care of. We left with the best memories and would come back in a heartbeat. Highly, highly recommend.
What a beautiful stay! Waking up to the sounds of the ocean, this beautiful villa certainly won’t disappoint. The team at Villa Saldana were amazing and very welcoming. Our family (2 kids) had a blast and every day was just a day in paradise.
Thank you so much for the memorable stay, we look forward to coming back again.
It was great experience. Worth every penny we spent. Clean place. Excellent location and comfortable villa.
Cook was amazing and could whip up a great meal but needs 24 hour notice. Also it seems like if has cooked breakfast he will not be able to cook lunch.
We were very satisfied with the experience.
We absolutely loved villa Saldana! We were travelling with a 20 month toddler and we were stressed if he will adopt to the new environment but Aruna, Sumudu and Prasad’ hospitality made us feel like home. They cooked for us almost every day and took special care of our child’s needs. The security staff Prasad was checking the backyard every few minutes during the night since it’s a beachfront and that made us feel super safe! The villa is very authentic and in a peaceful area but still 15min tuk tuk drive from both Anawatuna and Ahangama. We loved it and would gladly recommend it! Thank you!
The villa is really beautiful with beach access . The sunsets from the villa are the prettiest ! The chef Aruna and the staff Kumudhu made us amazing breakfast everyday. Villa is cleaned everyday and is kept in pristine condition . The direct beach access may feel a little unsafe but there is a watchman present 24/7 checking the beach access way constantly so it feels super safe .
Recommend this stay 10/10!
We had a lovely two days with our family in this house, the house is nice, facing the sea.The curly-haired boy gave us good service, and the chef made good food.The lounge chair on the balcony is very comfortable, the open-air bathroom is spacious and has a feeling of being close to nature.
We spent ten days here. It absolutely amazing from the view to the food to the service. Aruna and Sumudu provided exceptional hospitality and went above and beyond with 5 star food to organizing trips. Nothing is to much for them.
I almost don’t want to review this place because it feels like a secret we’d love to keep to ourselves—but it’s too good not to share!
The location is perfect: right on the long, beautiful thalpe beach yet just a short scooter or tuk-tuk ride away from everywhere you’d want to be in the south—Unawatuna, Ahangama, Galle, Weligama. The villa itself is rustic, charming, and beautifully designed, with a pool and of course, direct beach access.
But what truly made our stay unforgettable were the amazing staff. Aruna & Sumudu are simply amazing, the kindest, warmest people. They took such good care of us, cooked delicious meals, and made us feel at home from the very first moment. Their hospitality made the experience beyond special, and we can’t thank them enough.
This is the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left. I will definitely be back soon. Honestly, this villa is not to be miss
Beautiful property located right at the beach and the ocean. What you see in the pics - the view is even better than that. The living room is spacious and the infinity pool + large lawn has some of the best views in Sri Lanka,
The staff is very helpful and make delicious food whenever you want.
Only one thing to consider: The property is located in Habaraduwa (which is near Thalpe) which is a small town with very few good restaurants nearby though you may not feel like going out at all with such good views and food.
We stayed here as three couples with our kids, and honestly, it was way better than we expected.
The place looks exactly like the photos — even nicer in person. The service was amazing. The chef and security were both super professional and kind. Huge thanks to the chefs — they were so flexible with our needs and the food was delicious every single time (don`t miss the chef`s specials in their menu).
The host was also great — always quick to respond and really helpful.
If you're thinking about booking somewhere else, don’t bother. This place is perfect if you want a peaceful vibe, but still want to be close to the busier beaches (just a short tuk-tuk ride away).
And the pool… wow. We spent so much time outside — the layout is perfect for relaxing all day.
We’re already talking about coming back!
I recently stayed at Villa Saldana in Thalpe with friends and had the most amazing time! The villa is beautiful, open, airy, and feels just like home- every detail was thoughtfully done.
The location is perfect, right on the beach, and just watching the waves all day was so peaceful.
What truly stood out was the hospitality. Aruna cooked delicious local meals for us every day and even baked a cake for my friend’s birthday. Sumudu was always around to help and made sure we were comfortable throughout. We felt so well taken care of.
This place exceeded all our expectations, and we’re already planning our next visit. Villa Saldana is now our go-to stay in Sri Lanka!
Thank you for the most amazing memories.
We had a wonderful stay at Villa Saldana! We were 3 adults and 3 kids and were kept endlessly entertained by the pool, beach and turtle hatchery right on the Villa’s doorstep. We also loved the easy access to Galle Fort, Ahangama and the many other beaches and activities in the area.
Aruna and Somudo’s hospitality left us feeling very well looked after. Every meal that Aruna cooked was simply delicious.
We loved our stay and we would come again, should we have the good fortune to!
Amazing 3 days, peaceful, flexible, helpful and welcoming staff. Chef was amazing ! Beautiful place and great peaceful place to get to Galle easily. Thank you for the beautiful stay and the open arms welcome!
We had a great stay at the villa. The views of the beach are absolutely breathtaking and having direct access made it even more special. The villa team was great. We also loved the delicious breakfast, especially the amazing fruit platter.
5/5 stars!
We had an incredible stay. The villa was stunning, with beautifully landscaped gardens and a tranquil atmosphere. The staff were warm and welcoming, always ready to help with any requests.
The villa itself was spacious and well-appointed, with comfortable bedrooms and modern amenities. We loved the private pool and outdoor dining area, perfect for relaxing and enjoying quality time with family and friends.
The location was ideal, with easy access to local attractions and beaches. The villa's manager/cook Aruna was great and helped us with home cooked meals.
Overall, we would highly recommend to anyone looking for a luxurious and relaxing getaway in Sri Lanka.
My family enjoyed the Villa during a month, I joined them for last two weeks. Best words to describe the experience would be: peace that we felt every morning, we would wake up with sunrise so we could enjoy the being here as much as daytime could offer. Joy that we felt every time we would come back after exiting day out. Love and care that we felt from hosts and everybody in charge of our comfort. Separately must be mentioned culinary experience that was magically gifted to us by chef Arun! And his assistant Sumudu took great care of our comfort!
Leaving this place with hope and desires to be back!
Excellent stay at the villa, highlight were the two individuals that looked after us throughout our stay! They were excellent, good with the Children and food that was served was superb.
Highly recommended this venue with these hosts, great for families with children and beach at the bottom of the garden….
We had a fantastic time staying at Villa Saldana. Arun and Sumandu really looked after us and our kids. The house and view were spectacular.
I would highly recommend to anyone staying in Sri Lanka.
What an amazing place! Peaceful, private, breathtaking view, you really do not need to leave at all. The staff were super friendly and accommodating. They cleaned and served throughout the day and you didn’t even feel like they were in your way. Definitely booking this place again in future.
This villa is on one of the best spots on Talpe. The beach is quiet and swimmable during season. Would be great if the locals and villa owners educated the public visiting the beaches to clean up afterwards.
The chef and his helper are an absolute asset to this villa and the local dishes are his specialty!
Perfect size pool and garden for kids and adults alike. 25 mins drive to popular weligama beach and 10 min drive to Unawatuna. We are definitely biased to Sri Lanka and we will be back…😃
Everything about villa saldana was excellent! The friendliest staff, the cleanliness, the delicious food, the attentiveness and of course the location!
