Why House
Hotel · Akmeemana ·

Why House

Hotel · Akmeemana ·

Colonial elegance, lush gardens, personal service, gourmet food

attentive staff
lovely rooms
delicious food
friendly staff
fresh seafood
themed dinners
cocktail menu
beautiful oasis
Why House by null
Why House by i-escape.com
Why House by null
Why House by null
Why House by null
Why House by null
Why House by null
Why House by null
Why House by null
Why House by null
Why House by null
Why House by null
Why House by null
Why House by null
Why House by null
Why House by null
Why House by null
Why House by null
Why House by null
Why House by null
Why House by null

Information

Mihiripenna Meegahawattha, Road, Unawatuna 80600, Sri Lanka Get directions

Information

Static Map

Mihiripenna Meegahawattha, Road, Unawatuna 80600, Sri Lanka Get directions

+94 912 227 599
whyhousesrilanka.com
@why_house

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Last updated

Jan 28, 2026

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Why House, Talpe, near Galle, Sri Lanka - Explore & Book

"Turning off the highway towards Why House, we were taken back in time to a genteel world of colonial elegance and laid-back village life. This tranquil hideaway near Galle in southern Sri Lanka is very special indeed. The rooms are surrounded by palm trees and acres of lush gardens, where ripe fruit and spices scent the air. The buildings’ graceful style is cool and calming, while the staff are warm and welcoming, greeting visitors with a glass of fresh juice and broad smiles. Because there are so few rooms, they are able to give excellent service (including an amazing welcome ceremony!) and you'll feel instantly at home. Staying here is fun: it's just a 15-minute walk to the beach (complimentary tuk-tuks are also available), there are thrice-weekly aqua-aerobics sessions in the pool and daily afternoon tea and cake (included in the rates), and you can easily travel to Galle and beyond. The food is excellent, and with a pool and grounds to explore, you don't even need to leave if you're feeling lazy. It's popular with families, and also attracts couples and honeymooners; all in all, a wonderfully peaceful base for a beach holiday on Sri Lanka's south coast. Highs Family-friendly with lovely pool, interconnecting rooms, kids menu and large gardens filled with butterflies, birdsong and snooze-inducing hammocks Warm and friendly service from Henrietta and her team (including Nigella the sausage dog) Spacious beautiful rooms, all with high ceilings and antique furniture; we particularly liked the 2 suites in the main house, with their 4-poster beds and glass-roofed bathrooms Delicious food with special requests and diets accommodated Great base for exploring the coast and historic Galle Lows The hotel is located just inland, but it's only a 15-minute walk to the beach, and the rural surroundings of verdant rice paddies offers a more authentic slice of Sri Lanka Guests at the hotel may hear barking from local dogs at night Strict cancellation policy" - Ben Reed

https://www.i-escape.com/why-house
i-escape.com
Why House

Rowena W.

Google
My husband and I had the great pleasure of staying at Why House for the final five nights of our honeymoon and we honestly felt like the honeymoon started when we arrived! That's not to say we hadn't enjoyed the other places we were lucky enough to stay in, but Why House made us feel like family the second we walked in. Owner and uber gregarious host Henrietta (and sausage dog Lettie) has built a truly magical oasis of calm and beauty that manages to feel high-end and incredibly special whilst also delightfully informal and relaxed. The hotel is conveniently located just 15 mins walk from the nearest beach, set in a stunning garden with the most luxurious pool you've ever seen. Only a short Tuk Tuk ride to the stunning Galle Fort for history, shopping and delicious restaurants, beautiful nearby beaches and a day trip to an elephant safari, there is so much to do and see (if you can drag yourself away from the pool!) and everything that Henrietta recommended was brilliant. We ate at the hotel 4 of our 5 nights and didn't regret it - the food is delicious - and each night being based on a different theme meant there was a lot of variety. Both Sri Lankan traditional cuisine and modern twists with lots of fresh seafood. The coconut crumb prawns were a thing of beauty! Our room, Cabana 7 was amazing. With an indoor/outdoor bathroom and incredibly comfortable bed. We felt thoroughly spoiled. The staff and service was also excellent. As with all Sri Lankan hospitality, nothing was too much trouble. Safe to say we will be back and if you are thinking of booking, do not hesitate! Thank you Henrietta and all the team for making it such a wonderful trip x

Charles P.

