Why House

10/10

On a brief vacation in Sri Lanka, our friends booked The Why House for a two nights getaway and what a getaway it has been! While I have been travelling to Colombo on work quite frequently over the last couple of years, this was first outing away from Colombo. Coming to Galle and the Why House has been a real discovery and reinforces our view on why Sri Lanka is just such a wonderful vacation with so much to offer. The Why House is such a lovely boutique resort which offers the best mix of luxurious creative comforts without the typical expanse and trappings of a conventional hotel. Beautifully appointed with serene and very well laid & manicured landscaping. The Why House mood elevates from the moment you arrive. What make it even more special is the team that runs it with NAME (ken maybe) being the leader this place deserves

10/10

We had the best possible week in October celebrating our friend Hen's 50th at the Why House. The staff are so charming & attentive, the food delicious and the rooms extremely comfortable. We were lucky to be put in their sister property 23 Palm (on the beach) which was equally comfortable and for us even more special as we were with a small group of old friends. This property is a short tuk tuk ride from the main hotel. At either venue the service & staff are terrific. The new motorway makes the ride from Colombo very easy.

10/10

Fantastic house, fantastic food, fantastic staff. Henrietta and her 'boys' will welcome you with open arms and an open heart. Nothing is too much trouble. If I ever come back to Sri Lanka I will be knocking on the gate to come back in just to say hello to Nigella "Jelly" Cottam (the house dachsund)

10/10

We have just got back from a short tour of the Cultural Triangle, culminating in a return visit to the wonderful Why House. It was every bit as good as we discovered last year. What makes all the difference at Why House is Henrietta; she has a fabulous rapport with both guests and staff and an almost intuitive sense of what is required of a small, modern boutique hotel. We were beginning to wonder of we had imagined the high standard of cuisine at Why House, but on our return visit it was every bit as good as the last time we came – by far and away the best food we have eaten during our 12 day tour. There is a unique atmosphere at Why House, a rare alchemy between the hotel and its guest that is impossible to replicate and really rather special. Those who stay here are very fortunate, indeed.

10/10

Oh my goodness, no wonder there appears never to have been a tepid review of Why House! It is an utterly blissful retreat. The manager, Henrietta, has furnished it quite beautifully, combining comfort, elegance and touches of drop dead glamour - particularly in the HUGE and exotic bathrooms! The beds and bedding are lovely and no corners have been cut on quality or comfort. The pool is heavenly and a lovely jade green colour that melts with all the fabulous planting. Sanath and his team looked after us to perfection and are clearly a genuinely happy bunch of people who are extremely proud of where they are and what they do - and they should be. Why House not only runs like clockwork, the food is exceptionally good and those wicked gins with mango and pepper kept us extremely happy during some of the soggiest weather I have ever seen!. The breakfast is the best I have had for a very long time and everything is presented with such genuine care and charm. With a good degree of privacy for all the rooms, each having its own terrace Why is an ideal hotel for any sort of guest - from couples, to families, to single travellers. I saw the manager deal with an unexpected situation in regards to some guests with such kindness and aplomb - simply nothing is too much trouble. Hat off to you Henrietta for creating a unique, glorious relaxing spot with happy staff and THRILLED customers. Do not miss this faultless hotel - it is one of a kind. We will most certainly be back!

10/10

My wife and I had the pleasure of staying at the Why House Villa for 2 nights earlier this week. The Villa was recommended to us by some friends and it certainly lived up to our expectations right from the moment we arrived. The Villa manager Sanath and his supporting staff were exceptionally genuine in their service and were very welcoming and prompt with our requests. It was my wife's birthday and the in house chef baked her a delicious cake which they surprised us with at dinner. Special mention of Baboo who really served us well during our meals. We were given a room at the main villa overlooking the the back side of the garden. It was oozing with an old world charm which we both like in the properties that we stay in. The room had a large private verandah which was perfect for morning and evening tea and reading. The bathroom was large and very well done up. The Villa has quite a large and comfortable pool where we spent a considerable part of the day. Being regular swimmers we could get in our daily dose of swimming laps. The meals we had were all exceptional. Special mention of the seafood which was fresh and cooked with perfection. My wife enjoyed the desserts being a Pastry Chef herself was very impressed with the quality of dessert making at the Villa. And last but not least i would like to make a special mention of Nigella - the charming Daschund and real owner of this beautiful Villa. She had a very calm, friendly and welcoming demeanor which we really enjoyed. She would always be watching over us from a distance trying to make sure in her own doggy way that we were having a great time in her home. We would definitely return back to the Why House Villa in future.

10/10

Why House is tucked up a lovely little rural road a short distance from Unawatuna. Its a great place to stay whether you want to relax by the pool or use it as a base to explore the surrounding area. All the staff are very helpful and nothing appears to be too much trouble for them. Henrietta is a star and straight away makes you feel comfortable and welcomed. I really liked this place and if our itinery had been different we would have stayed longer. The rooms are great, the gardens are majestic and the pool just perfect. Highly recommended.

10/10

I haven't read a bad review about this place, and you know why; It's because it truly is a wonderful place. I can rave about all the usual things such as it being an amazing boutique hotel because the setting, rooms, staff, ambience, service and food are all faultless......and they truly are! But my review takes the rating for this hotel to another level. I can not praise how Sanath and his team today reacted in such a supportive, co-operative and genuine way after notifying them that our son had bumped his head and was suffering from concussion. They could not do enough for us. There was a total mechanism in place to help, the gardener even ended up escorting us to the hospital. On our return Henrietta (the manager) had been informed of our situation and made every effort to ensure the wellbeing of our family. In every respect nothing was a problem for example, the fact we were now not 'checking out' as my son had been advised to take bed rest. When traveling with children an accident is never that far away, being in such a tight knit community such as The Why house is /and was so reassuring. We will be back......and for so many reasons. Love this place!! Love the mango and black pepper G&Ts. Oh, and Jelly we love you!

10/10

I stayed here overnight with my daughter and was immediately sorry we didn't stay longer. We had a longish drive from Tangalle and were made to feel instantly welcome by Sanath. Sitting with a ginger drink overlooking the pool made us relax and fel very grateful to be in such a beautiful place. We had an immaculately appointed garden suite, there is even a small box of complimentary toiletries, alongside fabulous shower gel and shampoo. Mattress was so comfortable with luxe bed linen and pillows. Cocktails and chop chop for dinner were amazing, as was breakfast and lunch, the fish was the best I've had in a long time. The grounds are beautifully kept and the photos don't do the pool justice, it's stunning. The whole place runs beautifully, and it reflects Henriettas enormous experience that no detail is too small. She's like a swan and must be paddling away furiously underneath! Both she and the staff are enormously friendly and nothing is too much trouble. You won't be disappointed by this oasis near Galle.

10/10

Why House came highly recommended by a friend who had stayed there a year ago. We were travelling with our three children, 14, 10 & 5 and it was our first trip to Galle. I just cannot be effusive enough! The house is beautiful and generously appointed. The children's beds were comfortable (one a four poster and with mosquito nets, at least one princess's dream come true!) Our room was simply gorgeous too. High thread count linen, excellent beds. There is room to keep your bags and a huge bath room with an outdoor shower! Henrietta and her efficient, calm, friendly team made our stay beyond wonderful. Chatting with her and Rory was a delight! She is clever and funny and so experienced. Her years in hospitality in London are in ample evidence in every little touch, from the perfectly 'oh god' box of toiletries in the bathroom, to the box of balls, racquets and pool toys. (The children were not only made to feel very welcome, Nigella the daschy was a big treat too and our teenager approved of the consistent wifi signal throughout the hotel.) Henrietta's recommendations for what to do around Galle were also spot on, though to be honest, we just didn't want to leave Why House at all. And the food! A Sri Lankan feast one afternoon, an amazing barbecue, fresh vegetables, perfect seafood and home-baked cake every afternoon with your tea. We're going back as soon as possible! Thank you team Why House. (and we never found out why you're called Why in the end.)

