Alasdair, February 2007

The Teak House
Seenimodera
Nakulugamuwa
Tangalle, Sri Lanka

Guest Book

"We had a wonderful vacation! I have travelled extensively around the World, and I have to say that the three weeks we enjoyed at The Teak House qualifies as one of the top places I have ever been to. Our expectations were surpassed in almost every way possible. The house itself is a wonderfully minimalistic creation with warmth and caring built into the walls. The attention to detail blends perfectly with the rustique charm of simple craftsmanship. The bedroom is airy and comfortable, the shower was great. The garden is a perfect place to sit and enjoy the closeness to the nature, with all kinds of flora and fauna. The beach is picture perfect with pure fine-grained sand and the sea is clear and temperate, and we had it almost exclusively to ourselves - save a few fishermen and the occasional kid. Tangalle is a charming little place. We loved the markets and bought everything we didn't recognize and had poor Roshan prepare it for us. There are plentiful experiences and excursions of exceptional experiential value - close encounters with leopards, elephants, sea turtles and blue whales. Cultural experiences at Kataragama, Hanundugoda and Galle. We fell in love with the ladies at Dickwella Lace and pretty much cleared out their stock. Roshan's cooking was superb (a good thing, since the restaurants we tried were really quite awful!), and we didn't lack anything. There is an amazing range of exotic and exciting fresh produce to explore." 

J&M, Stockholm - January 2012

"We had ten days to spend in Sri Lanka. Initially, we booked four days at The Teak House, then six and, in the end, we put all our eggs in the Tangaroa basket. A fantastic place in a fantastic location. The soothing sounds of the breaking waves and the anonymous birds 'squawking' without reply. The beach is superb and the intermediate boogie boarding great for the whole family. 

Massive thanks to Roshan, ever perceptive, he had my coffee down to a 't' and never asked why I kept putting beer glasses in the freezer. His food, particularly when plucked straight from the sea, was beautiful and delicious. A big thank you.

In all, a great holiday and the memories will live long for all the family. A final surf as the sun drops and home tomorrow. Sri Lanka offers so, so much and Nicola, The Teak House, R&R, you have provided the perfect introduction."

Lumsden Family, Dubai - October/November 2011

"The rain came at night, cooling and clearing the air. Days are glorious and peaceful, and we have discovered the superb choice of books in the house library.

Sujith took us to Yala NP where we saw mongoose, crocodile, water buffalo and elephant and, to cap it all, three leopards! (Don't expect to see leopard - just 1 is rare.)

And the house and the dogs and the excellent cooking of Roshan and Ruane - such a good stay."

A, R, R & P, Perth, Australia & Sheffield, England - October 2011

"A perfect paradise to spend a relaxing three days as a family. 

Breathtaking beaches, great times boogie boarding. The buffalo were a surprise!

Roshan and Ruane have been so kind and helpful. The food has been great. The dogs are gorgeous and we've really enjoyed their company.

Wish we could stay longer, and would love to return one day."

Rees Family, Milton Keynes - August 2011

"We had such a fantastic stay and only wish we could stay far longer! You have a magical spot on the South Coast, and the house is an absolute delight. Thank you to Nicola, Roshan and The Teak House Team."

K, E, D&R, Paris - August 2011

"After three months of travel, it was fantastic to arrive at this peaceful oasis. The welcome from Roshan and Ruane, the dogs (we've 2 at home), the sound of the sea all enabled us to sleep (day and night!)

Roshan was the perfect host - discreet yet available, a constant carer. Breakfast and dinner were a real treat and he is welcome to visit us in England anytime!! Thanks for everything."

A, K, F&M, Cumbria - March 2011

"Many thanks to Roshan and Ruane for looking after us so thoughtfully. We enjoyed the company of the dogs whose presence made this beautiful house feel like home."

S&M, Nortumberland - March 2011

"A lovely place. Love the colours! The sound of the ocean. The beautiful house. The dogs. The peace. Thank you."

