Translating to mean ‘abode of peace’, Nisala Arana is a name befitting the property. Its lush, sprawling garden and serene ambience are inviting, and will make vacationers feel right at home the moment they step in. The estate lends itself to a variety of occasions and holidays - from weddings and celebrations, to yoga retreats and family getaways. Immaculately furnished, the home features a wonderful art collection, vintage cars, antiques and photographs. A total of seven bedroom houses 14 guests.
With seven bedrooms, Nisala Arana is well-suited for accommodating groups of 14. Up to four extra guests may be accommodated at additional charges.
The Doctor’s House contains two bedrooms: a master suite with a king poster bed, as well as a twin bedroom antique canopy singles. Both rooms share a bathroom equipped with an outdoor shower.
The remaining bedrooms are spread across the Coconut Wing and Mango Wing. The former features two double bedrooms that come complete with en suite bathrooms, while the latter contains two suites. Both suites are kitted out with king beds and day beds, and open out to a verandah overlooking the garden.
Interestingly, Nisala Arana was once the estate of a village Ayurvedic doctor, so the extensive gardens of the home are peppered with fruit and medicinal trees. The property’s spacious grounds offer several options for dining: there’s a capacious dining pavilion with views out to the pool, an al fresco dining set in the garden or verandahs at one of the standalone villas. Other outdoor amenities include a swimming pool, badminton court, croquet lawn and holistic treatment facilities.
The living spaces at Nisala Arana are spread out over three standalone villas: Doctor’s House, Coconut Wing and Mango Wing. An exquisite collection of Dutch-style furniture - like four poster beds, almirahs, writing desks and plantation chairs - adds on to the atmospheric setting of the estate.
The 150-year-old Doctor’s House once served as the residence of an Ayurvedic doctor. Majestic and elegant, the abode features traditional design elements like a verandah, central courtyard pond, ornate arches and columns and flowered trellis window panels. But the home isn’t lacking in modern amenities - the living area comes kitted out with a TV set, home theatre system, playstation, iPod station and Wi-Fi connectivity. There’s also a fully equipped kitchen, as well as a dining area containing a six seater dining set.
Guest bedrooms are housed in the Coconut Wing and Mango Wing.
Nisala Arana provides the following amenities at no additional cost: baby cot, high chair, bicycle rental, housekeeping, gardening and personal guest services.
Amenities available at additional charges include: airport transfer, boat rental, private driver services, scooter rental, security services, laundry, massage treatments and professional child minding services.
Nisala Arana is located in the village of Kommala, about 10 minutes’ drive from Bentota Resort. Bentota Beach is about 10 minutes’ drive from your villa, and other noteworthy attractions in the vicinity include Galle Fort, Brief Garden, Warakagoda Temple, Richmond Castle and Mirissa.
The fortified town of Galle is a historic gem dating back to 1588. Within the town lie charming streets lined with stunning colonial buildings, churches and a wide ranging variety of restaurants, cafes and boutiques. Walking or cycling tours are a great way to discover the attraction.
Brief Garden, developed by Ceylonese landscape artist Bevis Bawa boasts beautifully manicured grounds and a calm, atmospheric setting. The stately Richmond Castle is worth a visit for its Edwardian architecture, expansive garden and informative tour.
While Warakagoda Temple once served as a palace fortress, it is now a tourist attraction and heritage site. A devale, temple, guard stones and moat fill the grounds, and the highlight here are the colourful frescoes peppered throughout the complex.
Mirissa is a must-visit for wildlife lovers; the months of November and March are ideal for whale watching trips, as blue whales and sperm whales can be viewed just off the coast. Round out your trip with an afternoon of relaxation upon the picture-perfect shores of Mirissa Beach.