Positioned atop a tropical mountain, not far from Galle on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, sits the majestic Maliga Kanda. This was to be our first villa stay during our recent trip to Sri Lanka in March 2023.
A few of our team had visited the villa before, but for most of our team, it was our first time – and we couldn’t wait to experience Maliga Kanda ourselves. Our first impression of the villa left us speechless. We spread out upon arrival and drifted around the grounds, stunned by the natural beauty around us; soaking in the beautiful gardens, the views and exploring every room with excitement. We were struck by just how spacious the villa is and how perfect it is for a large group.
Getting to Maliga Kanda
The drive from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport took 2 hours 15 minutes door-to-door. Our group of 12 Ministry of Villas staff all fit comfortably into a minibus and we were transported along the very smooth Southern Expressway that extends all the way along the southwest coastline of Sri Lanka. I remember the bumpy ride we endured all those years ago when we first visited Sri Lanka and reflected on how much the infrastructure has improved over the past 5 years or so. Boy, it makes a difference!
In addition to the comfort of the new roads, we were charmed by the service we received from our driver. His friendly smile immediately put us at ease, and his safe and considerate driving as he took us to our villa was much appreciated.
No Time to Unpack
Maliga Kanda is first and foremost a tranquil haven for family and friends to spend time together, however as it’s also just a 15-minute drive from UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle Fort – the beaches, restaurants and boutique shops were just too tempting. So we made a beeline for Galle Fort within an hour of arriving at the villa and spent the afternoon exploring the area.
Delicious Hospitality
One of the highlights of our stay was the warm and smiling staff, who went above and beyond to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable. Not only was Maliga Kanda spacious and inviting, but we were treated to mouthwatering meals expertly prepared and beautifully presented. Our chef catered to a range of dietary requirements and preferences, ensuring that everyone in our group was well-fed and satisfied.
Memories are Made Together
One thing that really stood out was how Maliga Kanda’s vast spaces actually brought us all together. We loved spending lazy days lounging by the giant infinity pool, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, before gathering around the outdoor gazebo-roofed dining area for a banquet. However it was at night when Maliga Kanda revealed her magic ability to bind us together – we naturally gathered in the entertainment room and hosted impromptu ping pong tournaments while younger members of our group danced to Sri Lankan and Bollywood music videos while making TikTok videos. This was my highlight of the trip.
The gym was a bonus for a few in our group who wanted to maintain their exercise routine. And let’s not forget the spa, too – what a treat to indulge in a massage while staying in such a beautiful, tranquil villa. Another pleasant surprise was the villa’s WiFi bandwidth, which made it possible for all twelve of us to work and attend meetings seamlessly. To top it all off, we were pleased to find no mosquitos in the villa, thanks to their excellent facilities for keeping these pesky insects at bay.
More Sri Lankan Villas Up Close
Maliga Kanda really lives up to the reviews left by those who have stayed and the reputation of the villa’s caring staff. Stay tuned to see where we stayed next >>
