A narrow road way just five minutes inland from the main Galle Road, leads you to the gates of Tamarind Hill, a magnificent 200-year-old southern home and now an exquisite boutique hotel.  Situated just minutes from the historic city of Galle with the sunkissed beaches of the Indian Ocean at a walking distance, Tamarind Hill is a holiday retreat that blends old world charm with luxurious pampering.  Once here, guests may never want to leave.  Situated on a three-acre estate bordering the Ginganga River at the rear of the property, this stately mansion was once the residence of a British Admiral and later occupied by a High Court judge during the Colonial period. Its latest incarnation as the luxurious Tamarind Hill boutique hotel is the creation of Nayantara Fonseka (Taru), a renowned life style designer and creator of several other dream destinations on the island, including Taru Villas Taprobana, River House and Park Street Hotel.  The original mansion has been retained in its entirety with little structural changes.  A new addition at the rear built around a central courtyard blends in seamlessly and leads to a stunning infinity pool set amidst terraced landscaped gardens.  Ornate arches, verandahs, courtyards, hardwood floors, and trellised roof awnings are enhanced with elegant interiors furnished with Dutch period antiques, vibrant local art, and luxurious soft furnishings.  Tamarind Hill has an ambience of a typical southern `walawua’ (ancestral home) – very much of a home away from home.

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Accommodation
Tamarind Hill has two stately Suites housed in the original mansion and 11 rooms located around the central courtyard.  All rooms have a/c and ensuite bathrooms with h/w rain head showers.  Rooms are furnished with large antique beds dressed elegantly with fine linen. Other in-room facilities include LCD TV with satellite channels, DVD player (guests can select from an extensive DVD library), wireless internet access, tea / coffee making facility, mini-bar and safety locker.

• Suites:  The luxurious Admirals Suite is the pride of the property located on the upper floor of the original mansion.  This spacious suite has a lounge area, large bedroom with a king-size bed opening out to a long verandah which overlooks the front gardens. The private dining area overlooks the central courtyard. The ensuite bathroom has twin vanities, rain head shower and antique bath tub. The smaller Captain’s Suite is located right next door and has a small lounge area overlooking the central courtyard, and extensive verandah opening out to the front gardens.
  
• Superior Rooms:  These rooms are more spacious than the deluxe and standard rooms and have a private courtyard.  One room opens out to the back terraced gardens and the swimming pool.  The ensuite bathrooms have h/w rain head showers.
  
• Deluxe and Standard Rooms:  These rooms have similar facilities and are located around the central courtyard.  The rooms open out at the back to a small private courtyard.   The Deluxe rooms have a dressing area attached to the ensuite bathrooms.

Facilities
Tamarind Hill has the relaxed outdoor ambience of a southern home where guests walk through an extensive front garden straight into the living room.  Adjoining is the formal dining area with an 18-seater table.  An antique `Avana’ (an original fan that dates back centuries – a long horizontal hanging wooden structure that is manually operated to create a breeze) hangs over the dining table. The Avana at Tamarind Hill now a days also makes a colourful statement with a vibrant mural that has been painted on by a local artist. There is also a dining area located on the verandah of the main house.  Meals are served anywhere, according to guests wishes.  Traditional Sri Lankan rice and curries and international cuisine is served.  There are two bars – one indoors and the other overlooking the swimming pool -- serving refreshing cocktails and a range of wines. The infinity lap pool is set amidst tropical gardens and has a constant depth approaching five foot. An in-room massage service using essential oils is available with prior notice. Library and board games are available. Other facilities include doctor on call, valet service, and complementary shoe-shine service.

Excursions
There are a variety of superb beaches worth visiting in the local area, from the long surfing beaches of Hikkaduwa to the crescent-shaped Unawatuna Bay. Surfing is also ideal in Mirissa where watersports include sailing, fishing, coastal cruises, river trips, sea kayaking, snorkelling and boating.  Visit the Rhumassala Temple with beautiful views stretching out over the Indian Ocean. A walk around the headland near the temple is very special. Famed for the natural medicinal herbs nearby you will walk through hidden villages and verdant jungle valleys eventually finding yourself on "Jungle Beach"- a little-known and secluded beach. The historic town of Galle, with its 17th century Dutch Fort, a UNESCO-protected World Heritage site is just a ten-minute drive. With its well-preserved ramparts overlooking the cricket stadium, lighthouse, narrow streets, interesting restaurants and boutique hotels, Galle Fort deserves hours of exploration.