Why House

After a multi-stop tour round Sri Lanka we knew we wanted to end up at the Why House. Why? Tranquility, a warm welcome from Henrietta and the great staff, the beautiful environment and rooms, and the proximity to beaches and Galle. Our kids adore it and were so excited to be back. It didn’t disappoint. Henrietta greeted us like long lost friends, the food was even better than previous visits (the tuna and the Weligama chicken were sensational) and our double room villa near the pool was genuinely stunning. Things don’t stand still despite the timeless, elegant feel of the place - and since our last visit the gym had arrived plus Netflix in the rooms (not that we spent much time there). The atmosphere and easy nature of the place are impossible to better. Nothing is any trouble, you can be as sociable or antisocial as you want to be, you can chill for the day and eat all meals there, or can just use it as a base. All in all it’s a slice of heaven at the tip of a magical island. We are already planning to return in two years time.

It’s safe to say we couldn’t have enjoyed our time at Why House any more than we did. The idyllic setting – surrounded by luscious Sri Lankan greenery and drenched in sunlight – was everything we could’ve hoped for for an incredibly relaxing stay. The staff were as hospitable as they come, and they were particularly sweet with my 1-year old baby and my friends’ 9-month old. The food was delicious and it was unsurprising to hear that the proprietor trained at Le Cordon Bleu. Beyond orchestrating the food, she was a wonderful host and looked after us attentively and thoughtfully, adding so much to our experience. We can’t wait to return.

We had an incredible time at Why House, its the most magical place, the staff are amazing, nothing is too much trouble The room was incredible, furnished beautifully, as is the whole hotel It is set in the most beautiful grounds, and is very close to Galle We can't wait to go back again, its so serene , peaceful and relaxing, didnt want to go home!

Why House has the most incredible reviews, for good reason, this place is the best! Food, delicious, staff amazing, experience first class. We stayed with our 3yr old, “could we possibly have some food for her at 5.30?” we asked. At any other hotel, the response would be, I’m sorry dinner starts at 7.30. At this place, absolutely, we have a full menu available at any time, just ask. Out came the most delicious pasta, ice cream etc etc. We had lobster, prawns, delicious drinks all at a very reasonable price. Pool amazing . . . 15/20 minutes from Galle. I could go on. We will be back, for sure. Thank you, thank you.

From the moment we arrived at Why House and were so warmly welcomed by Henrietta, we knew it was somewhere very special. Very comfortable rooms, beautiful gardens, fabulous pool and of course, the food….which is utterly delicious! Henrietta and her team are exceptional - it appears that nothing is too much trouble. Always on hand to help or offer suggestions for things to see and do, but in a wonderfully relaxed and friendly way. Thank you for a couple of very happy days!

We spent 5 nights at Why House in late February and had a wonderful time. The hotel itself is a lovely colonial-style collection of buildings set out around a central restaurant and pool. It feels incredibly luxurious and special whilst retaining a relaxed easy-going atmosphere, with gentle vibes consistent with the R&R we were looking for. We had room 5 which had a big bedroom (high quality linen) with super high ceilings, an expansive bathroom and walk-in wardrobe and private veranda with seating and a bell to ring for tea. The hotel also has a stylish sitting room and library with comfy sofas available for anyone to use. The location is great - close enough to walk to the beach, but far enough to secure peace and quiet when required; and an easy tuk-tuk into Galle for everything on offer there. Food was delicious, varied and plentiful. Hen has done a great job bringing together a long-standing team, who could not have looked after us any better - we didn’t want for anything and Hen was always around to offer helpful suggestions for things to see and do. And her 4-legged assistant Violet Elizabeth (Letty) is gorgeous too. Thanks so much for making our holiday special.