The Island on Bolgoda, Sri Lanka
Your private island is a 40-minute drive from central Colombo, Sri Lanka, on the tranquil Bolgoda Lake.
You park your car at the jetty where we meet and take you on a 5-minute boat ride.
THE PLACE
The villa on the Island has 3 fully-furnished bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. It was designed by architect Ulrick Plesner, business partner to Geoffrey Bawa. There's an equipped kitchen and dining area. The colonial open veranda overlooks a lawn, large enough to play cricket, football and even tag!
The saltwater infinity swimming pool makes for a refreshing dip in the morning or afternoon. Sun loungers and parasols provide shade for a nap or reading a good book during the day. The bonfire can be the place to sit around with a drink, toast marshmallows and tell stories late into the night.
NATURE
The Island is blessed with abundant wildlife. There are coconut trees and a variety of tropical birdlife. The Reflection Spot is also perfect for fishing, outdoor dining and general contemplation. There is something thrilling about watching the sunrise or sunset here – no matter which way you look, you are surrounded by the magical changes of colour in the sky.
WHO'S IT FOR?
The Island hosts a fun day out for friends, a quiet weekend retreat for families, a romantic getaway with someone special, or a day of camaraderie and team-building with your colleagues. You can also celebrate special occasions like birthdays and weddings with unique flavour. Catering and specials can be arranged on demand.
COVID- 19
Your stay will be enjoying isolation in nature. Relax and enjoy yourself under the assurance that we are doing our very best to maintain the highest hygiene standards and are taking all possible precautions against Covid-19. Surfaces are frequently sanitized, utensils, crockery and other items are thoroughly cleaned after each use, and linen is changed between visits.
The Story
The Island on Bolgoda was the creative retreat of Ulrick Plesner, Danish architect and business partner to the celebrated Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa. Plesner leased the island in the 1960s where he spent much time, both before and during his marriage. He used the island, then known as Santa Lucia, as a place to escape the heat and bustle of Colombo. It was an important source of peace and inspiration for his highly acclaimed building designs and techniques. His time on the Island is well documented in his book In Situ.
Plesner first arrived in Sri Lanka on 8th January, 1958, on the invitation of another eminent Sri Lankan architect, Minnette de Silva. He was so enamoured by the country that he ended up spending a total of 16 years, broken into two phases – nine and seven years. He met Bawa a few months after he first arrived in Sri Lanka and the two began working together almost immediately. Although Bawa was the more renowned international figure, he and Plesner were partners in the same architectural practice for nine years. They shared ideas and collaborated on many iconic buildings, including the Polontolawa House of 1964 and St Thomas' Preparatory School in Kollupitiya. Together, Bawa and Plesner pioneered a new style of Asian architecture known as Tropical Modernism.
The Island on Bolgoda has been the holiday home of a Sri Lankan family for 70 years and today is managed by Amici Leisure.
Holidaying
Enjoy a fun day out, spend a night on the island, or indulge in a romantic retreat. We have a host of options for you to choose from.
Events
The Island is a unique location for any event. We host parties, weddings, social gatherings, photo shoots, and retreats. Our spaces work well for corporate outings too - brainstorming sessions, team building or the much anticipated office trip. We offer tailor-made packages to suit your requirements and can bring in additional services like wellness, sound systems and extra lighting as required.
Food
We offer a range of freshly made food by our cook. You can also bring your own or fire up the BBQ. Purified mineral water is available for drinking and cooking. We have cutlery, crockery and drinking glasses for up to 20 people. Should you need more, we can rent them for you. All guests have access to the refrigerator. BYOB, there’s no corkage fee. Ice will be provided.
Lake Safari
You can explore your surroundings by boat and enjoy the beauty of the Bolgoda Lake. We recommend sunrise or sunset for the most picturesque experience. To arrange your lake safari, speak to our staff on the Island once you get there.
Boat Transfers
The Island is a smooth 5-minute boat ride from the mainland, and is included in your price. We pick you up and drop you back. Just tell us your preferred timings. Additional trips can be arranged and are chargeable. Life jackets are available on the boat.
Weddings and garden parties
For intimate wedding receptions on our lawn get in touch. We recently hosted some really special I Do moments at the Island on Bolgoda.
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