THE GALLE OF IT ALL
English interior designer George Cooper travelled to Sri Lanka late last century to visit an estate once owned by his ancestors. He fell in love with an inland tea plantation that had nothing to do with the family, bought it and Kahanda Kanda was born in 2006.
Cooper closed his business in England nurtured the beautiful property on a working tea plantation on the north-east shore of Lake Koggola, near Galle, to have it become regarded as one of the most beautifully decorated hotels in Sri Lanka and its owner an important tastemaker.
In March last year he opened KK by George, selling exclusive jewellery and clothing for women. It's a companion to his KK Collection store at Galle Fort, selling selected local and regional homewares and gifts.
And now, joining the oh-so-stylish stable, is KK Beach Hotel & Club, just 12 kilometres from Galle on the south coast on the west side of Habaraduwa. Its genesis, Cooper says, was him identifying the need for something "chic yet affordable" on the coast.
The crisp and sparkling hotel designed in white, natural textures and colours including nautical blues, features expansive views along the coastline from just six accommodation options across standard room, suite and penthouse categories. It can be booked as a whole for special occasions.
The kitchen offers locally sourced barbecues and curry dinners and a selection of Thai and fusion dishes as well as daily Sri Lankan lunch. With the restaurant open to non-guests, a free shuttle service between the hotel and its sister property, Kahanda Kanda enables guests of each to check out both properties.
All the artwork in the hotel has been commissioned from Sri Lankan artists, giving them an opportunity to showcase their talents, and all the paintings are for sale.
Rooms from $US300. See kkbeach.com.