N&O - February 2011

High Points

• Being welcomed by a pair of benign hounds, with charming manners, who remained timorous and faithful over the last four days
• Roshan: an advertisement for Buddhism in all its aspects. And his brother, Ruwan
• Going fishing with this guy called Kumara who we encountered on the beach with his wife, toddler daughter, and motorbike, netting fish. He took us to sea for the morning and we landlined and harpooned lunch (mullet). Find him if you can
• Spending the day - driven by Sujith - shopping and hanging out in Galle. Sujith is clever, good company and an operator and worth spending time with

Low Points

• Bloody marvellous boogie boarding but beware getting too close to the rocks at the end of the beach

With enormous regard to The Teak House, thank you."

"With many, many thanks for a truly wonderful stay."

"An absolute haven...............such a wonderful house. Seeking to recharge from the fast pace of London and the hills. We have been looked after fantastically and our time here has only added to our brilliant Sri Lanka experience. Thank you so much."

"A bouquet of gratitude to the owners for the inspiration and a ton of thanks to Roshan for spoiling us and giving us such a decent retreat! Escaping the diplomatic circus of Mumbai in particular was a true delight, recharging our batteries in a wonderful environment, enjoying the sound of nature, empty beaches and exploring the neighbourhood by bike contributed to an unforgettable holiday.................We truly enjoyed the micro cosmos experience off the beaten track, truly grateful for this enriching experience. Don't dream your life, live your dream, choose life! Shall be back soon."

"Spent far my most enjoyable nights in The Teak House. Great spot, great ambience, great staff - meals were simple, homecooked but excellent. We had a great time."

"In our children's words - utterly wonderful - big waves to keep them occupied and comfortable chilled out areas to read. We have been beautifully cared for by the lovely, gentle Roshan and the dogs have made it feel like home. Thank you for such a wonderful break by the Indian Ocean. Happy memories."

"Fabulous holiday. We have just had two weeks staying at The Teak House. It was perfect for the holiday if you want to relax, unwind and listen to the waves roll in from th e beach. Monkeys swinging in the coconut trees. Warm, balmy evenings. The house chef is a brilliant cook and makes a great curry. He is seen but never heard. What a lovely man. Tangalle is 10 mins by tuk tuk which is great for supplies and a look around. The beach is superb and only a couple of minutes walk. The house is very secluded and gets you away from everything, basically heaven. We love it and will be back!"

"Thank you so much for this fantastic time we've had at The Teak House! Everything was just perfect: the house (very comfortable), the beach (beautiful), dogs (great company!) and Roshan - the man of the house - a wonderful host and brilliant cook! It's a shame to leave after just five nights - obviously it was not enough!"

"Idyllic. What a fantastic ten days we spent at The Teak House. It is the most beautiful and peaceful place and waking up to the noise of the waves was just idyllic. Roshan looked after us all so well and cooked the most delicious food throughout our stay. We were more happy to relax in the hammocks in the beautiful garden watching the birds and the monitor lizards, but we did make a couple of excursions that Roshan organised for us to Yala National Park and the Buddhist temples. We had the beach to ourselves most of the time, apart from the two lovely Teak House dogs who would escort us there. On one occasion, we helped the fishermen haul in their nets and then chose some fish that we took back and Roshan cooked for us that night. We were all very sad to leave The Teak House and can't wait to return again."

"Thank you very much for our fabulous stay at The Teak House. It is a wonderful, magical spot and we feel truly spoilt. Roshan's lovely hospitality and amazing cooking have been greatly appreciated by all of us. There have been many highlights of our time here but the beautiful and delicious birthday cake that Roshan organised for Louis' birthday was really special, complete with turtle on top! Our trip to Yala National Park was a great success - we saw a magnificent leopard lying in a tree, along with lots of other wonderful creatures. We would love to return. Thank you again to Roshan and the Team."

"We have truly appreciated our four days of peace and relaxation in these enchanting surroundings. We gave Roshan a complete free reign over the food and were delighted by the different dishes he presented for our enjoyment We loved the reassuring presence of Tissa and Seeni, enjoying their appreciative little signs of affection. It feels as though The Teak House has been created with thought and love and is embued with beauty. We hope to return".

