Book direct with Ministry of Villas for the best price and to receive our complimentary concierge service. Select your dates below to reserve THAMBILI HOUSE
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Description
Thambili House Overview
Feel history come alive at Thambili House, a beautifully preserved heritage villa located in the UNESCO-protected Galle Fort in southern Sri Lanka. Dating back some 300 years, the villa has been meticulously converted into a contemporary holiday home living up to exacting modern standards. Located right by the fort walls, this is one of the only sea view villas in the fort and also comes with a private swimming pool. The décor is an enticing mix of 16th, 17th and 18th century antique and contemporary Sri Lankan art. Thambili House has three bedrooms, all furnished with romantic four-poster beds and adjoined by ensuite bathrooms.
Sleeps: 6 guests (8 max)
Features
- Air conditioned bedrooms
- Kitchen
- Private pool
- Satellite TV
- DVD player
- Free Wi-Fi access
- In-room safe
- Baby cot
- High chair
Inclusions
- Breakfast daily
- Villa manager
- Chef
- Housekeepers
- Butlers
- Security guards
Extras
- 1 Child under 6yrs free of charge
- Extra person USD $70 per night
- Priced menu available
- Airport transfers
- Spa services
Hot Deals
Last Minute & Early Bird Bookings
Contact our Villa Specialists to find out if your dates are eligible for our Last Minute and Early Bird discounts.
Thambili House Living
Thambili House has been lovingly restored to match its grand historic surroundings in the 400 year old Galle Fort. The interiors have been decorated with ornate antiques and a fresh modern polish, with a private garden and swimming pool to keep you cool in the tropical weather.
Living Room
The living room lounge is a grand space with polished stone floors and white columns lending the room the elegant feel of a time gone buy. A refined seating area with plantation chairs and a matching sofa create an elegant setting for swapping stories with friends and family after a day spent exploring the fort.
Dining Room
Enjoy idyllic alfresco meals gathered around the beautifully carved dining table, with six chairs seating the whole group with ease. The dining area offer serene views of the pool and the lush greenery which surrounds it.
Garden
This beautiful historic villa comes with its own private swimming pool; something of a rare find among the heritage villas in Galle Fort. The pool is surrounded by high walls with vines cascading down them, creating a lush tropical setting hidden amidst the age old cobble stone streets.
Thambili House Bedrooms
Thambili House has three bedrooms. Two rooms are furnished with a king-sized bed and one bedroom features two king-sized beds. Each bedroom is adjoined by an ensuite bathroom. The décor is elegant, perfectly in keeping with the villa’s historic aura.
Bedroom 1
The Cinnamon Suite is a loft room providing an added sense of privacy. The room is furnished with a king-sized four-poster bed and adjoined by an ensuite bathroom with a shower.
2 Guests
1 King Bed
Bathroom (Shower)
Bedroom 2
The Ginger Suite features two king-sized beds with windows looking out to the historic Lighthouse Street. The ensuite bathroom has a shower and a bath.
4 Guests
2 King Beds
Bathroom (Shower)
Bedroom 3
The Nutmeg Suite is the master bedroom with French windows and a private terrace looking out to the ocean. The room is decorated with antiques and features a king-sized bed and a grand ensuite bathroom with Roman pillars, a bathtub and shower.
2 Guests
1 King Bed
Bathroom (Bath + Shower)
Thambili House Layout
Thambili House is a historic villa with indoor living areas, an alfresco dining area, private swimming pool and three bedrooms, all adjoined by ensuite bathrooms.
Thambili House Staff
Your stay in Thambili House is made enjoyable by the professional staff. Thambili House’s staff have been professionally trained and will do their utmost to please with their warm and friendly hospitality.
Villa Manager
Thambili House’s experienced and knowledgeable manager is responsible for the overall operation of the villa. The villa manager will oversee and coordinate the staff and property and assist you during your stay.
