Built in a colonial modern style and adorned with artefacts collected from his global travels, Apa is the brainchild of Insight Guides publisher Hans Hoefer who converted the property in 1996. At the heart of the garden, the greeny-blue infinity pool is so beautifully sited – almost seeming to stretch out into the Indian Ocean beyond – that it made the cover of Conde Nast Traveller magazine in July 2004. It shines as one of the best beach villas on the island.

Location: Apa Villas, a small seaside boutique hotel,  is located on an idyllic stretch of beach just eight kilometres from the historic town of Galle. The journey from the airport takes about four-and-a-half hours.

Accommodation: The hotel comprises three distinctive ocean-view villas that together offer seven spacious suites evocatively named Cinnamon, Cardamon and Saffron. Having private dining terraces on the wide verandahs that sweep the villas, only one of the suites does not have sea, pool and front garden vistas. All of the open plan suites have high ceilings that allow the air to circulate, large concrete-based double beds topped with thick mattresses and soft linen under mosquito netting, wardrobes, dressing tables and lounge furniture as well as hot water en-suite bathrooms. All the bedrooms are airconditioned and have ceiling fans.

Each of the suites may be rented individually, the villas as a whole or even the property in its entirety. While Cardamon and Saffron comprise two suites each, Cinnamon has three interconnecting suites making it ideal as a large family apartment. Each villa sleeps 4-6 adults with extra beds for children available.

Facilities: With its stunning unique elongated swimming pool, picturesque sun deck overlooking the sea, large palm-shaded garden, delicious cuisine and homely atmosphere, Apa is a place to get away from it all. The cuisine at Apa is a mix of Sri Lankan and Western specialities with an emphasis on day-fresh seafood and local organic vegetables, herbs and red rice farmed from sister property ‘Illukietiya’, a few kilometres inland where guests at Apa may go to enjoy a different location for meals. Chefs consult with guests in the mornings as to their preferences for the day’s menu, although typical dinner menus may include authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry or fresh lobsters, tiger prawns and yellow-fin tuna straight from the ocean. Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water are available throughout the day.
Trained English-speaking staff helps to arrange transport, massage service, baby-sitter, laundry, scuba diving and gives friendly tips on local sightseeing. The library has a stunning collection of reference books, children's books and travel guides from around the world for guests to dip into. Internet access is available.