The River House is a 5-suite luxury villa and boutique hotel with all amenities and a private, tranquil and intimate ambience. A tour de force of the renowned designer Taru, The River House is unique in its concept and design and is undeniably one of the most beautiful properties in Sri Lanka.
At the River House, you can experience the 'real' country, the 'real Sri Lanka', in style. Whether you are looking for quiet relaxation surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty or a base to explore the south of this tropical island paradise, the River House encourages you to set your own pace.
Savor time and space, discover an exceptional level of peaceful privacy and stylish comfort - unforgettable holiday bliss for you and your partner, or a remarkable destination for a small group of friends and family. With just five suites, the maximum guest capacity is 10 adults and two children.
Guest Rating9.6
Number of rooms:5
Official category: voted one of the best by Conde Nast Traveler Hot List 2005.
Year of establishment and/or latest refurbishment: 2004
All 5 suites feature: tea/coffee making facilities, mini-refrigerator, air conditioning, over-head fan, TV/DVD, and twice a day housekeeping. Each suite has a private garden or terrace, with indoor/outdoor plunge tub or pool. The interiors feature original craftsmanship of wood, stone and polished cement, seamlessly blending contemporary comfort and antique splendor. Vast bathrooms exemplify Sri Lankan chic and clean modern lines.
Thula: Garden suite with private garden and lily pond. Bathroom can be opened to the private garden. Located adjacent to Dhanu, with an interconnecting door, making it ideal for a family. Butler's hatch
Dhanu: Garden suite with private garden and lily pond. Bathroom can be opened to the private garden Located adjacent to Thula, with an interconnecting door, making it ideal for a family. Butler's hatch
Singhe: Luxury romantic master suite spans the entire upper floor of the villa. Large private suite has a wide open air terrace & private plunge pool overlooking the river and gardens below.
Four poster bed & traditional Sri Lankan antique furniture
Makara: Luxury romantic master suite in the gardens below the main villa, at river level. Private plunge shower/tub with jets, wrap around lounge terrace, and river view.
Kanya: Very large suite in the main villa with semi-private garden and river view. Private outdoor shower/plunge tub with jets and a vast industrial-chic bathroom.
Additional information: The River House
Dining: they offer an a la carte menu from which you can order all meals when on B&B basis. Fantastic varied food at flexible meal times.
Facilities and services include: a 7-acre riverside estate with tropical gardens and peaceful views,
spacious suites, pools, lounge areas and terraces, in-suite Ayurvedic massage, non-motorized water sports (canoe, kayaks) and access to beautiful private beach. Transportation to the beach is provided. Safe deposit box at reception and bellboy service upon request.
Getting there and back: airport transfers can be arranged for US$90 one way for 2-3 people. Please note that this rate may change depending on market rates. Return flight confirmation and re-confirmation can be arranged. Just give them your flight details as you check in.
Getting around: The Taru Villas tuc tuc & driver is available for transportation to and from the nearest town Balapitiya and for local sight seeing within a 5 km radius, free of charge. They can recommend or arrange a vehicle and driver for frequent day-trips and longer tours around the country. It is best to arrange this well IN ADVANCE of arrival in the country. The driver can be on stand-by for the duration of the holiday.
Special events: For functions such as weddings and parties or any event with guests that do not stay at the hotel, book the entire property for a minimum of 2 nights in advance by paying a deposit. Additional guests can be housed at recommended nearby properties of similar standard. Taru Villas is affiliated to a professional Event & Wedding Management Company called "Taru i.e."(www.taru.lk).
Honeymoon - The River House offers the perfect location for a private, luxurious, and rejuvenating escape. All five luxurious suites are suitable for that once-in-a-lifetime unforgettable honeymoon. For really special memories, try their spacious and sumptuous Singhe or Makara suites. Photos of all the suites can be viewed in the gallery.
Intimate Weddings - The River House is also an ideal venue for a beautiful and intimate wedding celebration. Simple, stylish weddings with your family and closest friends, or just you and your partner can be organized for a cost of US$500 upwards. Just specify your requirements and budget and a special itinerary can be arranged for you.
Drivers & Personal Staff: They do not provide separate staff accommodation for valets/drivers/personal staff of guests on the property. The manager can arrange accommodation for them close by at a minimum cost for which your driver/staff should be paid directly.
Insurance & Travel Documents: You are strongly advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance, including full medical coverage, when you book your holiday. You will also need a valid visa and passport for the duration of your stay in Sri Lanka.
Climate: tropical climate year-round. The south west coast has the most sunshine and least rain from October to May. March/ April is the hottest time of the year.
Medical Attention: A first aid box is located at reception and some staff have first aid training. The Balapitiya Base Hospital with internationally qualified doctors on call 24 hours a day is located 5 minutes drive away from The River House.
Banking Facilities: the closest banks are the Commercial Bank and The Hatton National Bank in Ambalangoda town, 5 km away. Banks operate Monday to Friday from 9.30 a.m. - 3.00 p.m. but are closed on all Public holidays, Saturdays & Sundays.
All costs, prices, and policies, including exchange rates, package deals, and cancellation policy may change and should be confirmed with the hotel upon booking.
Smoking policy: No preferences.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Master Cards, American Express. Cash: Euro, British Pound, US Dollar, and Sri Lankan.
GPS Coordinates: 6° 15' 37.9548'' N 80° 2' 35.0376'' E
Rack Rates: from April 1st 2010 to December 19th 2010. Peak Period: from December 20th, 2010 - January 20th, 2011. Minimum stay during Peak Period 3 nights.
Rates valid till (d/m/y)
20/01/2011
Booking and cancellation policy
To confirm bookings: Deposits via bank transfer to their account or cash payment at the head office in Colombo. Deposit of 25% of accommodation total or 50% for bookings during Dec. and Jan. Final payment one month before arrival.
US$30 for extra bed + breakfast for kids and US$50 for extra bed + breakfast for adults. The above rates are per night on B&B Basis. *
Net rates include breakfast, mandatory 10% service charge and 14,32% taxes. Prices, policies, taxes, and exchange rates may change and should be confirmed at booking.
Minimum stays: 2 nights, 3 nights during peak period, 3 nights for whole villa rentals.
Check-in: 1pm, check-out: 11am, flexible depending on availability. Please tell the manager if you need a late check-out because there are policies and rates, depending on occupancy levels.
Whole villa rental (no during peak season): The entire villa (5 suites) is available for your private use. Price is net per night with a minimum 3 night stay. Net rates include mandatory 10% service charge and 14,32% taxes. Maximum number of guests: 10 adults + 2 children (under 10 years old to sleep on daybeds/sofas).
The River House, 
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Children welcome
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