Emilee Tombs checks into Ishq Colombo in Sri Lanka’s second-largest city and finds a beautiful example of tropical modernism with just four rooms
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The hotel is located 40 minutes from the airport and 90 minutes from Galle. Nearby there are upscale restaurants, cafes and bars, plus the National Museum and, for architecture fans, Geoffrey Bawa’s Residence. We stayed here after flying from the UK into Colombo airport and before heading into the Hill Country.
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Blending tropical modernism with Dutch and English colonial style, the former private residence was designed by Channa Daswatte (a protege of famed Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa). The interiors feature plenty of wood, original artwork, vintage black-and-white photos of old Ceylon, custom and antique furniture with cream and taupe linens and glass chandeliers.
The central, open-air courtyard garden is a peaceful enclave of well-maintained tropical greenery, with strategically placed seating throughout and a fish pond.
There are many places to sit and relax throughout the property, from the poolside lounge with its coffee table tomes and Kashmiri rugs to the poured concrete courtyard dining room where breakfast is served and the more formal dining room complete with an impressively large oblong chandelier hanging over the formal dining table.
Butlers and managers provide personalised service. Preferences are remembered throughout your stay and meal times are arranged around you.
Four air-conditioned suites are clustered around a central courtyard. Master Suite 1 includes a four-poster bed, living and dressing rooms and a frankly enormous bathroom with two giant sinks, a walk-in shower and a door that leads to a roof terrace. Master Suite 2, on the roof terrace, includes a large living room with a workstation; the Guest Pool Suite has direct access to the pool on the ground floor and the Corner Suite is cosier.
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Breakfast is included in the room rate and features fresh fruits, breads, and pastries, followed by local dishes – think hoppers with sambols and curries. A private chef arranges all meals at a time that suits you, and while there is a suggested menu, we got the impression that anything would have been possible. The Sri Lankan curry – typically a collection of seven-10 dishes including curries, sambols, chutneys and breads – was full of flavour and beautifully presented.
The hotel doesn’t serve alcohol, but guests are permitted to bring their own with no corkage fee.
A Riad-inspired lap pool runs adjacent to the hotel’s open-air lounge, and there are plenty of places to relax on the antique furniture or the rope swing in the garden. On the rooftop you’ll find a Jacuzzi, steam room and relaxation area. A library of rare books sits on the second floor overlooking the gardens. There is a garage for guest cars.
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There is one room on the ground floor which would be suitable for those with mobility issues, however, the property has no lift, and the rest of the rooms are accessed by a central staircase.
Cots are available at no extra charge, and the chef can create dishes for little palates, no matter how fussy. As with most places we stayed in Sri Lanka, there are no baby changing facilities. The pool is deep, so parents must accompany children at all times. The place has a quiet, peaceful air, and while very welcome, it is probably better suited to guests without children in tow.
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Best thing: Between the beautiful decor and the on-hand private chef
Perfect for: A peaceful, foodie stay in a busy city
Not right for: Groups seeking a lively vibe
Instagram from: The library window – plantation shutters open – overlooking the gardens
Address: Ishq Colombo, 17/2 Alfred Place Colombo 3, Colombo, 00003, Sri Lanka
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