10/10

The Why House staff made our stay so memorable, it really was hard to leave. We stayed there with our 10 and 11 year olds at the beginning of August. It was our last stop of our Sri Lankan holiday and our most favorite accommodation. From the comfortable rooms, the gorgeous grounds, the beautiful house, the knowledgeable staff and the impeccable and discreet service, it was all so thoughtful. We barely wanted to go out and we always looked forward to coming back and just relaxing. It's a fantastic place, in a great location. It is close enough to everything and yet enough out of the way so you can relax. Also, the food was superb. Out of five nights, we opted to eat in four of those and they were the best food we had. We would go back in a heartbeat.

10/10

Why House was our 4th stop on our Sri Lankan holiday with our 3 young children. I booked the Why House after the recommendation in the Luxe Guide and the perfect reviews on Trip Advisor - I actually didn't quite believe Why House could be as good as the reviews. I had my hesitations about the location as the guest house is not beachfront and 20min from Galle. The minute we turned off the main road and meandered down a lush green side road and turned up at the front gate I knew we were ok. Henrietta and her staff greeted us with fresh drinks, warm smiles and a delicious lunch menu! Perfect after our 4hr drive from Yala. The guest house is exquisitely finished in true Sri Lankan style but not precious. There are a series of small cabanas, a main house and a garden bungalow with interconnecting room which is where we stayed. The room was fabulous! Beautifully finished, spacious and comfortable - nothing was too much trouble in ensuring our room was perfect for the family. The garden and pool area is vast, lush and green. The children roamed and played freely throughout the gardens and swam in the pool, we read and relaxed knowing the kids were safe inside the walls. The kids adored Nigella (the house dog) and my kids could be found helping out in the kitchen, flower arranging and involved in the day to day running of the guest house - such great entertainment! No kids club or iPads necessary! The team were all so patient and generous with the kids. Why House, while not located beachside was a short 10min walk although with children a quick tuk tuk ride is best. The beach at Wijaya is perfect for kids with a fabulous pizza beach bar overlooking the ocean. The beach is a large rock pool and is great for the little ones to splash around. The beach cricket with the locals and beers at sunset was an added treat! Galle was a 20min drive and easy journey via Tuk tuk or with a driver. The food at Why House was fresh and delicious with a focus on local produce. The menu was a mix of western and local and we had breakfast, lunch at dinner at the guesthouse everyday - soooo delicious! In the evening we were able to feed the children and have our dinner in peace, whilst they wandered around or watched a movie in the room - such a treat! Henrietta, Babu and her team put on a cultural night with dancers, fire eaters and the best Sri Lankan fare we have enjoyed during our time in Sri Lanka. The staff and service was exceptional. Special mention must go to Henrietta who really makes Why House what it is. Her commitment to quality and her authentic and natural ability to 'host' made our experience at Why House seamless and just so relaxing. We will be back without hesitation and insisting that our friends with children (or without) choose no where else in the Galle area. Our favourite accommodation so far!

10/10

This is the second time I have stayed at Why House, and it will not be the last. it is a real haven from modern life, with a great pool and fantastic food. All of the staff are great and very friendly, and Henrietta as Hostess makes everyone feel at home, and gives you the feeling that you are staying in her own home. There is plenty to do in the area, and I particularly recommend Marissa Beach, which my wife loved. To sum up, I have travelled all over the World for the last 40 years, and do not often go back to a hotel. However, for Why House I will be making an exception.

10/10

The most beautiful place to stay with fabulous and friendly staff. The accommodation was heavenly and the food out of this world. I cannot recommend it enough, I will go again and again. A visit to the beaches and the town are a must. Glorious in every way.

10/10

We were invited to a post wedding BBQ at Why House and we were very impressed with the facilities. As it was just an afternoon visit i can't go into great detail but the pool area was excellent, the food great and the main house was every bit old colonial, big rooms, high ceilings and just a real feeling of luxury. from what we saw a stay here would be just the ticket for some real rest and relaxation.

10/10

There aren't many places I would go back to, but this is one of them, after a tour round Sri Lanka this was the perfect final destination. A lot of hotels style themselves as boutique but don't quite get it right, but this place has it all! Great design, beautiful surroundings, luxury rooms and bathrooms, great food, helpful friendly staff and a fantastic host! This would be an excellent place for families to rent en masse, there are beautiful grounds and pool for the kids to play in, its near the beach and surf, the food is delicious and the wine is cold. They also arrange all sorts of extras to keep the evenings entertaining and the ambience and atmosphere is quite unlike anything I have experienced before.

10/10

Why House is a beautifully designed and maintained inn a short drive east of the center of Galle. An Italian architect built the main house which has a couple of large suites for guests plus a comfortable public area in the center and a verandah which is perfect for a glass of wine in the evening. There are two separate "cabana" lodgings which consist of a large bedroom/sitting room with a separate enormous bathroom that is well designed. On the other side of the garden is another house with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a living room that is just right for a family or a group of friends. The gardens include a lovely swimming pool that is good for both adults and children, and a comfortable outdoor dining pavilion. The hostess, Henrietta, manages to treat all guests as if they were personal friends and to introduce people so that the atmosphere is much like a continuous house party - although with plenty of privacy and separation for those who want to be quiet. The staff are excellent. They anticipate needs and are quietly efficient. The chef is very good. Breakfasts can be done to order. Dinners tend to be around themes - Japanese one evening, Sri Lankan curries with arrack sours the next - but the chef will also cook to order. For children the chef is happy to prepare those kinds of things that children everywhere seem to like - pizzas, grilled sandwiches, etc. Lunch can be elaborate or simple. My wife and I shared a large sandwich one day with which we each had lime and soda. You also can arrange for a take-away lunch if you plan a day's outing. The House is a short tuk-tuk drive from the beach, and there are tuk-tuks on call at all hours to make the journey - or to take guests further afield. The staff will arrange other outings as well, such as day trips to national parks or shorter trips to areas of interest in and around Galle. The Why House is about a 2.5-3.0 drive from the Colombo Airport and, therefore, is a reasonable place to start or to end a trip to the southern areas of Sri Lanka. The owners also have a property directly on the beach which can be booked separately. It is a large house that is suitable either for a family or for a group of friends.

10/10

Just returned from a fabulous holiday in Sri Lanka. The Why House is a beautiful boutique hotel just outside Galle and close to the beach. Lovely big pool, very friendly staff, nicely appointed rooms and the icing on the cake is Henrietta who looks after her guests so thoughtfully and completely that we might have been staying in her own home. Our children (aged 9 and 11) were made most welcome and say they had the best holiday of their lives. The Why house was perfect, and not least for the food which we found to be excellent and amongst the best we had in Sri Lanka. We combined our stay in Galle with a stay at 23 Palm, an elegant colonial style colonnaded beach villa with amazing ocean frontage. The Villa has its own staff but is part of the Why House portfolio and managed by the indefatigable Henrietta. This villa is so special that we were lucky enough to squeeze in a few days between it being taken either side of our stay for for private weddings - a magical venue!

