Lunuganga
Southern Beaches , Sri LankaLunuganga Country Estate is the former home-turned-boutique-hotel of celebrated architect Geoffrey Bawa. The estate features 10 meticulously designed rooms, each offering a glimpse into Bawa's architectural philosophy.
Guests can enjoy leisurely days by the swimming pool or participate in hosted garden tours that reveal the history and intricacies of Bawa’s 40-year labour of love. Whether seeking a soulful retreat or a picturesque escape, Lunuganga promises a truly authentic and unforgettable experience in Sri Lanka.
All 10 bedrooms are furnished and preserved as Bawa envisages them, and they sit within independent, uniquely styled buildings dotted throughout the Lunuganga garden.
Other things to do and places to visit in Bentota, Sri Lanka’s water sports capital, include jet skiing, windsurfing, and boat trips on the Madu Ganga river estuary, an important wetland.
Hikkaduwa is a popular surfing resort, and Ambalangoda is famous for southern culture and folk masks.
Best Time to Visit
The weather is sunny throughout the year along the southwest coast, but the time for clearest skies is between December and April, with the latter being the hottest.
The monsoon season kicks in at the end of April and continues until June and from September to November.
Despite the rainy seasons, there’s still plenty of sunshine throughout the traditional monsoon months.
Accommodation
At Lunuganga, there are ten individually furnished rooms and suites, each situated within independent, uniquely styled buildings dotted throughout the garden. Each room purposefully frames views of the garden and the lake.
All bedrooms are furnished with rare and personal artefacts that belonged to Bawa, and the estate and bedrooms are preserved in the same way that he envisaged.
- The Geoffrey Bawa Suite
- Cinnamon Hill Bedrooms (2)
- Glass House
- Gate House
- Gallery Studio Suite
- Main House Studio
- N0. 5 Ena’s Bedroom
- No. 5 Guest Suite
- No. 5 Master Suite
Activities
The team is ready to organize any activity for you. If you're interested in joining any of them, just ask.
- Lunuganga's garden is a destination in its own right, a masterpiece deserving leisurely exploration. Hosted tours are included, or you can wander at your own pace. Geoffrey Bawa crafted Lunuganga over 40 years, showcasing his architectural evolution and innovative designs.
- Bevis, Geoffrey's brother, lived near Lunuganga, and his former estate, Brief, is also preserved. Don't miss tours of this intimate property with its structured garden, ghoulish statues, detailed murals, and colonial-era antiques.
- Other nearby activities include jet skiing and windsurfing in Bentota, boat trips along the wildlife-filled wetlands of the Madu Ganga river estuary, and exploring the rich history and architecture of Galle Fort. Ambalangoda is renowned for its southern arts and crafts.
Facilities
Lunuganga Estate features an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a restaurant and a bar in Bentota.
At Lunuganga, guests at Cinnamon Hill are poised for a serene dip in the garden's tranquil atmosphere with an upcoming infinity pool overlooking the lake.
Exclusive bookings of Cinnamon Hill (two rooms) or the trio of bedrooms at Ena House include personalized butler service.
Ena House also offers private dining for group stays.
Sustainability
Lunuganga has several ongoing projects supporting local communities in and around the property. These projects range from area clean-ups to hosting special events like blood donation drives and orphanage events.
Children
While Lunuganga welcomes children of all ages, its vast gardens and limited child-friendly amenities make it better suited to older children.
Getting There
Lunuganga is a 10-minute drive from Bentota or a 90-minute drive from the Colombo International Airport.
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant and bar
- Lake front and garden views
- Daily Garden Tours
- Airport transfers
- Hosted garden tours
- Boat rides on the Deduwa Lake
- A visit to Brief Gardens
"There’s something magical about Lunuganga that offers a glimpse into the creative and talented mind of Geoffrey Bawa and where his spirit truly lives. We love the private sit-outs at some of the suites where you’re serenaded by the songs of exotic birds"
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