The Last House Hotel, Sri Lanka

A blissful location on pristine Mawella Beach, combined with inspiring Geoffrey Bawa-designed architecture, a personable staff team and a relaxed, easygoing atmosphere, all make The Last House an absolute standout. A stay here is to experience Sri Lanka at its most quintessential. Whether occupying just one of the individually-designed ensuite bedrooms or taking over the property exclusively (12 guests max.), guests can be assured of an indulgent yet genuine stay in Sri Lanka.

The house was designed by Sri Lanka’s late, great architect Geoffrey Bawa, and was his last private commission (hence the hotel’s name). Bawa’s Tropical Modernist architectural style is legendary across Asia, and The Last House embodies many aspects of this unique style. Opportunities to stay in small Bawa-designed properties are very rare.

The Last House is well-situated for excursions to Yala, Udawalawe and Bundalda National Parks, as well as Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, Rekawa (for turtles), and Mirissa (for whale and dolphin excursions).

Rooms
There are a total of five bedrooms at The Last House, all named in relation to architect Geoffrey Bawa. Cinnamon Hill has two bedrooms, and was named after the owner ’s experience of staying in Lunuganga’s Cinnamon Hill suite in the early creative days of collaboration. Here there is one master bedroom and one twin bedroom, which can be booked or as a combination for a family or two couples. There are three additional double bedrooms, named after some of Bawa’s favourite trees: Moonamal, Atteriya and Na. All bedrooms are air conditioned and have private ensuite bathrooms with hot water showers.

Facilities
The hotel has a swimming pool within a tropical garden, which leads directly via a private gate onto the beach. Guests tend to dine in company on the restaurant terrace, or staff can set up private dining areas beneath the palms or even on the beach. Masseurs can be called upon to administer relaxing treatments at the hotel, and yoga classes can be easily arranged. The hotel also offers a selection of board games as well as good connectivity with fibre optic WiFi.