10/10

When my niece first said she was going to be married in Sri Lanka all I could think about was the long journey.... but when we arrived at the Why House which was to be our home for a magical week, the epic journey didn't matter anymore! Stunning property run by the wonderful Henrietta located in Talpe and just a short distance to many beautiful beaches and just 25 mins from Galle itself. The house is beautifully apportioned with stunning gardens surrounding a beautiful pool. Inside the house is cool and tastefully designed. The main house has 3 double rooms around a comfortable sitting area. All the rooms, including the bedrooms (a most comfortable bed) and bathrooms are kept spotlessly clean. Beautiful veranda leading down to the gardens which are also kept scrupulously clean with some of the most beautiful flowers and floral trees like Frangipane I've seen. There is also a further bungalow with 3 bedrooms and two cabana type properties all within meters of each other. apart from the birds chirping away and the odd dog barking its so calm and peaceful... However its the staff that makes this House extra special Henrietta, who runs the House along with Saneth, her House Manager and all the team like Babou and Hiran (I know I will spelt their names incorrectly.. sorry) they just can't do enough for you and always with a smile... Breakfast is superb - with lots of fresh fruit, cereal, and then any eggs, bacon, omelettes etc etc a proverbial feast. Eating lunch or dinner at the WH is also a great experience, the food is top quality and as good as, if not better than the many restaurants we visited. If you are planning a trip to SL and coming anywhere close to Galle or Talpe then can I suggest you book the Why House - you absolutely won't regret it. We will be leaving with many wonderful memories of our days here. A 5-star experience - thank you Henrietta & Saneth you and your team are fantastic and we hope to see you again in the future.

10/10

From the moment you arrive it is clear that a treat is in store the whole ambiance is of colonial splendour headed up by Henrietta who radiates charm which cascades through the rest of the team where no request is considered a problem. The dining experience is out of this world and very much in your control when putting in your request..our favourite was the fish bbq or was it the curry or the Thai or the pork? The gardens are populated with fabulous bird life and the occasional monkey not forgetting the resident dachsund Nigella who in exchange for a small morsel of crispy bacon is a friend for life. The rooms are peaceful airy and beautifully serviced ..not a single negative comment.

10/10

I did not find it easy to find true luxury in Sri Lanka. Most properties we stayed in, although set in beautiful surroundings, were invariably lacking in one or more of the essentials that I define as luxury.- a well maintained property, personal service, home from home rooms, delicious food, absolute cleanliness and in todays age - wifi everywhere. Henrietta runs Why House in a way that all these things come together beautifully. It is a gorgeous property and her touch elevates it above the rest. We travelled as a group of 3 couples and we all loved Galle and Why House. I wish we had stayed longer.

10/10

This was our first stop on our honeymoon and we were blown away by house peaceful and beautiful the why house was. We were warmly welcomed on arrival by Henrietta and her team and the whole stay we were treated like kings. The food was top notch notably the seafood BBQ and selection of salads and have a house cocktail they are very good! We will be recommending the why house to our family and friends back home

10/10

A bit delayed in writing this review, but this was the most wonderful part of our stay in Sri Lanka in late Feb. Why House is the most beautiful place, we had an amazing comfortable room, great terraces for sitting under a fan with a book and then a cocktail, great food, wonderful hospitality - with lovely Henriettta leading a fantastic team who really know how to look after people and ensure they want to return. We do! Thanks for a lovely stay

10/10

What a beautiful place Why House is! Stunning gardens and pool. Gorgeous bedroom and bathroom (No.1 I think - we could have held a party in huge bathroom!), outstanding service led by the wonderful, kind and ever thoughtful Henrietta and very, very good food. Easily some of the best we had in Sri Lanka. We loved everything about this charming small, special hotel, which offers every comfort and accommodates guests' every whim - be that organising a tuk tuk into Galle, advice on local places of interest or something special for lunch or dinner. Henrietta's cute little Dachshund Nigella just adds to the charm. Thank you Henrietta and the team - we will be back!

10/10

Have just returned from my fourth stay at the fabulous Why House. I return to Why because it has a happy soul and a wonderful vibe about it. You can be as convivial as you want to be dining in the Pavillion or if you wish for privacy, your own verandah where the charming staff very happily bring you anything you desire. The food is quite frankly fantastic - i dare not go near the scales! The rooms are fab, Henrietta and Jelly a superb team - all in all I love everything about it. And i do have other places to compare it to, knowing the Galle area pretty well now. If a truly relaxing, delicious, stylish, fun holiday near (but not on which can be a good thing because the crashing waves can become quite annoying after a while) the beach, close to Galle Fort and all it's wonders therein, a tuk tuk ride from the nightspots of Unawatuna if that's your thing, near famous Yatagala Buddhist Temple and not far from the Hundungoda White Tea Museam to name a few of many nearby attractions, then Why House is unbeatable.

10/10

There is little new to say about the Why House. Henrietta runs an excellent hotel with the atmosphere of a house party, ably assisted by the delightful Nigella!!!!. on our stay there were guests from Morocco, Singapore as well as Britain and the US, all of whom got on just fine - and the pool is one of the best i have experienced in such a hotel. All in all a perfect place to escape from the excesses of Unawatuna whilst still being close to Galle and relatively easy to access from Colombo. Well done and thanks Henrietta!

10/10

Coming to the end of a delightful 4 days at The Why House after some intensive sight seeing further north. It has been the perfect antidote, and a wonderful way to end our holiday. Hostess Henrietta makes sure everything is to your satisfaction, aided by the charming Nigella. Staff are attentive and the beauty of the place is second to none. Our room is spacious, quiet and comfortable. I would strongly recommend eating here rather than risk the vicissitudes of untried local restaurants. We were not disappointed by any of the meals we had here, and all were very different.

10/10

The atmosphere is a bit like an exclusive British Club, if you are not British, well... you ask yourself "what am I doing here?" Henrietta is very kind and makes a real effort to make you feel at home, the other guests don't. Having said that, the setting is really beautiful, service good, food excellent but we found it easier to have dinner in the local restaurants on the nearby beach with the sound of the breaking waves and a variety of lively customers around you. The place is an oasis surrounded by some rather scruffy properties and a large kennel (dog's Clinique?!) quite noisy at times. The road to the tiny beach is not very attractive and once on the main road you risk your life, we walked only once and got a Tuc-Tuc for the following 6 days. Rooms are spacious with your own outside area, the bathroom is as big as the room itself with a very interesting shower, the pool needs attention, the bottom looks in need of painting and the water looks green. All considered we had a very good, relaxing time here, should we come back we'll definitely spend more time at Mirissa Beach, incredibly beautiful huge sandy beach with lots of little restaurants on it and really the only beach in the area where you can have long walks, play with the waves and relax on a deck chair. It would be nice to have a shuttle service for "a day out at the beach" organised by the Why House because by Tuc-Tuc it's a good 40 minutes of uncomfortable drive and rather expensive.

10/10

As soon as you arrive at Why House it engulfs you in its beauty and comfort, the rooms are very special, individual and different yet they beautifully appointed, lovely linen, fabulous bathrooms and four poster beds with mosquito nets , real style , It is run like a private villa yet everyone has there own space with stunning gardens and the most wonderful pool and the ever attentive staff on hand to look after your every need I am in love wih Why House, It is run with huge care and excellence by henrietta and her staff and its the best choice near Galle

10/10

A group of us went to Why House for the weekend to celebrate one of our birthdays. It was the perfect weekend retreat and just what we needed. The decor and feel of the place is impeccable and luxurious. Hen was a wonderful host and even organised a birthday cake for our friend. We even went back the following week for the seafood barbecue- highly recommended!