Google
The hotel is lovely, friendly and very homely. The staff are attentive and it is a wonderful place to base yourself in the south of Sri Lanka. Henrietta and her team from house keeping to the excellent Chef made our trip memorable. The food was outstanding. There is plenty to do from cycling tours, game and nature reserves plus beaches and Galle Town. The traditional rooms are well appointed and the staff can hear a bell from anywhere in the grounds! Massages are available and Aqua Aerobics too with monkeys playing in the trees above. A magical and memorable spot. Highly recommended!

Cameron R.

Google
We had 4 fantastic nights at Why House, it’s a mark of a hotel that can make you feel like you’re part of the family during your stay and creates such a wonderful atmosphere that you don’t want to venture out. The food was incredible with the themed dinners on point every night, thoroughly delicious and excellent value.Lovely rooms with all you need. Henrietta is such a wonderful host and the staff are so attentive, a truely magical place

Maffen

Google
We had the pleasure of spending three nights at Why House Boutique Hotel – and it was an absolute joy. Hostess Henrietta Cottam took wonderful care of us, always attentive and genuinely warm. The staff were consistently friendly and ready to help with anything we needed. The food and atmosphere at Why House were so delightful that we chose to dine there every evening rather than go elsewhere. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and immaculately maintained. The lush hotel grounds are beautifully kept, featuring a lovely pool where we relaxed while watching exotic birds, playful monkeys, and hearing the calls of peacocks in the distance. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and can highly recommend Why House to anyone visiting the area.

Perdy F.

Google
We have just returned from the most breathtaking honeymoon stay at Why House — truly a bucket-list destination. Why House stands alone in its ability to be a heavenly, intimate oasis. It feels like a home away from home, with rooms that are cosy, thoughtfully designed, and filled with interiors you’ll want to take home with you. The food is second to none, perfect for families and all types of eaters. We particularly loved the fresh, healthy options and the fantastic cocktail menu before supper. Throughout our stay we felt incredibly safe — from the initial drive down from Colombo to all the activities organised by Why House. The surfing and cycle rides were particular favourites! The staff are reliable, trustworthy and wonderful with children. They constantly think of every detail and are attentive to every possible need. As lovers of fitness, the gym was a real highlight. It is superbly laid out with all the equipment and machines you could need. Exercising while surrounded by the stunning gardens — watching monkeys and chipmunks play around you — makes it an absolute joy. A special mention must also go to Henrietta, the heart and soul of Why House. She is incredibly knowledgeable about Sri Lanka and an amazing guide for what to do both during and beyond your stay. Her standards are exceptionally high, and many of the fantastic dishes at Why House are born from her creativity and passion. We couldn’t recommend this place more — an unforgettable haven we can’t wait to return to.

John H.

Google
If you are wondering whether to book this or not, just do it! The perfect place to kick back after the stress and madness of life. Room 8 is divine — separate spacious areas that are well thought out. The food always authentic and delicious and Henrietta and her team always obliging and making sure we had everything we needed. Just what the doctor ordered. Definitely one to return too. Side note: if you like a work out room 8 is perfect as the gym is basically a little annexe to hop across too. 🙏

Peter S.

Google
I have been coming here for some ten years now and it still leaves me speechless, just so amazingly fabulous! Just returning to the UK after a month in Sri Lanka, most of it spent at Why House. It’s become my ‘go-to’ place. Thank you to Henrietta and the staff for making Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 so special.

KMP274

Google
A beautiful oasis from the hustle and bustle from central Galle. ||This accommodation is stunningly presented with attention to every detail. The rooms and grounds are immaculate with everything you might need thought about from fresh plump towels at the pool, an amenity box in room and some delicious ginger biscuits, great indoor and outdoor seating, insect repellent plugins and so much more. ||Service levels are high across the board in all areas, the food and beverage offerings are some of the best I've had in Sri Lanka.||A warm and hospitable place, hosted by the charming Henrietta who is backed up by a highly skilled and attentive team.