A First Look at Lakeside Eco-retreat Tri Lanka

By Gabrielle Lipton - December 11, 2015
  • The arrangement of villas and buildings was inspired by the Fibonacci sequence.

    The arrangement of villas and buildings was inspired by the Fibonacci sequence.

  • The main cantilevered pool by the lounge area. Three villas come with private pools as well.

    The main cantilevered pool by the lounge area. Three villas come with private pools as well.

  • Sunset by the infinity pool.

    Sunset by the infinity pool.

  • Green roofs help keep villas naturally cool.

    Green roofs help keep villas naturally cool.

  • Each villa has breathtaking views out over Koggala Lake

    Each villa has breathtaking views out over Koggala Lake

  • Local textiles and wood panels are used to decorate interiors.

    Local textiles and wood panels are used to decorate interiors.

Click image to view full size

Sri Lanka’s newest swoon-worthy retreat is bringing style and sustainability to the mangrove-fringed shores of Koggala Lake, a short drive east of the southern city of Galle. Opening December 12, Tri Lanka features eight sleek suites with “living” walls and gardened roofs that spiral down a hill crowned by a cinnamon-stick-clad water tower, which will house three more rooms of its own. Recycled woods and solar-heated water add to the resort’s eco-credentials, while a glass-walled library and spa, both nestled in a bamboo grove, are designed to bring guests as close to nature as possible. The lakeside setting is divine, but guests in need of a change of pace can head to Tri Lanka’s private beach club on the sandy shores of nearby Kabalana (doubles from US$250). —Gabrielle Lipton

This article originally appeared in the December/January print issue of DestinAsian magazine (“Natural Selection”)

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