The property is old style and kept in a beautiful condition, clean and comfortable, easy to relax. The swimming pool is amazing..surrounded by nature: birds, monkeys, flora and fauna. Staff are so kind and attentive. Sabine in particular was helpful as I was a solo traveller staying for 3 nights. First trip.to Sri Lanka.

“Elegant Historic Villa in a Peaceful Natural Setting”

A peaceful countryside villa near Galle, ideal for slow travel and nature lovers. Surrounded by lush vegetation, birds, peacocks and monkeys, offering a truly authentic Sri Lankan atmosphere. The villa is historic, comfortable and beautifully decorated in its original style — refined and elegant, but not a modern Western-style hotel. We could enjoyed excellent food, a relaxing pool and massage services available upon request. Important to have transportation as the villa is located around 15–20 minutes by car or tuk-tuk from the beaches and Fort Galle. Perfect for guests seeking tranquillity, character and immersion in nature. Note: Written during our stay, from the terrace of the Lotus Suite, overlooking the gardens and accompanied by the sounds of nature.

“Peaceful jungle oasis”

Really beautiful and peaceful location set in the jungle behind Galle. Lovely long pool in delightful tropical gardens, and the pond houses overlook a stunning natural pond with plenty of birds and monkeys. The room was comfortable and had everything we needed. We loved staying here and would love to come back.

“Excellent and beautiful location with amazing staff!”

Beautiful location and surroundings - an island of peace! The staff were incredible and could not be more helpful.

“Tranquil oasis in the forest.”

Beautiful property on the outskirts of Galle which is secluded with stunning gardens. The main house is charming and elegant with wide verandahs where you have breakfast and other meals. We stayed in a Pond room which is separate to the main house and is quiet and peaceful. The staff are so lovely and food is fabulous and prepared with much care. We enjoyed everything about this place.

“Timeless elegance and serene hospitality”

Our stay at APA Villa Illuketia was truly special. The villa has a beautiful sense of timeless elegance, with a refined, understated style and a calm ambience that reflects its history while feeling welcoming and comfortable. The attention to detail throughout the property is remarkable, and everything feels thoughtfully curated rather than ostentatious. The atmosphere is further elevated by the people: a caring and charming manager, and a team of kind, discreet, and attentive staff who make you feel genuinely at ease. It is a place of quiet comfort and character, where time seems to slow down. We would happily return and warmly recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful stay with style, soul, and a sense of history.

“One of the most beautiful places in all of Sri Lanka”

By far one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. From the moment you arrive, you are surrounded by a stunning, well-preserved domain filled with tropical flowers and trees. Colourful birds are everywhere, and you’ll often see adorable (and harmless) little monkeys jumping around, a true paradise for nature lovers. The colonial house itself is beautifully decorated, and the food is outstanding. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on-site, with a very extensive and delicious menu. The chef prepares his dishes using fresh ingredients, many of which come straight from the garden. The manager, Sabine, took care of everything perfectly, and the entire staff is incredibly warm and attentive. We didn’t even feel the need to leave the hotel to visit Unawatuna town, as everything you could wish for is right there (minus the crowded tourist spots lol 😜). For that reason alone, I can highly recommend this place. P.S. Some reviews mention that the hotel is too far from the city centre, but that really isn’t an issue. You have everything you need on-site, and if you do want to go into town, you can easily book an Uber within minutes or have transportation arranged by the hotel. I already had very high expectations before coming here, and this place exceeded them in every possible way. 🙂🙂

“A truly peaceful and stylish way to welcome the New Year”

We stayed at APA Villa Illuketia for two nights over New Year’s Eve, and it was exactly what we were hoping for: calm, elegance, and a sense of quiet celebration away from any hassle. The property itself is exceptionally stylish, with a beautiful ambience and a very thoughtful attention to detail — from the architecture and interiors to the way the spaces are curated and maintained. Everything feels intentional, refined, and harmonious, creating an atmosphere that is both luxurious and deeply relaxing. What truly elevates the experience is the human touch. The manager is incredibly charming, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, and the entire staff is kind, discreet, and professional. You feel cared for without ever feeling intruded upon — a rare and precious balance.

