Written by : Shiyuan Yang | Jiayi Shi
Legend has it that “serendipity” was once crowned one of the “toughest words to translate” into English, embracing the concept of “unexpectedly stumbling upon rare treasures.” In the ancient tales of Sri Lanka, where three Persian princes ventured, the land was christened Serendip, birthing the term “Serendipity”-an ode to the joy of delightful chance discoveries.
Sri Lanka, an island long adorned with nature’s gems, cradles a villa named Villa Serendipity, a serendipitous rendezvous for its owner in the heart of Ceylon.
I recently spent a weekend in this lakeside haven by Lake Koggala, a personal retreat transformed into a dreamy boutique hotel by a friend who lives life on her aesthetic terms. Sprawling over 6,000 square meters, the villa boasts a mere five bedrooms.
Designed to cater to just one set of guests at a time, it’s a place where exclusivity meets embrace, perfect for a family escape or a cozy corporate retreat. With an infinity view of the lake, an air of seclusion, accolades from design magazines, and nods from the world of hotels, this place challenges the stereotype of a “hotel owner.” The hostess, more poetry than proprietor, is not your typical innkeeper or a business woman -She is just a private home hostess who likes to share her aesthetics and lifestyle.
She’s not a permanent resident of Lanka; this house is her holiday haven. Its daily affairs are entrusted to a professional team, making her a hands-off captain.
I have been writing this article for a long time, but she nonchalantly remarked, “Take your time.” In the throes of creation, I shared a snippet on social media. Her reply? “Skiing in Switzerland, caught a signal-Happy New Year!”
1.A dance of sunlight through transparent wooden architecture-every nook basks in sunlit grace.
2.A bold ‘Light of the Nation’ sign, a Belgian antique show treasure, hangs proudly at the entrancex
The Secret Villa: 6000 sqm+, only 5 rooms to weave dreams.
This enchanting private dwelling stands on a leveled canvas, gently tilting towards the vast Koggala Lake, tethered to it by a petite pier.
Nestled within Sri Lankan villages, the architecture, a timeless ballet of design, is a visual feast from every angle, at every hour.
A fusion of modern tech and traditional Sri Lankan grace, this two-story wooden abode unveils a living room and kitchen on the ground floor and bedrooms on the upper. The communal space, a spacious living-dining dance, sports full-length glass doors-a portal to an infinity pool and a lakeview that paints awe with its strokes.
All bedrooms salute the lake, adorned with an anthology of carefully curated antiquities. Rooms named Tea Bliss, Elephant Whimsy, Cinnamon, and Bookish house decor and images that echo their names.
The male host of the house poured his heart into the design and construction of this Villa. The hostess and her Luxembourgian husband had a meet-cute in Shanghai. Back then, she was steering her jewelry ship and, in collaboration with a Belgian diamond dealer, participated in the Shanghai Jewelry Expo. “He met my partner Olive first, asked him about antique markets, and Olive pointed him to me. My office was near Chenghuang Temple, surrounded by antique shops. I loved digging through antiques; I’d stroll in almost every few days. Even now, every time we visit a new country, we make a beeline for local antique markets, snagging a gem or two.”
After getting married, they moved to several countries due to changes in their jobs, yet their heart’s wish was always to build their “dream house” in a warm nook. “Thailand, Bali, Indonesia-we considered and inspected them all but never felt the spark. It wasn’t until nine years ago, during our first visit to Sri Lanka, that we were smitten by the scenery and local spirit. Within three days, we were scouting for agents, sealing the deal.”
After two years of architectural ballet and another two of construction crescendo, the “dream house” took its bow. Most antiques within Villa Serendipity are local treasures, except for the “Light of the Nation” sign, plucked from a Belgian antique expo.
Wrapped in endless lake views, the villa embraces glass windows, inviting nature's poetry inside
At the same time, this villa is so deep into the real life of Sri Lanka.
In the morning, lake-folk paddle in canoes, hauling in their diligent catch, while monks across the shore whisper their morning hymns. As twilight descends, those lounging by the unhindered windows can witness the lake’s grand sunset-the ultimate boon of “hiding away here.”
In the villa, I couldn’t help but express my amazement and admiration. I messaged the hostess, “Absolutely love the terrazzo flooring in your home! How was this effect achieved?”
“The ergonomics of the curvaceous chair outside are incredibly comfortable and well-designed. Was it locally sourced?” I inquired.
