Highlights
- Characterful, historic manor house
- Day trips to Colombo
- Close to Negombo beach
- Elephant sanctuary visits
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 855 686 7694
EnquireThe Wallawwa is an elegant, historic manor house located in Kotoguda within easy reach of Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo. Combining old world charm with contemporary touches, the property boasts tropical gardens, open verandas and terraces, a library, a sociable bar, a swimming pool, and a lovely Ayurvedic spa. The ‘Verandah’ restaurant serves Sri Lankan and Asian fusion cuisine made with home grown or locally sourced ingredients to guests and locals alike. Croquet, indoor games and Sri Lankan cookery classes are available on site, and there are plenty of cultural and beach activities nearby.
The accommodation comprises 17 elegant rooms and suites, each boasting king-size or twin beds, en-suite wet-rooms with rainwater showers, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi to name but a few of the many amenities. The Garden Suites are particularly secluded and feature a private garden-view veranda or garden with comfortable furniture. In addition there are designated two-bedroom, two-bathroom Family Suites and the enormous Mountbatten Suite takes the biscuit, boasting two spacious interconnecting bedrooms, a free-standing bathtub in the main bathroom and private swimming and plunge pools.
Activities might include a day trip to bustling Colombo with its historical and religious buildings, street food sellers, and bazaars in the Pettah market district, or visits to Negombo beach which is about half an hour away. The fish market in Negombo is worth a visit, and days can be whiled away snorkelling, scuba diving, sunbathing on the long stretch of golden sand, or enjoying a boat trip out into the lagoon. Visits to the Millennium Elephant Sanctuary can also be arranged.
Children of all ages are welcome and extra beds for toddlers under two, and cots for infants, can be brought in to the standard hotel rooms if requested in advance. Families with older children can stay in the designated Family Suite which comprises a Garden Suite and a smaller, twin-bedded Wallawwa bedroom. Another, larger option for families is the Mountbatten Suite which houses a master bedroom with a king-sized bed, a lounge and a private garden complete with plunge pool. The second bedroom is furnished with queen-sized twin beds and has its own shower room – in fact, the Mountbatten can sleep up to 6 people if the queen-sized beds are shared. Parents are advised that The Wallawwa has a pool and several unfenced ponds in the garden, so children should be supervised at all times.
We had such a good holiday. You did a fantastic job!
The house in Marrakesh was ridiculous. We effectively had it to ourselves. The accommodation was borderline palatial.
I actually think that the time we had in Marrakesh was sufficient. We could potentially have done a day by a pool but I think we’d done enough souk-ing by the end of Day Two.
The hotel in the mountains was a shade more rustic than I was expecting, but all great fun. Stunning views. The guide / mule / cook team were excellent and our guide (Hassan) tailored the treks to our capabilities well. He was superb, and really made an effort with the kids. The second and third day of trekking were particularly good. Such an adventure for the kids.
All the logistics worked seamlessly. Every aspect went like clockwork. Top marks. The advice on tipping was also much appreciated (I hate thinking that I’m getting mugged off or am potentially not giving enough…).
From my seven-year-old son:
I thought it was GREAT. The food was amazing and the culture was very interesting. My favourite bit was scrambling up rocks in the Atlas Mountains.
In retrospect, I’d probably do the trip in reverse. Flopping on the roof terrace after the rigours of the mountains would have been even more satisfying.
Henry O
reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
on 05 June 2025
We just wanted to thank you for an absolutely amazing holiday. Everything went exactly to plan and we were blown away with the quality of the guides, transport and accommodation. The itinerary was perfect for our family with a great mix of guided and free days and the different destinations complemented each other well. We will definitely be using Tourdust again for our next trip! Particular highlights were the Ha Long Bay cruise, Hanoi, and the morning cycle tour in Siam Reap
Jane P
reviewing Complete Vietnam For Families
on 14 May 2025
We had an extraordinary time. It was magical and we couldn't hav asked or hoped for more. Thank you both so much for all of your time and assistance.
Emma M
reviewing Best of Botswana for Families
on 18 November 2024