“Hidden paradise in the heart of nature”

A beautiful villa, nestled in the forest, where you can enjoy nature and spot harmless wildlife. The hospitality is outstanding: Sabine is amazing and the entire staff is very kind and helpful. The food is awesome, truly exceptional and prepared with incredible attention to details. It's a paradise. perfect for relaxing in nature, especially with the stunning pool surrounded by greenery

“A hidden paradise amongst the hills and rice paddies - relaxing and peaceful”

Apa Villa was one of our most favourite and memorable hotels during our three weeks in Sri Lanka. Arriving feels like you're being let in on a secret as you wind through the jungle with monkeys playing overhead. We stayed in the Pond House, loved the outdoor bathroom and relaxing in the afternoon watching the lotus flowers sway. It feels secluded and luxurious but is only 15 minutes from the beach. Sabina was a fabulous host, we'd love to return.

“A very special place”

This is such a special place, which we intend to return to many times in future. It’s off the beaten track between Galle and Unawatuna, but if you don’t want to venture out there’s plenty here to keep you busy. The rooms are beautiful and comfortable, staff are friendly, helpful and attentive. Food was delicious too, and we absolutely fell in love with the property’s adopted former street dogs. I’ve stopped in several places in Unawatuna over the years and this is hands down my favourite and a wonderful find.

“Blissful”

We checked in little late and it was a last minute booking but we are so have choose Illuketia. The team was very supportive. We loved the food too. We had a complimentary late check out. We were just taken by the tranquility. Absolutely loved this place. Pond house ginger was the best choice. Spacious bedroom with open bathroom. The varenda facing the pond and the swing was best combo. Pool location was so quiet. This place is absolutely blissful 😊 We are definitely returning !!

“Most beautiful stay in Sri Lanka !”

Magical quiet place in the middle of the jungle, the villa decoration is absolutely incredible, beautiful long swimming pool, excellent dinner and breakfast and very friendly and attentive staff and manager Sabine. It was our favourite place to stay of our entire trip in Sri Lanka.

“Apa villa Illuketia is the best hotel I stayed in Sri Lanka for last 15 years. Villa, garden, pool,.”

I had a few options for the breakfast, every day I select different one and it was delicious

“A beautifully landscaped resort with beautifully furnished interiors and interiors and lovely views from the rooms”

Beautifully landscaped grounds and beautifully furnished interiors. An ideal place for a quiet holiday.

“Absolutely fantastic few days there. Would like to come back some day”

Exceptional guesthouse in old colonial mansion. The manager is a very nice person there. The staff are great. Perfect hideout in nature with lots of various animals, birds and plants. Would highly recommend

“The magic of Sri Lanka”

Absolutely stunning and beautiful historical hotel nestled in a small village and nature of apa village. It was incredibly peaceful, green and just beautiful. The land that the hotel sits on is huge, allowing for a wonderful wander and escape into nature. I loved my morning walk around the village and back lanes, taking in the sights and sounds of nature. Sabine, the manager, was a ball of energy and had many entertaining stories to tell that kept me laughing. It rained the entire time but it was the coziest and most enjoyable place to tuck into a warm drink and bottle of wine and enjoy the serenity of the area.

“A beautifully landscaped resort with beautifully furnished interiors and interiors and lovely views from the rooms”

Beautifully landscaped grounds and beautifully furnished interiors. An ideal place for a quiet holiday.

“Am amazing escape to nature. I would def recommend!”

everything! it was an absolute gem - if you are looking for something completely different, super peaceful, out in nature, very green, monkeys, monitor lizards, beautiful landscape, amazing pool, great staff, lovely German manager and a gorgeous little pooch called Ella!

“A peaceful, relaxing holiday.- the grounds were amazing,full of amazing birds and wonderful wildlife”

Lovely breakfast and evening meal The spacious wild pool room. all the staff . the garden the swimming pool everything it was fantastic I will return