The Notary's House
Makandura
The Notary’s House is a welcoming oasis just a short drive from Colombo airport, making it a natural place to bookend your trip. With a contemporary, homely feel which encourages you to unwind, along with bright interiors, shady terraces and heritage details, the ambiance is definitely one of relaxation and respite. The open layout invites you to amble languidly through the gardens, or find a soft, cushioned corner to curl up in. Despite its generous proportions, this secluded boutique hosts only a handful of guests, so it never feels crowded.
Wander beneath the coconut trees to the edge of the lake, allowing your mind to gently unwind. Take tea on the terrace, lay back on a lounger, or cool off with a dip in the inviting pool, before heading indoors for a beautifully cooked dinner of fragrant Sri Lankan specialities as the sun sets.
Location
Makandura is nestled neatly between Colombo and the Cultural Triangle, making it great for your first night or two in the country, or as a convenient stop on your journey east.
A little more detail
Close to Colombo airport
Garden & sun terrace
Outdoor pool
Home-cooked Sri Lankan cuisine
From a client…
The perfect place for our first two nights in Sri Lanka - we really felt that we had arrived somewhere special and immediately began to discover the local culture.
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Why we love it
Discover what to expect from staying at The Notary's House
Convenient and calming
There are many properties within convenient reach of Colombo airport, but few with such a genuine sense of welcoming tranquillity, which is just what you crave post arrival or pre-departure. The clever layout means that each guest is granted a true sense of space and privacy, whilst at the same time being made to feel at home within moments of arrival - a difficult balance to get right, and the Notary’s House nails it.
A sense of cultural connection
The Notary’s House has a real sense of place, allowing you to connect with Sri Lanka straight away. The bright rooms are accented with heritage-style pieces which evoke the country’s diverse history, from regal kingdoms to European influence. The wildly-planted gardens bring a sense of the country’s spice-growing heritage, which culminates in the superb local dinners served in style on the terrace.
What can you do there?
The team at Notary’s house are keen to get you into the surrounding countryside and forest, as well as introducing you to the local temple and the community and spreading the benefit of some of your spend. Bikes are complimentary during your stay, as are guided bird watching walks around the lake and a cooking demonstration. Further afield, Dambadeniya Ancient Kingdom is a truly fascinating site. It’s a short drive away, and great for those staying two nights or more who are interested in a more remote experience than they will get in the Cultural Triangle.
Family-Friendly Welcome
It’s a great property for families. Nimesh and his friendly team can arrange kite making for kids, which is especially good in the summer when there is a bit of a breeze, and games of cricket with families and the staff are not uncommon. Swimming in the lake is also great fun for all ages!