10/10

We have just returned from our second stay at Why House. On both occasions we were with friends on a painting holiday and spent six days at Why House in February 2014 and again this month. What a joy Why House is. A very warm welcome not only from Henrietta and her lovely dachshund nigella, but also from Sanath and his absolutely delightful staff. We decided to return to Why House because of its setting in an amazing tropical garden and a lovely natural swimming pool surrounded by graceful tall palm trees, some with coconuts on used by the chef. The rooms are all amazing and each one has its own verandah with a roof fan where you can sit and let the world go by. Each room has a handbell and you only have to ring this once and one of the delightful smiley boys comes to find out what he can do for you. Bed tea when you wake up is a great favourite of our group delivered promptly at the hour you request. Better than any alarm call. The birds are amazing, brightly coloured kingfishers and an elegant peacock heard in the distance but not seen, and monkeys swinging from tree to tree but not causing any inconvenience. The chipmunks are delight to watch, while relaxing in the shade by the pool. Nothing was too much trouble, the tuk tuks on call at any time run by Rashid and his team would take you anywhere and wait to bring you back again. They all had a very good tourist knowledge of Galle. Beds very comfortable as well as the pillows, very important and very efficient air conditioning as well as ceiling fans. Every comfort is taken care of and no stone left unturned. Dining in the open sided dining area is lovely. Delicious food, Sri Lankan curry, Japanese sushi, European cuisine. Every dinner was three courses with the table decorated with frangipani flowers or bourganvillae and candles a charming ambiance. The light lunches and breakfast cooked to order were all equally delicious. We were driven to Colombo to catch our plane very efficiently and smoothly and the boys were incredibly helpful getting us trolleys and loading our luggage on to them. As I sit here in rainy Gloucestershire writing this I am transported back to Why House and can't wait for our next visit. Thank you Henrietta and Sanath for a wonderful, memorable week.

10/10

Just completed a weeks stay at the Why House which is a really great place. House, pool and rooms are top draw, and a perfect environment for R&R. Staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, nothing is too much trouble, and they will point you in the right direction for trips, tours etc should you want them. Food is terrific too, with amazing Sri Lankan curries and supremely fresh fish, together with sushi nights and other cuisines. Watapallan dessert is a must try,and the In house masseuse is both very cheap, and as good as you will find in Gale. In short, the management and staff will cater for your every need here, leaving you to focus on the relaxing. Few tips for Galle, whale watching a must if your there in the season Lunch at the Amangalla, visit the tea plantation nearby, take the 2 hour bike ride with idle bikes, very leisurely pace and some amazing sites. Wifi was a bit sketchy whilst we were there, but understand the team are working on this. All in all, kick back and relax.

10/10

We stayed over Xmas and had a great time at Why House. We were a party of 20 (10 adults and 10 kids) and rented all the rooms exclusively. I think this might well have put the management of kilter a little bit, I got the impression they were more used to coping with a sprinkling of different guests. I gave very careful consideration and have waited a couple of weeks to write this because I wanted to be fair. We had a great time for sure, but we would have done that wherever we stayed. I have decided to list the positives and negatives that I took from our stay. I can honestly say that I would have rated Why House very good if not excellent was it not for the incident with the bill on the last night. Mistakes I can handle, but for all the management to disappear before the itemised bills were provided (Keith did go through the overall bill with a couple of people, but not everyone was presented with the itemised bills before they left) and then, when inevitably they were all incorrect to have to try and resolve it with someone we had not met and played no part in the service delivery, felt unfair to the staff and to us. Positives - The rooms are ALL amazing. Given that this is Sri Lanka, I don't think they could be much better anywhere else. All were a good size, lovely beds, great bathrooms and had both fans and aircon. They are all different and because we had the whole place I saw every room and can say that I would think it would hard to be disappointed with your room choice, whatever it might be. The pool is perfect - little or no chemicals, huge with loads of space and ideal for adults and kids. Loads of space around the pool and a shower and covered seating area right next to it. Deep enough to jump in, but shallow enough to touch the bottom everywhere and a sloping section that's ideal for the younger kids. The food was great, with local curries, fish and mixed grills, always plenty and clearly freshly prepared. The only gripe I had is that I would have expected a starter as well as a main course a few times, but no big deal really. The staff were all very friendly, willing to help and great with the kids. The whole location was idyllic, very much like a oasis, with fireflies all over the place and monkeys in the trees. There is a dog home across the road and they do make some noise, but when we were there it was between about 8-9PM. Although noticeable it didn't bother us at all. Transport was good, with tuktuks available all the time and local trips at no cost. Going further afield was cheap and its a fun way to travel.

10/10

It is difficult to blend style with charm, to be aesthetically pleasing but at the same time friendly and alluring. That's what Why House achieves. Having only dined there in previous years, my wife and I were lucky enough to spend two weeks into the 2015 New Year at Why - everyone congratulating us on missing the unseasonably wet Christmas weather. The staff were unfailingly friendly and cheerful - nothing seemed too much trouble. Ongoing training was evident as we were guinea pigs for a Thai banquet for one of the chefs to try his hand at another of Why's array of multinational offerings. Very authentic it was too. We had intended a total chill-out holiday so the pool was perfect, especially for one of us who usually won't venture into anything colder than blood temperature water. That being said we did a day trip to Udawellawe, arranged by Sanath, several trips into Galle Fort to sample the burgeoning attractions there (such a gorgeous Galle Fort Spa) as well as one of Juliet Coombes' guided historical tours. Oh yes, and a bike ride through the paddy fields with wildlife commentary, courtesy of nearby Idle Bikes, a boat trip on the Gin Ganga and a Sri Lankan cookery course at Paddy Island .... Henrietta was the perfect host always starting the day enquiring whether we lacked anything. We especially liked the way other guests seemed to naturally socialise at meal times, without being pushed into it. Those who preferred their own company could do so. Requests for menu suggestions were enthusiastically embraced. Being fans of 'rice and curry' we had the best of all our stays in Sri Lanka for our last night at Why.

10/10

From the moment we arrived until the moment we left waved off by all the staff, we were made to feel totally welcome and at home. Nothing was too much trouble for Hen and her team who were always available to make recommendations for things to do and see if we could drag ourselves away from the pool. The bicycle excursion and trips to the nearby surfing beaches are particularly to be recommended. The food was a delight, and the Parmesan shortbread, arak sours and gin fizzes (thanks, Babu!) beforehand on the terrace outside our wonderfully spacious room an absolute "must". Thanks, too, for helping make one of our party members' birthday on New Year's Eve so special - this was icing on the cake for what was a truly memorable stay. We'll be back!

10/10

I would recommend Why House to absolutely everyone. It's a perfect place. We were spoiled to within an inch of our lives and nothing seemed to be too much trouble. The staff were ably led by the gorgeous Henrietta. They all had permanent smiles on their faces! My only sadness was that we were there for a mere seven days. Next time it's a month...

10/10

We (two couples, a 12 year old and 19 year old) have just had the most fabulous stay at Why House: we felt truly at home, welcomed, cared for...the place itself is a jewel; the nicest pool I've ever swum in; the staff are friendly (and a tinkle on a bell away)- they even sang to us in Sengalese on NY Eve; Hen made everyday special- a different idea of somewhere to go/ a special dinner...it was 4 days that felt like a two week rest...GO. Heather Phillips London

10/10

We stayed at Why house for three nights with our pet lab and it was nothing short of fantastic. The room we stayed in was large, stylish and comfortable with all the amenities..The main villa has cosy spots to settle into and a spacious verandah that overlooks a lush, landscaped garden. The staff are attentive, warm and very accommodative. We had all our meals at the villa and the chef kept exceeding our expectations. Japanese one night and grilled garlic and chili prawns the next--- perfect! Thank you Henrietta and her fantastic team for making us and our pet doggie feel so welcome :) we hope to be back very soon ..