Housekeeping
You didn’t think you would be expected to clean while enjoying time off did you? All of our villas include housekeeping to tidy up the villa, arrange the laundry services, wash up and simply make sure you don’t lift a finger whilst on holiday with the family.
Butlers
Butlers are on hand every day to assist with serving during meal times and attend to other guest requirements throughout your stay.
Chef
The villa’s skilled private chef will happily prepare anything from the Western, Asian, vegetarian and children’s suggestion menus, as well as discuss special requests and dietary requirements.
Security
It’s nice to know you have security and many villas will have full-time guards or night time security available. Additional security can also be arranged if the villa doesn’t include any in the daily rate.
Location
Thambili House offers a prime location in the UNESCO-protected Galle Fort in Sri Lanka. Located on the edge of the fort, this is one of the few sea view villas in the area. The villa is positioned right next to the Fort Rampart, just a hop and a skip from the Masjid Meera Jumma Mosque and the iconic Galle Fort Lighthouse. Today, Galle Fort is populated by charming restaurants, boutiques and museums dotted along the quaint cobblestone streets. If you’re looking to explore further, the stunning Unawatuna Beach is about 20 minutes away by car.
Galle Travel Guide
Dramatically beautiful, exotic and energetic, Galle is a large town stretching around the south-western coast of the drop-shaped island of Sri Lanka. Galle’s beautiful tropical scenery and the traditional lifestyle of Sri Lankan people perfectly match the modern appeal of the town, which is crammed full of colonial buildings, narrow streets and of course, Galle Fort – a celebrated World Heritage Site.
Bookings
Click on the ‘Reserve’ button to view live rates and availability for your desired dates. To book click on ‘Reserve Now’ and follow the steps. Ministry of Villas accepts Visa, MasterCard, Amex, PayPal or bank transfer. Once your payment has been processed, we will send you a booking confirmation via email.
Need to Know
- Minimum stay: Low Season: 3 nights, High Season: 3 nights, Peak Season: 3 nights
- Our rates include Government tax and services. Other websites add this on at the end of the booking!
- We offer the best rates online and offer a price guarantee to prove it!
- A deposit of 50% of the total amount must be paid at the time of booking
- Final payment is required 60 days prior to arrival
- Check-in time: 2pm – check-out time: 11pm
- Late check out until 6pm can be arranged at half the rental rate (subject to availability)
- Payment can be settled by credit card or PayPal (3% payment processing fee)
- Payment can be settled by bank transfer in your preferred currency (AUD / EUR / GBP / JPY / NZD / SGD / USD)
- Read our full terms and conditions
Sean H –
A Home Away from Home: Unforgettable Hospitality at Thambili House, Galle Fort
Staying at Thambili House by Edwards Collection in Galle Fort, Sri Lanka, was an unforgettable experience, akin to being part of an extended family. The host Supun, alongside his team Sandeep, Sandun, and the exceptionally talented chef Sunil, went above and beyond to make us feel at home. Their warm hospitality and personalized service added a unique charm to our stay. The house itself is a beautifully restored piece of history, offering stunning views, and comfortable, well-appointed rooms. Our days were filled with delightful activities, from playing cricket in Galle, surfing at Sri Lanka’s finest beaches, exploring the local culinary scene, to wandering the cobbled streets of Galle Fort. Each day was a new adventure, complemented by Sunil’s culinary masterpieces, tailored to our tastes. This team truly embodies the spirit of Sri Lankan hospitality, making Thambili House not just a place to stay, but a memorable part of our journey.
TripAdvisor Reviewed.
Stayed in January 2024
Milinda R –
Calm and Relaxing stay.
This was our first time at Thambili House and we really enjoyed our stay. We have stayed at different properties by Edwards Collection and as before the service was excellent. We booked the Nutmeg suite. We were well taken care of by Buddika and his staff including Sandeep who we had met before at The Far Pavilion. We highly recommend this place to anyone who’s looking for a calm relaxing holiday. The food was simply tasty and the quick dip in their plunge pool was awesome. Hope to go there again.
