Sri Lanka - Galle

“You need so little to have a good time there,” she says of the island’s paradise shores. “Just a towel and a mat, some fresh mangoes, some coconuts. You can go and swim, come back, have a piece of freshly cooked red mullet, and there you are, you’ve just had a fantastic day.”

- Reita Gadkari, Owner of Owl and the Pussycat

One of the most beautiful places I have ever been, in every possible way. In the wake of the recent attacks, my heart goes out to all the beautiful people of this magical island and all those affected, I can only hope that future generations have a vision of unity and peace that transcends differences. For children to grow up in a world where respect, equality and opportunity for all are a reality. 

Loved the simplicity and jagged edges mixed with the softness of the people and beauty of the land.  The food and drinks were by far one of my favourite: fruit, fish, passion fruit vodkas and coconut milk bases for most of the curries, simplicity at its finest. So quiet and peaceful on an island that was ravaged by civil war - a reminder of the resilience of humanity, and also the good at its core.

The Owl and the Pussycat Boutique Hotel

The Essentials:

1) Hotel: The Owl and the Pussycat boutique hotel is by far the sweetest place I have been to in awhile, with a quiet spot on the beach for sunsets, great food, yoga and they take care of you the whole way through with whatever you need. The beautiful linens and serveware are sourced from India, for another trip! 

View from Hotel

2) Cuisine: curries, curries, curries and then the fruit. Seafood curries so light and healthy, and the hoppers and fruit every morning for breakfast could be a lifetime ritual. Utterly happy-making. The first thing I did upon my return was invest in a Sri Lankan cuisine cookbook, and have since spent time searching London for local restaurants: Hoppers being the best! 

Best Curries in the World...to date

Breakfast done right...

3) Spa - if you need a bit of a quiet relaxing afternoon (a break from all the other relaxing), the Amangalla in Galle Fort is a beautiful colonial outpost for a massage, cocktail and meal. The town is great for lovely little boutiques with homewares and spices: cinnamon a must!  

Lovely Galle Fort

4) Yoga - at the heart of this trip was yoga - the beaches are beautiful and wild but similar to Bali, they are not the heart of the country - it's the wilderness, the jungle, the rugged bits. 

Sri Yoga Shala

4)  Fishing & Tea - the two big industries in Sri Lanka and worth a visit to a plantation to discover the history and support the local economy. I went to Handunugoda Estate and highly recommend, especially if you really enjoy tea - some of the best I have had. 

Local Fisherman 

Beautiful beyond words, can't wait to return...xxx