Key holders to the most beautiful houses in Sri Lanka, Eden Villas, introduces properties bookable by the room

Eden Villas, the leading luxury villa expert in Sri Lanka, has for the first time introduced properties bookable by the room. Beginning with two stunning houses on the south coast of the island, Doornberg House and Celadon House, Eden Villas will be adding a third property on this basis in the autumn.

Guests booking an Eden Villas property by the room will enjoy the same high level of service and hospitality enjoyed by private villa rental guests. The news means that couples and solo luxury travellers can now enjoy an Eden Villas holiday, without needing to book out an entire home. Both properties come with their own friendly, dedicated team providing unobtrusive and expert service, including private chef.

Doornberg House

Built in 1712 for a Dutch admiral, Doornberg is perched on an acre of manicured lawn, sitting above the ancient town of Galle, offering an 180-degree panorama with views of the UNESCO-heritage Galle Fort and the Indian Ocean beyond.

Four Palladio columns frame the impressive front verandah, with its shuttered windows featuring the elegant, moulded woodwork characteristic of the early 17th century. A six-metre-high formal entrance gallery leads to the great room, the principal living space and centre of the building. The flanking bedrooms preserve the original symmetry of the house. Pillared columns support the deep internal verandahs which open to a grassed courtyard, shaded by an imposing Rose Apple tree in the centre. The roof is steeply pitched and clad in the original terracotta from the period of the build.

Doornberg House contains four private suites, all with independent garden access. Each air conditioned suite features a reading lounge, restored netted Dutch bed, ceiling fan, monogrammed linen on custom-made 10-inch mattresses, and a large period bathroom with cast iron bath.

Throughout the house there is a significant collection of contemporary art, featuring pieces commissioned from Sri Lankan artists and multi-disciplinary works from Chinese and Australian artists.

Extensive lawns bordered by indigenous planting lead to a secluded pool area, hidden from the house. The 16-metre length pool is set against a dominating mango tree and the verdant jungle surrounds.

Eden Villas (www.edenvillas.com) offers Doornberg House to book by the room or as an entire property. Nightly rates from £260 when booking by the room, including breakfast and afternoon tea, and from £945 when booking the entire property.

Celadon House

Located in Weligama, on Sri Lanka’s south coast, Celadon House is a large, airy five bedroom villa, providing quintessential quiet luxury. The property is set on a hillside amidst palm and frangipani trees, with breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean, and direct access to a swim-friendly beach.

Design is inspired by Indian architecture, while the chic, spacious interiors tastefully fuse Sri Lankan antiques with Indian fabrics and local handwoven jute rugs. Named after the serene colour Celadon, the house’s decor is true to its name with beautiful hues of green and blue.

Setting the stage for moments to remember is the majestic infinity pool flanked by graceful columns and bordered by a low, cushion clad seating area. A pool-jumping deck from the floor above is open for those who dare! A poolside massage room is thoughtfully prepared with candles, incense and the best massage therapist on island.

The villa’s formal living room evokes laid-back luxury with stunning views providing the ultimate backdrop for relaxed socialising. All five private, en-suite bedrooms are tastefully styled and generous in size. Each has its own verandah and extraordinary view of the ocean.

Topping it all off is the roof-top itself, a breezy lounge area for yoga, meditation, morning coffee, afternoon tea or dancing till dawn.