10/10

We stayed with friends for a week and were treated like royalty by Henrietta and her wonderful team. Nothing too much trouble and everthing we needed at any time of day or night. Sanat was especially helpful in ensuring our stay was hassle free and delightful.

10/10

This is a very special place! I would highly recommend Why House to anyone who needs spoiling! It has a wonderful feeling of truly getting away from it all. The bedrooms are all spacious and beautifully decorated in true Sri Lankan style with beautiful spoiling bathrooms with everything you would wish for. The pool and gardens are calling you for rest, reading and simply unwinding! The staff really could not have done more - so very helpful, friendly and permanently with huge smiles. We ate the most delicious food, locally bought and home-cooked with love. Hen was always there should you need anything and her fabulous spirit and professionalism tops this off as being one of the best hotels I have ever stayed at. I will be back!!!

10/10

We spent a week at the Why House and it was the most fabulous week ever. The staff were super attentive and Henrietta was the ultimate hostess ensuring that our dream holiday was perfect. Tuk tuks were available at any time to take us to the beach or into Galle, where we found the most amazing stones and jewellery. A great place to visit for it historical past too. As we were a large group, she organised a scavenger hunt, an amazing dinner (with saris!). The food was delicious and nothing was too much trouble. In our opinion the best place to stay in Sri Lanka without a doubt!

10/10

I arrived at Why House to spend 5 days celebrating the 60th birthday of a dear friend, after a 10-day trip around the rest of Sri Lanka. What a wonderful way to celebrate and finish up a magical holiday! We were spoiled from the moment we arrived. The villa is set in tranquil and beautiful gardens, overlooking a perfect pool. The air-conditioned rooms are enormous, comfortable and airy, with beautiful netted four-poster beds and daybeds - and the bathrooms are something else, with glass ceilings that are open to the sky and waving coconut palms. (I could have spent a good portion of my week simply in the shower - except that would have been silly, considering all the things that nearby Galle and the surrounding beaches have to offer.) Nothing is too much trouble for the staff at Why House - they go out of their way to make sure you are happy and have everything you might possibly need or want. In charge of this attentive band is the wonderful Henrietta Cottam, ably assisted by her little dachshund, the charmingly named 'Nigella' - who graciously allows guests to share her home in return for pats and the occasional morsel at breakfast. (You don't have to pat or feed Henrietta; she is the perfect hostess without bribery.) Why House is beautiful, the staff are welcoming, the food is superb - but it is Henrietta who makes it feel like coming home. She went out of her way to make sure that my friend's birthday would be something we would always remember. After our shared breakfasts and drinks on the verandah, lots of laughs, great retail advice and interesting conversations, it felt at the end of the week as though one were leaving a friend, not just a venue. I would return - and certainly hope to - in a heartbeat.

10/10

A super spot ! We had a great four days catching up the friends at Why House the end of August - a mid way point between the Gulf & Singapore in which to meet. We arrived to a warm welcome, having been collected from Columbo by a Why House driver - the staff appear to get it just right. Henrietta manages 'everything' expertly and with panache and sense of humour - literally nothing was a problem. We chose the garden rooms right next to the beautiful garden pool - a great pool - even long enough to do proper lengths and have fun in. The food is excellent, especially the Singapore Noodles (to die for!). The food generally was delicious - and all served in the most lovely setting. Henrietta expertly arranged external restaurant recommendations - and transport - on the odd occasion that we wanted to explore. Galle is a great place and now a days with a new highway in place easily accessible from Columbo in under three hours - and with the beach, Galle Fort, temples and shops just a short tuk-tuk ride away Why House is ideally placed. What's more if you want even a day of pure relaxation you don't even need to leave the property. Well done Why house. We'll be back ! Ps. Ask to see '23 The Palms' a private villa on the beach nearby which is also owned by the Why House - it featured as a 'special venue' for a major wedding while we were visiting !

10/10

We loved this place from the moment we arrived and had to be forced to leave. Our arrival felt like we were returning home, we were met with such a warm welcome and that feeling carried on for our 4 days here. Henrietta and the team have got the balance just right here. The grounds are beautiful, the rooms extremely comfortable, the pool is the best we've found in Asia, the food delicious and the staff are exceptional. We quickly got over our discomfort with ringing a little bell every time we wanted something and haven't had better service anywhere. Henrietta and team had loads to recommend we do (walks on the beach, bike rides, arranging discounts for shopping in Galle, lunch at nearby KK hotel) or were equally happy helping us do nothing. We met some wonderful people that were also staying here which made the few days even better. It's a fabulous place to come and do as much or as little as you like. We will be back!

10/10

Where to start? Why House is such a dreamy spot, tucked in amongst lush greenery yet minutes from gorgeous beaches and Galle town. Hen and the crew are incredible and make you feel utterly at home in gorgeous colonial living. Hen micromanages effortlessly and nothing is too much trouble. Jelly the dachshund happily wags her tail at everyone. The rooms are lovely - huge four poster bedroom and massive bathroom. The pool is dreamily warm with tropical birds swooping above you amongst the trees as you swim. The food is exceptional. We mostly asked for local cuisine, but one night were offered Japanese and it was delicious. The ambience is is low-key yet attentive, staff seem to appear whenever your thoughts start to turn to squeezing the next cocktail in.. Babu is a top man with surely the biggest smile in Sri Lanka. Thank you all at Why, we will be back.

10/10

After a full week tour of amazing properties in Sri Lanka, my fiance and I landed in the warm embrace of the Why House. We were welcomed by the ever-attentive staff who feel like your friends by the end of your stay. This is one of those places where the beauty of the property is enhanced by the warmth of the staff and the energetic and incredible Henrietta. The house has modern amenities with the grace of old Sri Lanka. The rooms are very large and with lots of natural lighting and there is always that feeling that they got everything right. Our room had a wonderfully large bathroom, a separate toilet room (which I rarely find in properties these days) and a shower area reminiscent of an old Roman bath. Our beloved Henrietta has made us feel so at home here, we could barely leave the property. The food here has also been absolutely amazing. We were served the freshest seafood BBQ the night of our arrival, and I ate enough to feed three people. The Why House is not located on the beach, but the comfortable ambience of this place makes it a total gem of a property along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. No matter where we visit during the day, we kept feeling a slight longing to be at our newly found happy home. Couldn't recommend the place more. A place to share with those whom you love without a moment's hesitation.

10/10

Why House is a charming place with friendly staff who make it a point to ensure you have a relaxed and enjoyable stay. Our room was huge with a lovely four-poster bed and two spacious day-beds to lounge on, plus a huge outside bathroom, and a wonderful verandah for drinking cocktails before dinner. There is a lovely pool surrounded by nothing but the peaceful garden. The food is excellent, starting with excellent breakfast cooked to order. There is a good lunch menu and dinner is wonderful, whether a marvellous roti chopped and cooked fresh in the open-air grill, tender lamb, or a roast of surprisingly good quality with properly roasted potatoes and creamy bread sauce! A very short tuk-tuk ride will bring you to a stroll on the beach or a wide range of other places to eat for lunch or dinner on the sea side of the road to Galle. The staff are friendly and welcoming, and seem genuinely happy in their work. Henrietta makes a point of getting to know what you are looking for during your stay to ensure you have a wonderful time. She always finds time to chat with her guests! This is an ideal place for a quiet, relaxing, and private retreat from the rest of the world and we are already planning our return next year.