"The best word to summarise our stay here is "serendipity" - a happy chance find. We are so lucky to have come across The Teak House and cannot rate it highly enough. We had been to Tangalle before and stayed at a top-end luxury resort - but this wins hands down. We have also stayed in private accommodation near Galle - again, no comparison; there was no Roshan, Seeni or Tissa to start with. The Teak House has everything just right - the location (so quiet you only hear the wildlife and waves breaking against the shore and, being on a hill, you get a nice breeze most of the time), the ambience (just the right amount of 'open air' to enjoy the surroundings), the people (the owners' charming nature encountered whilst booking was a prelude to the hospitality, kindness and great service we received from the lovely Roshan and not forgetting the two dogs who accompanied us to the beach every day) and, of course, the most beautiful, secluded beach that provided just the right amount of warm, gentle conditions for our 3 year old to boogie-board and the feel of the 'real Sri Lanka' (in terms of the fishermen preparing their nets, locals playing beach cricket and a herd of water buffalo passing through) for mum and dad to appreciate. This place has heart and now a very special place in our hearts."

"Thank you so much for all the hard work and love you have put into The Teak House. It is greatly appreciated."

"And what a sense of freedom The Teak House provided. Thank you so much for the opportunity to appreciate two days in this idyllic location. Beautiful house, fantastic ambience and all attention to detail discreetly provided by Roshan. We shall be back."

"Wow! Wow! Wow! Lost for words. Fantastic location with natural air conditioning! Stunning garden and lovely rooms. Roshan is a legend and a wizard in the kitchen and only around when we need him. The only thing we were unhappy with was leaving Roshan and The Teak House."

"In questo momento non ho parole per per ringraziare ‘la banda della Casa Teak House' sempre presente e vigile. Roshan sempre sorridente e attento a tutti nostri bisogni. Poi, a voi due - une enorme benvenuto, pensando a tutto mentre noi scivolavamo profondamente verso completo' modo tropicale'! E visto che gli ospiti sono come pesce.... c'avete tollerata in modo essemplare!! Ci vedremo d'avanti il caminetto per uno spezzatino fra poco."

"I had been told, prior to the trip, that Sri Lanka was a paradise, but it is even better than that. Thanks to my hosts' open arms welcome, generosity and sense of humour, these holidays have opened doors to new worlds, new plants and new friends (not necessarily in that order though)! Thank you - du fond du Coeur - for these marvellous two weeks which have been a depaysement total. Please can I come back?"

"Thank you for a wonderful stay at the end of our holiday in Sri Lanka. Beautiful island and wonderful people wherever we went. The Teak House has been so peaceful - the beach almost deserted. Roshan a wonderful cook and looked after us well. A perfect start to the New Year. Thank you for sharing your home."

"It is always a pleasure to be back here. The children enjoy it as much as we do. Thanks to Roshan, sweet and efficient."

"Thank you so much for introducing us to this little bit of paradise! We have had an amazing time and have thoroughly enjoyed the company of all the animals, Roshan and Ruane. Roshan's food has been excellent and service wonderful. The thought of now having to live without the sound of the waves and away from this beautiful house is saddening. We hope to be able to visit again very soon."

"How lovely to be able to return. We pray that we may be allowed to return as this is a place we will not forget, if only in the hope that we may be able to revisit! Much love to all for a wonderful time."

"Happy New Year! Thanks again for a lovely stay! Roshan as ever polite, charming and limitless patience with our two boys."

"Never has life delighted so much or been so good as in the last ten days with marvels created daily by the people, animals and plants that make Tangaroa (Teak House) such a special place. Very many thanks."

"A charming house, a beautiful garden, the sound of the sea waves, excellent and discreet service by Roshan, you can only feel good and relaxed in such a place. A very enjoyable stay."

"I have had two lovely, relaxing weeks in the gorgeous Teak House. As a gardener, I am very envious of all the exotic plants and shrubs that seem to grow overnight. It will always be a lovely memory."

"By chance I bumped into this wonderful place and I've enjoyed my short stay very much. Nice house!"

"A truly incredible part of the world, five days in paradise protected and loved by our three animal friends! Can't wait to hear the roar of the surf soon and enjoy the company of Roshan."

"A wonderful house and lovely service."

"It's a beautiful Teak House in a nice area. Many thanks for staying and your help!"

"What an amazing weekend - we'll meet again!"