TripAdvisor Reviewed.
Stayed in October 2023
Ticker2002 –
Amazing
We had 4 wonderful nights at Thambili House last week. It is an extraordinarily beautiful establishment in a great location in Galle Fort. Buddika and all the staff were so lovely, and welcoming and accommodated all our needs (including access to a TV for cricket and an AFL final). The service was of very high quality, the food incredible and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Actually, wish we could have stayed! I have no hesitation in recommending Thambili House by Edwards Collection if you are looking for somewhere to stay in Galle Fort.
TripAdvisor Reviewed.
Stayed in September 2023
seanblue –
Wow stop looking and book it
Wow what a beautiful building that has been so appropriately furnished. A fantastic boutique hotel with a delightful swimming pool and dining area. The boys were outstanding and the service we received from them was the best we experienced in Sr Lanka. The meal that they cooked was also superb and I could not compliment them enough. I highly recommend this establishment.
TripAdvisor Reviewed.
Stayed in April 2023
christine coghill –
Stayed here for 4 nights recently and loved it. There are only two rooms and it was beautifully designed and decorated with antiques. Very comfortable. The staff were outstanding. Nothing was too much trouble for Buddi the Housekeeper. The Chef was incredible! We felt so special. It was a wonderful experience and we will recommend it to our friends. Thank you.
Google Reviewed April 2023
steven xavier solipse –
A luxurious 3-room boutique hotel hidden in Galle Fort. The modern city ends at the courtyard entrance and you are living in the 19th century, an illusion fostered by museum-quality teak furniture pieces throughout the house. It would be great for intimate events and also for B&B-style getaways. There is a small beautifully-tiled dipping pool and room for sunbathing. The two primary rooms have balconies and immense bathrooms.
The breakfast service is exceptional and recommended, especially if you are interested in the local cuisine. The staff is very on-point for what the hotel is going for, and live on-site whenever guests are in residence. They can get you whatever you may need.
Google Reviewed November 2022
Matan223 –
Incredible stay at Thambili House with amazing service
My wife and I stayed in the main suite for 1 night and can not recommend it highly enough. Beautiful historical building with, an incredible view of the frangipani tree from our deck and bath, and incredibly kind and attentive service. I would like to personally thank Mailndu for his above and beyond service and making our stay an unforgettable one. We will definitely be back, this time with our families so we can rent out the full house!
ZinamonKveen –
One of the best
Thambili House faces a fairly busy road but no sound nor dust seems to enter the premises as we experienced none of that during our stay. The house has lots of wooden furniture and is very pleasant. The room was clean and spacious, the bathroom the same and the beds were extremely comfortable. We also had a balcony overlooking the very lovely pool to sit out on. A Western or local breakfast is offered. We opted for local, which was both tasty and filling. We only interacted with one member of staff who was very attentive and helpful while giving us our space. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would happily revisit when possible.
HayleyW –
Fantastic stay
We booked the entire hotel for the 6 of us & took up the three beautiful rooms. The hotel is such an impressive building. There is loads of space and it is beautifully decorated. Its location is perfect, it is within the fort right across from the beach & a stone’s throw away from many cafes, bars, shops, and restaurants. The pool is also divine. The staff were incredible. There were at least 3 members of staff on hand at all times, and they couldn’t do enough for us.
We had dinner and breakfast at the hotel, both were delicious. For dinner, we asked for a selection of curries which we could not fault. Somehow they managed to whip it up during a power cut (Galle has a few power cuts). The table was set outside and where we dined on the terrace, it was really special. For breakfast, we had fruit platters, waffles, pancakes and eggs with bacon, etc, cooked however we liked. The food was plentiful and delicious.
Two of us needed covid tests to get back to Australia. The hotel organized this very quickly for us, they called a doctor who came to the hotel at 4.30 pm and sent us the results by 8 am the next day. So easy & painless. Thank you so much for a wonderful stay. I would recommend this beautiful historic house to anyone.
TripAdvisor Reviewed.