10/10

This is the most gorgeous place - it exceeded all expectations which lets face it is rare these days! We arrived to a warm welcome - the staff get it just right - attentive but not over the top. They bent over backwards to help and were always smiling which makes such a difference. Henrietta manages everything expertly and with great flair and sense of humour - literally nothing was a problem. Our rooms were spacious, pretty and very comfortable. My teenage twins slept in an annexe room and I shared a fourposter with my youngest. We had a lovely big bathroom with separate loo. Our rooms had their own verandah which overlooked the beautiful pool - according to my three boys - the best pool ever - very warm and big enough to do proper lengths and have fun in. The food is excellent - all tastes catered for and fussy children not a problem. Everything was fresh and utterly delicious and all served in the most lovely setting. Henrietta will organise all manner of entertainment - snake charmer, cultural shows, bike rides and even an elephant to come to the hotel - it is a magical place and with the beach, Galle Fort, temples and shops just a short tuk-tuk ride away it is ideally placed. I cannot recommend Why house more highly it is quite simply the most lovely, relaxing haven and if there is one thing I intend to do it is to get back there!!

10/10

I was really lucky to get the chance to visit Why House at the end of a three week break and it was a great end to my holiday! The grounds and rooms were amazing, and the staff were so welcoming and friendly - they were never far away if you needed them but you felt left to your own devices at the same time - a great balance. The food was absolutely amazing - really fresh (and healthy if you wanted it)! It was easy to get tuk tuks sorted to go into Galle from Why House if you wanted to go exploring. The fort was great to walk round, particularly at sunset (even though we accidentally missed it!). All in all, I had an amazing time and recommend visiting if you are in the Galle area. We wanted to time to relax and recharge the batteries and even though we were only there for a couple days, Why House really did the trick. I wish I could have spent more time down there!

10/10

I found this little heaven boutique hotel from word of mouth. What a great escape from cities and just for chilling out the whole day. We had the most enjoyable sushi dinner which is Their Signature Menu. We also had their Sunday's Roast which was as good as The Traditional English meal at my in-laws! Even Julian The Owner joined the Chef in the kitchen to prepare the sauce. What an amazing team and place! I have been back 3 times since and certainly more to come...

10/10

It is very hard to llave this place. This was my second visit to this charming small boutique hotel (in my first review I called it a small Aman and will continue to call it as such) and I loved every second of it. The rooms are very large and come with massive bathrooms and balconies. Decoration is understated luxury. The service is impeccable. The food is just superb. It was pretty good a year ago but had got much better, with the added bonus of a chef trained in Japanese cuisine joining the kitchen team. Of course, Sri Lanka is ideal for Japanese food and the fish served here is extremely fresh. Hen, the co-manager is a professional UK-trained chef, so good food is a massive bonus here. They also prepare delicious Sri Lankan curries, which are not to be missed. It is very easy to get into Galle Fort. We used a Tuk-Tuk, which was great fun. The resident dachshund, Nigelly, remembered us and would visit our room from time to time. She is a gem and one cannot avoid her charm. I cannot wait to return. This place is ideal for honeymooners, families and solo travellers. It is very private and has a very very homely feeling.

10/10

Please try this place out, it showcases the best Sri Lanka has to offer. Great location, gorgeous rooms, intimate setting, very unique and well designed hotel, amazing pool and lots of chill hangout places to read a book and relax, great food (best breakfasts in Sri Lanka!) and very genuinely friendly and caring staff...top choice on the island (and I have been around the whole country)!! A truely magical place for a couples retreat or a family retreat or a small group...stuff for everyone from pool toys to little quiet corners in complete peaceful isolation. I will definitely be back!!

10/10

peaceful, beautiful, so friendly, with food to die for. The owners, Julian and Gia are just the most wonderful hosts making the whole experience more like a private house party. Just a weekend break and I feel like I have had a month's holiday.

10/10

We have recently had the most amazing family holiday at why house! We have never been to such a perfect place to enjoy the luxury of a boutique hotel with the informality of a private villa with fabulous fresh food. Henrietta and her staff had the amazing ability to remove life's stresses and coordinate everything for our very demanding family- everything from planning bicycle rides and seafood barbecues to hosting a birthday party complete with elephant rides in the garden. We left ourselves in their capable hands and felt completely pampered. This is a place perfect for anyone; couples, families or those traveling alone as one feels immediately part of the Why House family once one arrives. We did not want to leave!

10/10

Our 3rd stay at Why House and as usual it was just wonderful. Great great hospitality. Staff are so friendly and helpful, food just amazing and just overall a very welcoming place to be. Had a good look at all the rooms and they are all pretty special. Going to try a different one on our next visit. Plan on trying them all :-) I cant rate the place highly enough. They even accept our little 2.5kg dog so its a great place for us all to go, relax and completely chill out. The pool and its surroundings are so tranquil. All day service and everyone very very helpful. Will be going back very soon.

10/10

My family and I stayed here late April (our two boys 6 & 8 years old) and we thoroughly enjoyed staying at the Why House. The residence is a gorgeous colonial style residence - a true small boutique villa. All our needs were catered for with attention to detail in every way (loved the cute basket of amenities in the rooms too!). Henrietta, the villa manager, warmly welcomed us and was extremely helpful in every way. The other staff were lovely too - and always provided service quickly and with a smile. Food served was delicious and plentiful. On one of the nights, Henrietta provided the villa guests a true Sri Lanka dinner feast with traditional Sri Lankan fire-eating dancers for entertainment! Was amazingly spectacular! The children were warmly welcomed and catered for - they spent hours at the pool and of course the resident dachshund Nigella and cat Cecil were certainly a treat for them! Henrietta was also able to provide excellent tips for local restaurants/beaches/shopping/attractions - she certainly knows the area well. I definitely recommend the Why House and hopefully it will exceed your expectations as it did ours.

10/10

we recommend you stay at this great boutique hotel when visiting the Galle, Sri Lanka area. You will experience the wonderful hospitality of Henrietta (Hen) and her team who provide the most delicious food and comfort. Beautifully decorated rooms in an environment of extensive gardens and a delightful swimming pool. The beaches are only a few minutes away, travelling in the always available tuk tuks.

10/10

My husband and I and our two children (aged 9 and 10) stayed at Why House over 5 nights in April. The colonial style main residence was where we stayed in a suite and we loved the rooms. We spent much of our time either in the pool or eating delicious, freshly prepared food under the kitchen pavilion. Nothing was ever a problem for the very helpful staff and Henrietta made us feel very welcome. The kids loved the resident Dashshund Nigella and felt right at home at Why House. We had other family and friends staying at the same time and the staff coped beautifully with the crazy kids and mountains of food to prepare. A very relaxing and well catered stay. I would most certainly recommend Why House as a perfect holiday destination in Galle with or without children.

10/10

We had a fabulous 5 days with the team at Why House. The property is excellent, the people are exceptional and the service is outstanding. Hen was an outstanding hostess and made us all feel welcome and relaxed from the first day. It was easily the best place we stayed in during the entire three weeks we were in Sri Lanka. I doubt that you could go past Why House for a five star destination in Galle.

