The most enduring legacy from world-renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa has to be his pride of place, Lunuganga, an exquisitely designed property in the scenic beach locale of Bentota that seamlessly combines natural and design elements to make for an idyllic tropical getaway. Make a tour of this unique creation part of your stay at one of the stylish Sri Lanka boutique hotels in the region such as what you’ll discover at the Saman Villas Bentota. Its gracious hospitality and one-of-a-kind interiors make it of the best ranked Sri Lanka spa resorts to host your visit. Geoffrey Bawa commenced the creative reconstruction of Lunuganga in the year 1947, and it remained his favourite experimental laboratory for new landscaping and architectural features throughout his illustrious career. What was once a rubber plantation poised on a peninsula overlooking a lake is now a splendid getaway with a stunning lake view graced with unique monuments to add a dash of spirituality here (in the form of a Buddhist shrine on a hilltop), and a slice of style there (such as Greek statues adorning particular niches and corners). With the brightly-coloured doors and windows adding an element of passion within an otherwise subdued landscape, this quiet retreat is truly a unique piece of cultural architecture. Lunuganga is now under the ownership of the Lunuganga Trust, established after Bawa’s death in 1998, and it is now open to the public for tours and bookings. It is popular amongst young couples for weddings and presents the ideal backdrop to make any “forever moment” truly timeless.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.