Stayed in March 2022
Nigel Pink –
Wonderful interior with attentive staff and a good location. However, it leaks and not just in one place, but all over, so if it’s raining watch the floor or you might slip.
Google Reviewed April 2021
southlondonsno1 –
Lovely Villa
We spent a lovely couple of days here. This building is full of atmosphere and the manager, Malindu, couldn’t be more friendly and helpful. Breakfasts also substantial and well presented! Highly recommended.
Trail741522 –
Accommodation
Pros: – Beautiful rooms, setting, decorations, etc. – Clean, deep pool – Great staff – Great Breakfast – Free upgrade as the only guests – Birthday Cake gifted as a surprise – Good location Cons: – None
Nari –
Fantastic accommodation and service
My husband and I stayed at Thambili House for 4 nights in August and we had a relaxing stay and a wonderful time. We were upgraded to the Nutmeg room which has a balcony with sea views and frangipani trees – we absolutely loved this room! The place is inside Galle Fort, which is a great location close to all the sights, many restaurants and stores. The service was just fantastic – Steven and the team were very friendly and went out of their way to help us. The Sri Lankan breakfast was delicious. Highly recommend – absolutely loved it!
Aimee –
Highly Recommend, a wonderful stay
The staff are amazing and go the extra mile to make your stay perfect, they arranged laundry, cooked wonderful meals, and were very friendly.
The location is perfect for Galle Fort.
The house is beautiful.
L. Dissanayake –
Amazing Place!
Stayed one night at Thambili House. Loved loved loved everything about the place. It’s such a beautiful villa so tastefully decorated! The staff was beyond amazing. The crab curry is must have! It’s to die for!
Ditte Maria J –
Fantastic place ❤️
Okey I will tell you this, if you’re having the pool View, your having a great room:) I cannot tell about the other rooms.. but the hotel only has 3 rooms and it’s so romantic and quite:) just inside the old town perfect place when you go for a walk or dinner. The staffs is wonderful It’s a bit expensive but it’s worth it. I felt like a queen 👸.
TripAdvisor Reviewed.
Stayed in March 2019
lyndell14 –
Fantastic
This is a must-stay in Galle Fort, especially with a group and you book the 3 bedrooms and the house is yours!! Decor, staff, position…everything was marvelous, especially the gorgeous pool where we spent part of every day. The only negative would be the top 3rd bedroom, as it is small with no external windows but really everything else makes up for it AND you only sleep there on very comfortable beds I must admit.
TripAdvisor Reviewed.
Stayed in February 2019
Family Moegster –
Great stay
We were a family of 5 staying in 2 rooms. Our stay was for 5 nights including Christmas eve, were we ate a lovely dinner at their sister hotel. The staff was extremely nice and helpful and was always willing to lend a hand to carry our luggage and etc. Thank you to Lakmal and Rashmin for being amazing towards us tourists in need of help. The food there was delicious and the breakfast was amazing. All of the rooms were big with comfy beds, the room on the top floor was a little bit smaller with no windows, but you spend the bare minimum of time in your room anyways so it’s not that big of a deal. The rooms on the second floor was the biggest and best with big bathrooms and balcony’s. The hotel is located perfectly for the evening, being right next to the main street with a lot of restaurants and shops. If we ever go back to Galle, Sri Lanka we will definitely stay at this hotel again.
Tim –
I was very lucky to have the villa to myself and would have loved to stay longer…
Beautiful building with lovely furniture. Great staff and exceptional food. The chef is very talented and the food was easily the best hotel food I had in Sri Lanka…
Elizabeth J –
Elegant villa perfect for relaxing
Just recently returned from a stay in this beautiful property. Our room was very tastefully furnished .Balcony overlooked the small pool. Dulip was amazing he made us feel very welcome and nothing was too much trouble for him. He is an asset to your company!! We were both were very impressed by his efforts. Please let him know that his service was impeccable. We would definitely recommend to our friends. A most enjoyable stay . Thank you.