10/10

If you are looking for a fabulous destination, stylish accommodation, great food, and friendly service ...... I highly recommend Why House Galle. I spent an exceptional 5 days at Why house with family and friends where all our needs were catered for, nothing was to much trouble for Hen and her team ! The accomodation was spotlessly clean, the grounds manicured, and the food freshly prepared. Why House is just a short tuk tuk ride to all the local amenities, or you need never leave the comfort of your surroundings ! We enjoyed chilling out by the pool during the day, and relaxing with dinner and drinks under the stars in the evenings....great memories !

10/10

We spent two nights at 23 Palm and two nights at Why House, so two days on the beach and two days further inland, highly recommended. All the team there were great, and would always try and oblige you as much as they possibly could. Henrietta could always be relied upon to hand out sound advice regarding activities to do with children e.g. times to visit the Fort,where to eat out, bike rides and elephant rides in the garden. They have found the perfect way to encourage friendly chat amongst the guests, whilst retaining your privacy, which I think is a great skill especially when having guests with and without children. The food was great, and the menu was altered according our requests :-) The wine served always hit the spot. A perfect destination for a long weekend where nothing is too much trouble. Bliss.

10/10

3 tired girls arrived at Why House for some serious relaxation and in search of the sun. We were welcomed by the lovely Henrietta and a posse of smiling staff who indeed did not stop smiling during our entire stay! The overwhelming sense that any request was no trouble at all meant we settled in very quickly and knew we were in for a special stay. Days started rather lazily with a relaxed breakfast and a chat with Henrietta about what we fancied doing that day. There was a lot on offer but our sunbeds and the gorgeous pool generally won the day. Trips into Galle were very civilized made all the more special by the kind and courteous Sanath . We also were whizzed around by Roshan who at a moments notice was on hand with his trusty tuk-tuk to take us to the beach or out for supper. We had 2 days at the beach during our stay. One day at the very cool WB where we had a delicious Italian lunch. The other day at Why's sister villa 23 Palm which is stunning. Sitting right on the ocean it has a huge garden with a large pool. The interiors are amazing and had we had more time a stay here for a couple of nights would have been great. Rather bizarrely we did find ourselves at 8am one morning on bikes wobbling our way through paddy fields, not our usual holiday style! But Henrietta had urged us to go on this bike safari and we are so grateful she did. It was a chance to see the beauty of the island from a different perspective. Lots of wildlife to see and the happy faces of local children on their way to school was something to remember. On our return , 2 hours later, another well earned, delicious breakfast. Lunch was spent by the pool with an enticing menu that could be served to you wherever you wished to be. Again this sort of flexibility made it all feel so relaxed. Nothing worse than having to stir yourself from sunbathing, get all dressed up to eat from a menu that is too fussy . The exception was one day when we had an amazing seafood lunch buffet . This was so delicious -huge prawns grilled to order, crab claws and unusual salads. After another few hours of arduous sunbathing or visiting Galle it was time for pre-dinner drinks. We would often sit on the lovely terrace outside our room and a couple of nights joined other guests. There really was a cross section here, couples old and young, families and solo travellers. There certainly is a house-party feel to Why if you wish to include yourself. Some folk headed out for supper as indeed we did a few nights. Dinner at Why was a lovely candlelit affair, really great curries and Sri Lankan dishes. Our room in the main house had a gracious Colonial feel to it with crisp white bed linen and billowing muslin curtains. The bathroom ,which was large enough to accommodate 3 girls and all their clutter with ease , had a massive walk-in open shower . French doors opened on to a large , furnished terrace , a great place to sit before dinner. We loved being in the main house but those seeking more privacy might want to be in one of the garden cabanas. It is difficult to sum up the vibe here as I think Why's USP is their versatility and eagerness to please. This in the most part is down to the skilful Henrietta who has the uncanny ability to anticipate your every need. She is of course supported by willing staff who I could have happily bundled into my suitcase and taken home. If Baboo with his infectious smile is not there then I have succeeded in kidnapping him! A huge thank-you to all the staff including the behind the scenes members who left our room sparkling and fresh everyday. I am sad as I write this as I wish I could spirit myself back. If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka then Why House must be on your agenda.

10/10

From the moment we arrived we felt the stresses peel away. We were greeted by the ever so wonderful, friendly and energetic manager 'Henrietta' whom made our stay the most comfortable, fun and enjoyable experience. Henrietta arranged all that we wished to do with a smile and the understanding of our expectations. I highly recommend the bike rides through the local area, the cooking class and all the places to eat and drink that Henrietta will organise for you. She truly has the magical touch knowing what each guests wishes are for their stay. The Why Guest House is so beautiful and everything that I wanted it to be with the stunning design, well appointed rooms, enormous beautiful bathroom, delicious food and the most beautiful and caring staff. A visit to 23 Palms the sister guest house of The Why is an absolute must... it is something straight out of an interiors magazine or movie (try to have a few nights stay there if it's available!) I very much miss the wonderful Baboo's smile greeting me each morning at breakfast! A beautiful place to stay, thank you to all at the Why :)

10/10

We spent three nights here and loved it. I'm not sure I would say it is luxurious, but it is extremely comfortable, friendly, easy-going, and has everything you could possibly want. Henrietta makes a point of talking to all guests at least twice a day, asking what you would like for dinner, what you want to do that day, making suggestions or leaving you alone depending on how you respond. Several comparable places we stayed in didn't have this level of personal attention.

10/10

We stayed in Why House in January so I am somewhat late in posting this review. As a hotel we thought it was pretty average. The food was however to die for with the best tuna steak and chocolate brownies I have ever had. I liked the outdoor eating area. The staff were friendly and assisted with the broken ac. Nothing was too much trouble. The building itself and the pool were average. I did not really like our room inside the house either. Whilst spacious it lacked that special feel and the toilet kept blocking and tv wouldn't work (although the staff were very helpful trying to fix it).

10/10

We really enjoyed our week-long stay at the Why House. Located approximately 2.5 hours away from Colombo airport, it was worth the travel. The hotel can send a chauffeur to pick you up for around 150$. The hotel is very charming, clean and staff is very friendly! They cannot do enough to help. - Food: good selection and quality. I particularly enjoyed the very fresh seafood they sourced for us on demand! Some days the hotel will organise theme nights such as seafood grill, Sri Lankan or Japanese. Sometimes they join all tables together so guests can enjoy a convivial meal. It is not to everyone's taste so you can choose to go out or not to join. We enjoyed it, particularly Sri Lankan night as we had a 25mins local dance demo at the start of the night. Now we would highly recommend to have lunch at the Amangalla hotel at some point during your stay. - Massages: no need to go to any expensive spa, the hotel's therapist Rochan is really good. You can have a massage in your bedroom or in an empty room. Highly recommended. We went to Galle Fort spa on day 1 and Rochan was much better for half the price! - Things to do: whale watching is a MUST if in season. We used a company called Merissa Water sports. It is a bit dearer than others but boat is smaller so can turn around quicker to get to the whales when spotted. It also holds only 10 to 15 people. We saw some extremely crowned boats! Tea plantation and factory tour including a free tasting was good fun. Bike ride around the paddy fields was beautiful. Tour of Galle Fort. Jewellers, please ensure you ask the hotel where to go, as there are many of them. You can get some cheap jewellery made, copied or from the stand. Choosing your own stones is an experience. - Transport: they have dedicated Tuk Tuk with lower prices. They can take you on tours. It is good fun. Rochan runs a very professional service. Cars can also be provided if Tuk Tuk is not your cup of tea. Tortoise sanctuary was disappointing, not recommended. Overall we loved it. - Wi Fi: only weakness of the hotel I am afraid. Pretty slow, not working all the time and was not available in our bedroom. Now as weather is beautiful, we did not mind going by the pool or at the open restaurant to be on the net but some people may find it frustrating. - Rooms: we have a small villa by the pool. Bed was really comfy, TV and safe in the room. You can ask for a DVD player if required. Private massive bathroom was separated by an outside corridor. Not sure about this, as not ideal in middle of the night but shower was great. Overall: magical relaxing place. Highly recommended!

