Our flight into Colombo landed later than expected. Exhausted, we traipsed our way through customs and immigration to find our smiling driver waiting for us. Ah, yes – we’re almost there! I wanted to hug him.
We were comfortably escorted to the magnificent Ishq Colombo: a breathtaking haven nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital city. The words that best describe our first impressions are “elegant” and “serene”.
A tranquil sanctuary, Ishq Colombo delivered an unforgettable experience. The property combines opulent amenities, antique furnishings, stunning gardens, and warm, welcoming hospitality.
The Epitome of Elegance
From the moment you step foot into Ishq Colombo, you’re enveloped in a world of refined sophistication. This architectural masterpiece seamlessly blends traditional Sri Lankan architecture with exquisite aesthetics, creating a visually captivating ambiance.
Every detail, from the elegant furnishings to the intricate artwork, has been meticulously curated to ensure an atmosphere of timeless elegance. Every communal area has a unique aspect to admire and its own character.
Ishq Colombo’s walls are adorned by handpicked artwork from Sri Lanka and around the world. Local artists include reclusive Kandyan artist ‘Raju’, Druvinka Madawala and Nelun Harasgama. There is Sufi art, Moroccan art depicting life in Marrakech and other parts of the middle east. One piece by the living area depicts an Imam intensely meditating on the Quran. This captured the attention of the owner when he was walking the streets during a visit to Iran. He purchased it immediately.
The exquisite carpets and ornaments originate from Kashmir, Marrakech, Iran, India and of course, Rattan work woven in Sri Lanka. Our favourite piece of art isEna De Silva’s batik which adorns the walls of one of the bedrooms.
Ishq Colombo’s wonderful library offers a wide range of reading genres from art, archaeology, wildlife, botany, poetry, history, literature and even includes prayer books and writings affiliated with Christianity, Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism. The oldest book in the collection is from 1844 – a Methodist prayer book dedicated to St. Lucia’s Cathedral in Colombo. The second oldest is from 1855 – Samuel Barker’s Eight Years’ Wanderings in Ceylon (first edition). In short, there is a treasure trove of books dating back over 100 years, all accessible for guests to enjoy.
Every piece was handpicked by the owners, along with master architect Channa Daswatte. The staircase was brought from an abandoned mansion in India. The fans in the living area downstairs are from Malacca, the chandelier is from the historic Richmond Castle in Kalutara.
Decadent Accommodations
Ishq Colombo boasts four sumptuous bedrooms, each offering an unparalleled level of comfort and privacy. The spacious suites are adorned with high-end amenities, plush bedding, and private balconies or terraces that overlook lush tropical gardens. All four bedrooms are equally private, so which ever you choose, you’ll have a private oasis all to yourself.
A Feast for the Senses
We were invited to indulge our taste buds in a culinary journey over three days. The incredibly skilled and experience chefs (plural!) combine local recipes with international techniques to create a gastronomic symphony that will leave you craving more. From delectable seafood dishes to mouthwatering Sri Lankan specialties, every meal was a celebration of culinary artistry.
The setting within the dining room only added to our sensory experience – it’s amazing and the photos below don’t capture the sheer magnificence of the room.
Exploring Colombo
Each day we stepped outside to explore different parts of Colombo. Our favourite adventures included:
- Gangaramaya Temple: a prominent Buddhist temple adorned with intricate architecture, religious statues, and a fascinating museum. It’s not only a spiritual haven but also a captivating showcase of art and history.
- Galle Face Green: one of Colombo’s most iconic locations, Galle Face Green stretches along the city’s Indian Ocean coastline. The park is perfect for a leisurely stroll, offering a refreshing sea breeze. Pro tip: we enjoyed a beautiful gin and tonic soaked sunset on the verandah of the famous Galle Face Hotel ;)
- Bawa House: also known as “Number 11” and the home of the late Geoffrey Bawa. Bawa, a renowned Sri Lankan architect, is often considered the father of “tropical modernism” and is considered by Ministry of Villas as one of the world’s most incredible villa architects.
- Park Street Mews: a series of old warehouses that have been restored into a vibrant entertainment district consisting of restaurants, bars and live music. We had a lot of fun here!
Staying Here is a Must!
Ishq Colombo is more than just a luxury villa; it is a sanctuary where you can escape the bustling city of Colombo and immerse yourself in a world of opulence and tranquility.
From the refined accommodations to the exquisite cuisine and rejuvenating wellness experiences, every aspect of this haven is designed to elevate your senses and provide an unforgettable stay. So, if you’re looking to explore Colombo whilst indulging in the epitome of luxury, Ishq Colombo is the perfect villa, period.
Book Ishq Colombo with Ministry of Villas
Ministry of Villas helps travellers find the perfect villa for their stay. We know every villa inside-out and we provide a service that goes beyond what you see online – contact our team to find out more. Our service is free to guests as we earn a commission from villa owners for the work we do.
