Omatta Villas:

The ultimate country retreat

by Beverley Jansz

Sitting on top of a small hill, surrounded by Iush greenery and a micro tea plantation is the perfect spot for a genuine 'away from it all' break; Omatta Villas.

Just two hours drive from the crowded vibrant beat of Colombo is this haven of tranquillity and unsullied air. Omatta Villas lies in the rural heart of Western Province, close to Matugama. From this perch on top of the hill the visitor has a perfect 360 degree view of the lush, verdant fields and mountains that surround it. It is the ideal place to go with family or close friends; to take walks through the paddy and strolls through the rubber estates and cinnamon plantations. Or just to sit and watch the multitude of birds that fly around this "little piece of paradise."

Omatta Villas is a new property but it feels as if it has been there since time began, it has been designed and built to be at one with its environment.

It has three individual villas, each comprising of a king-sized bed and en-suite shower and toilet. A visually stunning design feature is the skylight fifteen feet above you in the shower corner; although fully glazed it gives the impression that it is open directly to the sky.

The bedrooms are tastefully furnished using vibrant colour schemes and local artefacts with air conditioning that is effective but quiet! The dining pavilion is a clever blend of Sri Lankan traditional furnishings and an ultra modern breakfast bar with all mod cons! But, there is really no need to concern yourself with the cooking facilities for all this is taken care of by highly trained staff that will cater to your every wish.

If you look closely around the foot of the hill, you will discover a mini-orchard, a vegetable patch and a herb garden.

All planted and cared for so that the chef can prepare meals that are full of natural produce with the goodness that only comes from fresh grown food. And in keeping with its attitude of only the best in everything it offers; Omatta Villas has an infinity-view swimming pool looking across the green lush mountains. This pool is the perfect place for you to 'chill out' after your walk in the golden hued paddyfields.

Many of us do not want the cliched "visit to the beach", here at last is an alternative. A retreat that fills your lungs with fresh clean air but not your shoes with sand! Managed by Philip Goodstein, an Englishman now living in Sri Lanka, Omatta Villas offers charm, sophistication and the most valuable commodity of all - privacy.

With its three villas, each with a king-sized bed Omatta Villas can accommodate at most 6 people. Cleverly, Omatta Villas is only rented to one group at a time, so its guests are guaranteed the seclusion and privacy that they want. You can choose to go with others or just you and a partner for that perfect romantic break, maybe a second honeymoon?

Omatta Villas web site and advertising say "Relax, Reflect and emerge Reborn" for once all true words accurately describing this new Sri Lankan piece of paradise.

Omatta Viilas can be reached via www.omattavillas.com

[email protected]