Taru Villas, Sri Lanka's premier luxury hospitality brand, is proud to announce that two of its properties, Taru Villas Maia - Habarana, Taru Villas The Long House - Bentota, and the newest addition, Taru Villas Villu - Wilpattu, have joined the exclusive Small Luxury Hotels of The World™ (SLH). This recognition affirms Taru Villas' commitment to providing unparalleled, boutique luxury experiences in Sri Lanka.

SLH is renowned for its curated selection of over 570 independently spirited hotels across more than 90 countries. Known for its rigorous vetting process, SLH personally visits and verifies each property, ensuring they meet the highest standards of luxury, uniqueness, and guest satisfaction.

"We are thrilled and honoured to have Taru Villas Maia Habarana, Taru Villas The Long House Bentota, and Taru Villas Villu - Wilpattu recognised by Small Luxury Hotels of The World," said Ashan Malalasekera, Chairman of Taru Villas. "This inclusion is a testament to our dedication to providing intimate, luxurious, and authentically Sri Lankan experiences. It aligns perfectly with our vision of offering discerning travellers unique stays that capture the essence of our beautiful island."

Taru Villas Maia - Habarana, nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, offers a serene retreat amidst lush landscapes and rich history. A fresh interpretation of old-world Sri Lankan architecture, the property features a confident use of exposed brickwork in rooms and public areas, providing an unfussy simplicity that pays homage to an ancient monastic legacy. Spanning woodland and fields, Maia extends towards the tranquil waters of Habarana Lake, offering breathtaking views of the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Pidurangala. Its ideal location provides guests easy access to explore the Cultural Triangle's UNESCO World Heritage sites, making it the perfect blend of luxury and cultural immersion.

Taru Villas The Long House - Bentota, the largest property in the Taru Villas portfolio, is a luxurious 10-bedroom villa nestled between Galle Road and the shores of Bentota's Southern coastline. Offering breathtaking ocean views, this expansive villa epitomises beachfront luxury, providing an intimate escape that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living. With spacious accommodations and personalised service, The Long House - Bentota offers the perfect retreat for families or groups seeking privacy and tranquility in a stunning coastal setting.

The latest addition, Taru Villas Villu - Wilpattu, surrounded by the serene landscapes of Eluwankulama, officially welcomed its first guests on the 1st of September 2024. This eco-luxury property offers an exclusive experience with seven exquisitely designed chalets, each featuring private plunge pools that harmoniously blend into the natural surroundings. Located near Wilpattu National Park, guests can embark on thrilling whale and dolphin expeditions off the nearby coastline, while also encountering Sri Lanka's Big 5 — Sri Lankan leopard, Sri Lankan elephant, Sri Lankan sloth bear, blue whale, and sperm whale. The property is a haven for nature lovers and offers curated wildlife experiences, all while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability.

"As part of the SLH family, we look forward to welcoming guests from around the world who seek out truly special and authentic luxury experiences," added Alvin Jacobs, CEO at Taru Villas. "This recognition motivates us to continue elevating our offerings across all Taru Villas properties."

He further added “All three properties exemplify the SLH ethos of being "anti-chain and anti-same," offering unique experiences that reflect their distinct locations and Sri Lankan heritage. With an average of just 10 rooms per property, guests at Taru Villas can expect personalised service, privacy, and attention to detail that larger chains cannot match.”

Key features of the Taru Villas properties include:

• Intimate settings with a limited number of rooms for personalised experiences
• Locally inspired architecture and design
• Gourmet dining featuring Sri Lankan and international cuisine
• Curated experiences that showcase the best of local culture and nature
• Commitment to sustainability and supporting local communities

Mark Wong, Senior Vice President Asia Pacific, Small Luxury Hotels of the World said: “We are thrilled to partner with Taru Villas and support Sri Lanka's resilient tourism industry recovery. Together with our existing member hotels, these new additions allow our guests to explore locally curated experiences from different parts of the island.”

The inclusion in the SLH collection opens new avenues for Taru Villas, connecting these properties with a global network of luxury travel enthusiasts and further establishing Sri Lanka as a premier luxury travel destination.