Ishq Villa is informal, homely and bespoke. Family owned, the villa takes its name from the Arabic & Persian word for love. Located along Galle’s ‘French Riviera’, Ishq is a four-bedroomed luxury villa that first came to be in the 1990s, a part of the original fabric of the island’s first luxury villas designed by the renowned architect Bruce Fell-Smith. Today, the villa marries a love for clean design with oceanic hues and brings together all the comforts of a luxuriously serviced home.

The space

Set right across a turquoise Indian Ocean shore, palm fringed on both ends, the villa marries a love for airy spaces and soft and chic interiors.

Expect high ceilings and airy spaces both in-room and in common areas, characteristic of a colonial Dutch heritage; large king-sized beds to fall into; low slung lazy chairs by the courtyard pool to sunbathe on, a variety of board & console games and a movie room suitable for both kids and adults. Good food, a quiet read, a playful swim and on-call massage and wellness therapist helps make the place the perfect wind-down and hassle-free, beach retreat.

The villa’s dedicated team encompasses experienced private chefs and personal butlers who excel at friendly, informal yet professional hospitality.

Minutes away is a 15th century Portuguese and Dutch engineered Fortress, boutique artisan shops and restaurants, ancient temples, rural paddy fields, snorkeling and dive sites and spas to luxuriate in. Come sunset, the villa’s garden by the ocean’s edge may be transformed into a candle lit, palm fringed space for sundown drinks and dinner under a blanket of stars at your request.

Guest access

Generous spaces, both enclosed and open make a luxurious backdrop for good food, wonderful company, board & video games, reading, swimming and wellness, and the experience of a hassle-free restful holiday.

Included in your stay:

– Team of private chefs, personal butlers & adequate security.
– American, Continental, English and/or Sri Lankan Breakfast included with every stay.
– Access to a 24 hour kitchen serving Gourmet Set Menu’s, High Tea, Snacks & À la carte on request.
– South Asian cooking classes.
– Private fitness center.
– Personalised service on the beach (We would love to help you prepare a picnic or keep you company on a walk or a swim)
– Turn-down and laundry service (wash, dry and fold).
– High-speed Wi-Fi.
– Unlimited movie and music streaming.
– Bathroom amenities
– Unlimited calls to local numbers.

Interaction with guests

The owner is always at reach and the contact numbers are provided at check-in