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    1. Life
    2. Travel

    The Owl and The Pussycat, Sri Lanka: The Ultimate Luxury Escape

    By Marie Claire
    Published 1 February 2019 In Features

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    Why Go?

    The Owl and Pussycat is hidden behind an unassuming gateway in Galle, which doesn’t quite prepare you for the delights you encounter as soon as you enter the lush green grounds - on the fringes of the Indian Ocean in Sri Lanka. Closing the gate to the hustle and bustle of the streets you enter a tranquil haven that is has style and chicness in equal measure.

    The hotel is inspired by the optimism of a modern Sri Lanka with its positive passionate colours and home-from-home feeling.

    This is no ordinary, boutique hotel. These beautiful 16 individually designed suites are spread over 4 different buildings each containing their own bespoke furniture, textiles and hand made art.

    The Owl and The Pussycat, Sri Lanka

    Every inch of the hotel is an Instagram dream. Set amongst lush topiary, the exteriors are achingly stylish. But perhaps the stand out feature would be the brightly painted walls - the Blue, the beige, the pink, the Yellow. This begs the question - is this the most Instagrammable hotel in Sri Lanka?

    As if the sound of the waves weren't enough to ensure you were at your most relaxed, there is a team on hand to take you to next level happiness. The massage and treatment area is situated on edge of the ocean so whether you need a little massage to ease any aching tuk tuk related muscles or you need a beautifying manicure or pedicure the team are on hand to make your stay even more indulgent.

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    If you fancied really stretching your muscles, why not try beachside yoga? This was such an amazing way to relax after a day of sightseeing and again in front of the crashing waves of the indian ocean.

    The Owl and The Pussycat, Sri Lanka

    The Owl and The Pussycat, Sri Lanka: The Rooms

    Our Signature Two Bedroom Suite came complete with our own private terrace, complete with swing (more Insta fodder) kitchen, stunning bathrooms and living area - not that I planned on doing any cooking myself.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    The Owl and The Pussycat, Sri Lanka

    The Owl and The Pussycat, Sri Lanka: The Food

    We took ourselves off for our breakfast and lunch in the The Runcible Spoon restaurant, which was a culinary delight. Combining authentic local dishes with an international flair.

    The highlight of my day was being served Sri Lanka’s infamous King Coconut for breakfast in front of the ocean, with the waves lapping at our feet.

    Cocktail hour (well all day in fact) couldn’t come soon enough and we were presented with a robust and exotic menu which we indulged in every day, Served on the terrace, in front of the beautiful, full length swimming pool to cool us down.

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    The Owl and The Pussycat, Sri Lanka

    Don't Miss

    For beach lovers, there was direct access to the beach from our room and at low tide we could explore the deserted beaches, watching the fisherman catch their daily haul of fresh seafood.

    The Owl and The Pussycat, Sri Lanka

    The hotel is 'designed to make you feel differently. More relaxed, more inspired, more valued.’ And it certainly did.

    Our stay was really one of the highlights of our trip to Sri Lanka. The hotel was more of a sensory experience, perfect for couples, friends, families alike who are looking for a unique, intimate place to stay off the beaten track. And one that is every bit as good as your Instagram feeds suggests.

    The Need To Know

    The Owl and the Pussycat, Sri Lanka

    Address: N.788, Matara Rd, Talpe, Sri Lanka

    Rooms: 16

    Restaurant: Yes

    Pool: Yes

    Spa: Massage and Yoga available on request in Shala

    Rates: From £168 per night

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    The leading destination for fashion, beauty, shopping and finger-on-the-pulse views on the latest issues. Marie Claire's travel content helps you delight in discovering new destinations around the globe, offering a unique – and sometimes unchartered – travel experience. From new hotel openings to the destinations tipped to take over our travel calendars, this iconic name has it covered.

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