A guest house grown around a garden

Most people come to this stretch of coast for two things: the old Dutch and Portuguese ramparts of Galle Fort, and the bays of Unawatuna. Villa Cozy sits between them, about 5 km from the fort’s clock tower and about 2 km from Unawatuna, Bonavista and Jungle beaches.

What makes it different is the garden. The lawn is crossed by stepping stones and shaded by fruit trees, there is a stone table for tea and a bench tucked among the shrubs, and the branches are full of birds. Inside, the guest room keeps things cool and simple: air conditioning, a four-poster bed with a mosquito net and a private rain-shower bathroom.

House rules are short: no smoking, no pets and no parties, so the garden stays peaceful for everyone.