Club Villa was originally built as a four-bedroom holiday retreat for its owners in 1976 by the renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, but quickly opened up as a hotel in 1980. Over the years it has undergone several transformations, with additions by prominent architect and artists such as Channa Daswatta, Chevadurai Anjalendran and Laki Senanayake, the latter of which added a 50-year-old, meticulously detailed mural of Sinharaja. Today, Club Villa is an idyllic boutique hotel with 17 individually-decorated rooms and a Club Suite. All the rooms have a/c and are available in both Standard and Deluxe categories, both of which have views of the garden and sea. Each room is decorated with hand-picked furniture which resonates strongly of the Dutch colonial period.

Despite its many enhancements, Club Villa has a timeless quality and charm which makes it stand out from other properties on the island, as well as an unwavering philosophy focused on nature, tranquillity, comfort and delectable food, and its beautiful location fronting a 9km golden beach stretch. Its peaceful atmosphere is suited both to couples and larger convivial groups. The garden runs right down to the beach and is decorated with a freshwater swimming pool complete with Jacuzzi, clusters of trees, a hammock and plenty of scattered sun loungers.