VILLA ERMITA

The property has a 200 year history and has featured in numerous guide books to Sri Lanka. The original plantation home has had a number of notable and notorious occupants. For a period (1840-1880) it was owned by the Ephraim family who were the proprietors of the New Oriental Hotel, now Amangalla.

The property’s subsequent development over the past 30 years by architect Kerry Hill forms part of an important architectural legacy. It has been written about extensively in architectural books and publications, and regularly hosts visiting architects and university students.The property is a serene secluded sanctuary set on 20 acres, only 7.5 kms from the UNESCO listed Galle Fort and just a short drive to beautiful white sand beaches.

Built as a collection of separate pavilion buildings centered around the original plantation house built in 1820 – forming a compound of five very separate bedrooms with en-suites, numerous large living and communal areas, courtyards, a dining pavilion designed to comfortably seat 20 guests, a 70ft pool and large pool pavilion plus kitchen and separate staff buildings. All buildings are set high up on a hill, over looking vast flood plains with views to Adam’s Peak from the verandah of the main house to the North and the winding river Gin to the South.

Prices quoted are in US Dollars, are listed by the Villa Owners and are subject to change without prior notice. However, once a deposit or payment has been received, the prices will not be amended for the dates of the rental. All payments are to be made in US dollars unless an exchange rate for other currencies has been agreed on prior to the payment being made. Bookings more than 30 days before the date of arrival will require a 50% deposit to confirm the booking. The full payment must be received 30 days (60 days if peak period) before the date of arrival. No reminder will be sent and failure to pay on time may result in a loss of the booking. Bookings made within 30 days of the date (60 days if peak period) of arrival, will require full payment. Once the deposit or payment has been received, a final booking confirmation will be sent. A security deposit equivalent of one night rent will be payable in US Dollars, in cash, on arrival at the villa. This deposit will be used against any damages or charges incurred during the stay. The difference or full amount will be returned in USD on the day of departure. If the charges cannot be determined at the time of departure, the Owner is entitled to withhold a reasonable estimate from your security deposit and will return any balance as soon as the actual cost has been determined.

For cancellations more than 60 days before the arrival date 50% of the total rental amount, minus a USD 150 administration fee, will be refunded. For cancellations and/or amendments 30 – 60 days before the arrival date, 50% of the final booking amount, minus USD 150 in administration fees, will be refunded. For cancellations 1 – 29 days before the arrival date and for no -shows, no refund will be made. During peak periods, 30 days will be added to all cancellation periods. A refund may be offered, if the Villa is re -let for the same duration and at the same rates. Any amendments that reduce the total rental amount will be treated as a partial cancellation and may be subject to the cancellation fees stated above. Any amendments that involve the booking of another property altogether, will be treated as a cancellation of the original booking and the creation of a new one. In the unlikely event a villa booking is cancelled by the owner, the owner will attempt to secure a booking in an alternative property of the same standard, at the same rates. If this is not possible, a full refund will be made.

These cancellation terms apply for regular booking periods, but may be subject to change for peak or high seasons and will be communicated to you in all booking details.