10/10

We enjoyed a week with the team at Why House. Our first 4 nights was at the beautiful and social Why House, and our last 3 at their stunning villa on the beach - 23 Palm. Turns out it was a brilliant combination. The Why House is everything you can expect from the glowing reviews. The property is a hidden oasis 5 minutes from the main road. The food is fantastic. Some of the best Sri Lankan curries we had on our trip. Sanath and his delightful team made sure everyone in our family (2 adults, 3 kids under 7) were well taken care of during our stay. Henrietta, the GM, a constant and lovely presence was an absolute wealth of local knowledge, and committed to us making the most of our stay. We stayed in a family room in the main house and it was superb. The attention to detail in all areas (food, cleanliness, staff, etc) was terrific. Was also great having Roshan the resident tuk tuk driver available with consistent rates. Moving 10 minutes away to 23 Palm was a mind-blowing experience. This property is massive and simply stunning. We couldn't believe that it was all ours for 3 nights. At 23 Palm you get your own staff but Henrietta and Sanath are also very much involved in this property so you still get to enjoy the Why experience. The breakfasts on the verandah are something I will treasure forever. When booking this part of our trip we did question the worth of moving between properties only 10 minutes away from each other but we are so glad we did. Both properties offer very different experiences and we are really pleased we got to enjoy both. It was the perfect end to our Sri Lankan holiday.

10/10

Thank you Henrietta and your devoted and hard working team. Your smiles (particularly Babu's) will be missed as well as the wonderfully prepared bloody marys. Henrietta is a source of recommendations as to how to make the most of your time. Our seafood grill was unforgettable as were relaxing days taking it easy by the gorgeous pool. Don't hesitate in booking this place.

10/10

We stayed in Why house with our young family (2.5y and 5 months old kids) for 5 days. Everything was well taken care of. reception was very welcoming. Staff was helping us with our kids, always listening to their needs. Food was lovely and varied. The room was very good (only slightly negative was that the toilet was only sheltered by a curtain instead of a door). The garden, jelly and the pool were a big hit with our oldest son. The team was great! We can definitely recommend any family to stay there while visiting Galle & area.

10/10

Four of us spent an amazing week at Why House and loved every minute. The incredible Henrietta had a list of suggested activities for us, so we didn't even have to think about what to do, just when we thought we might be able to fit it in. We would start our day at the beautiful pool for stretching and a swim before breakfast, which was served with a lovely smile by Baboo. Highlights included an early morning 12km guided bike ride through the countryside, stopping for a freshly cracked coconut juice half way, and a morning spent chopping and stirring at the nearby cooking school before enjoying the results of our efforts under a lovely pavilion surrounded by the lush countryside. It's a quick trip from Why House to the Galle Fort for wandering and jewellery shopping, and there's a nearby beach with great swimming and wood-fired pizza washed down with a cocktail. Henrietta took care of everything we needed, from tuk-tuks to restaurant suggestions. We also had some excellent curries and other meals at the hotel. We stayed in the main house which was gorgeous, huge bathrooms, good beds and a beautiful lounge area where Nigella the resident daschund sleeps. For our first experience of Sri Lanka, we found this to be a very special place, and definitely worth returning to. Henrietta, Sanath and the rest of the staff are lovely and welcoming, and everything we needed was arranged with a smile. It was a magical week in a magical place.

10/10

Just returned from a simply wonderful holiday at The Why House. We stayed in a garden room which was perfect, as we had our own private out side space from which we could watch monkeys, chipmunks, fireflies and the most beautiful bird life. What really makes this place special is the staff, so friendly and clearly want to make your stay perfect. Travelling with 2 children can be at times a little stressful, but the staff made them welcome and provided them with care and attention not to mention the best hot chocolate ever (my sons words). The Why House provided us with transport to and from the airport and were able to provide TukTuks for trips around the area. Highly recommended and I'm sure we will return again in the future.

10/10

My wife & I wanted a special holiday for our wedding anniversary & were recommended to the Why House. We were not disappointed at all. What a fantastic few days where nothing was too much trouble to the smiley, happy polite staff, Sanat & Henrietta etc. We both felt so so relaxed & welcom. Lovely beaches a tuc tuc drive away (an experience in itself) & we met such nice people in the same frame of mind - Thank you so much everyone x

10/10

Such a delightful location in the forest and perfectly tranquil. Comfort, great food and and service and even the other guests were pleasant! The GM (Henrietta) is a hospitality veteran from England with a perfect understanding of the needs of the leisure traveler and nothing is too much trouble. If you enjoy the small country house ambiance, but with plenty of space, this is the location to chill out..

10/10

first visit to Sri Lanka and staying at Why House Galle, we were a little concerned that the transfer from the airport would be a drama but fortunately it went with out a hitch, met by a smiling driver and transported safely in an air conditioned mini bus there is now a motorway part way to Galle, our transfer took just over 2 hours including a pit stop. Nice greeting at the hotel from Sanet the general manager quickly joined by Henrietta the effervescent hotel director who showed us to our room. well appointed beautifully clean with huge bathroom and shower area. Sri Lanka hospitality and brilliant food throughout our stay, we happened to mention to Henrietta that we liked lobster by magic they arrived for our lunch ! nothing is to much trouble they really are keen to please. the poole area is brilliant all in all this is a great place to stay, we could easily have stayed for a month.

10/10

I've been very fortunate to come to Why House on several occasions for work related reasons. The food is healthy, tasty and just amazing. The Staff are kind, considerate and provide a very good service. The Hotel is full of surprises from the pool, to the sowers in the rooms. I would advise anyone going to Sri Lanka to spend a night there, this is coming from someone who travels around world and gets to stay in all the best hotels. This one is major!I've been very fortunate to come to Why House on several occasions for work related reasons. The food is healthy, tasty and just amazing. The Staff are kind, considerate and provide a very good service. The Hotel is full of surprises from the pool, to the sowers in the rooms. I would advise anyone going to Sri Lanka to spend a night there, this is coming from someone who travels around world and gets to stay in all the best hotels. This one is major!

10/10

Why House is the perfect mix of traditional and contemporary. The manageress and staff are very attentive and charming in a laid back, non obtrusive, way. The interiors are gorgeous but also very comfortable. Very peaceful and quiet yet only a stones throw away from the madness of Unawatuna and Galle. If you are a foodie all your needs will be met with an informal dinner party approach to the restaurant. Henrietta, the manageress, instantly feel like an old friend and makes an effort to introduce the guests to each other should you wish to socialise. If not it's big enough to keep to your self. Highly recommended is the Sri Lankan breakfast. Lentil curry, coconut sambal and string hoppers might sound more like lunch but makes an amazing breakfast and effective hangover cure… You have to pre-order this I think. The walk to the beach takes about 10 minutes on a charming country lane that passes a beautiful temple. On full moon day it's lit up by lots and lots of lanterns. I strongly recommend taking an early morning stroll to Dalawella beach for a morning swim. Walk to experience a snippet of Sri Lankan village life - you see so much more walking than zooming past in a tuk-tuk. Saying that a few days we didn't go further than the pool and restaurant pavilion. Why House is one of my favourite places to stay in Galle and I hope to return soon.