Owl and the Pussycat Thalpe, Sri Lanka

Recently opened in early 2016, Owl and the Pussycat is Sri Lanka’s newest boutique hotel offering guests a luxury long-haul hideaway.

Located in the southern coastal town of Thalpe, the hotel is just a short tuk-tuk ride from the historic Galle Fort. Owners Reita Gadkari and Shane Thantirimudalige, both leading property developers have created a hotel that offers sophistication and style, with a lively seaside atmosphere and access to an unparalleled authentic Sri Lankan experience. Painted in deep pastels and vibrant bohemian hues, the property is designed by New York Architect Uday Dhar. The hotel’s furniture, colourful textiles and artwork are handmade by 20 artists from all over the world including local craftsmen. The property boasts generously sized rooms and suites with views of the Indian Ocean, a restaurant with an Executive Chef offering traditional Sri Lankan cuisine with Mediterranean accents and fusion food, a bar and café, a relaxed beach shack and a beautiful swimming pool with sunbeds around it. Outside guests are welcome to use the facilities ensuring a sociable and relaxed local atmosphere.

Accommodation comprises 17 individually designed rooms and suites (from 25 – 100 sq.metres) with WI-FI, where 8 have open-plan kitchens, en-suite bathrooms and some have private terraces and balconies.

Guests can request for a massage and yoga lessons through the management. A specially designed hut by the seafront provides the space for massages and Ayurveda treatments in truly natural surrounds.

A mosaic tiled platform or stage enables guests to enjoy their yoga lessons or laze on the sofas watching the sun slip away into the ocean while enjoying a signature cocktail conjured by the Food and Beverage Manager himself, the Italian born Nicola. Stilt fishermen are a natural sighting and can be approached for lessons if interested. Additional excursions can be arranged with the management to the turtle hatchery, shopping in Galle, a visit to the Sinharaja forest, sailing, hiking, whale and dolphin watching in Mirissa, diving and surfing.

The hotel is named after Edward Lear’s quirky poem which inspired the owner from the moment she began her journey with her flagship property in Sri Lanka. Gadkari hails from northern India and has spent over 23 years developing property and interiors around the world in New York, London, Mumbai and Italy. She travels the world spanning India, Italy, New York and Argentina and has flown in artists from Turkey the UK and Italy to Sri Lanka to fill the property with colourful works of the finest craftsmanship.