The local villagers warmly welcomed guests arriving at the villa. Upon our arrival, they graciously guided us. The hostess, returning several times a year, engages in a delightful tradition of sharing gifts with the village children through playful games. “Witnessing their innocent and charming smiles brings immense joy. If anyone is interested in joining us, you’re more than welcome,” she conveyed.
Juggling the year-end rush, I found repose in the villa’s chambers, aimlessly flipping through books – a leisurely pursuit. Often, amidst the bustling, the heart finds solace. A glance out the window reveals the sunset, a chorus of ten thousand birds on the lake. Amidst this exuberance, a colossal solitude unfurls. Such a beautiful place, a regret that you’re not here.
Your Private Holiday Home
My aspiration is to be an “urban recluse,” loyal to my heart, occasionally seeking refuge on hillsides. Few friends, handpicked and deeply cherished – a trio or a quintet, surpassing the multitude of casual acquaintances. Like a dedicated hobbyist who knows a bit about everything, I’d rather delve into life’s nuances.
Time squandered on meaningless superficialities is better spent in a quiet corner with a novel and a cup of tea. Too many focal points lead to a drain in inner capacities-“I don’t pay much attention to what others think because I’m engrossed in solving my own problems.” In a world rife with uncertainties, reserve some time for self-reflection.
And this villa? It’s the perfect haven for seclusion. Equipped with an outstanding chef, caretakers, a butler, gardener, and 24-hour security – it’s more of a “private villa” than a “boutique hotel.”
Why say so? Because the staff here are residents of this village. They may not be trained hotel professionals, but their warmth is genuine. For instance, the villa doesn’t stock toothbrushes and toothpaste, but if you need them, the staff will gladly buy and bring them from the nearby store.
For example, the chef can tailor the cuisine to your preferences. By discussing your ideas with him in advance, he will head to the market to procure the freshest ingredients—such as crabs and shrimp—only charging the standard procurement fees.
However, it’s crucial to plan and communicate in advance. The villa generally doesn’t stock ingredients and opts for buying fresh supplies on the day. Without prior planning, impromptu decisions might leave you with limited dining options.
with an outstanding chef, caretakers, a butler, gardener, and 24-hour security – it’s more of a “private villa” than a “boutique hotel.”
Why say so? Because the staff here are residents of this village. They may not be trained hotel professionals, but their warmth is genuine. For instance, the villa doesn’t stock toothbrushes and toothpaste, but if you need them, the staff will gladly buy and bring them from the nearby store.
For example, the chef can tailor the cuisine to your preferences. By discussing your ideas with him in advance, he will head to the market to procure the freshest ingredients—such as crabs and shrimp—only charging the standard procurement fees.
However, it’s crucial to plan and communicate in advance. The villa generally doesn’t stock ingredients and opts for buying fresh supplies on the day. Without prior planning, impromptu decisions might leave you with limited dining options.
Chef Asanka, with excellent culinary skills, is renowned for his signature curries, and he has a story to tell. The hostess met him in Sri Lanka in 2011, and he told her that if they ever invested in a hotel here, he would come to work as their chef. When the villa was completed in 2015, he resigned from Cinnamon Hotel and joined them.
Wrapped in endless lake views, the villa embraces glass windows, inviting nature’s poetry inside
Unique Experience:
Boating on Lake Koggala
We were taken on a boat tour of Lake Koggala, providing a unique experience tailored to the local surroundings. Before departing, I saw a massive turtle on the lawn. It was unafraid of people; as I quietly observed it, the turtle curiously stuck its head out, resembling a human baby. Later, the hostess told me there’s also a large lizard, the villa’s “mascot.” Unfortunately, my friends and I didn’t have the chance to meet it.
Docked at the pier was a boat, a gift from the hostess’s father to celebrate the opening. With such splendid lake views, how could we not have a boat? The hostess’s father first visited the villa, rented an external boat, and upon returning, bought them a boat as a gift.
As the boat left the pier and gradually approached the deeper waters of the lake, it startled many water birds. The staff enthusiastically pointed out the lakeside wellness center, Cinnamon Island, and a nearby temple. I waved to the monks sitting on the pier, and they waved back.
I told my friends, leaving the office, I truly appreciated the beauty of Sri Lanka.
“You see, we didn’t make the wrong choice by staying here.”
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Private Ayurveda
While boating, we noticed an Ayurveda center on the shore, which guests could visit. Unfortunately, it seemed closed that day. However, the thoughtful staff offered to contact them, arranging for service personnel to come to the villa.
Around 4000-5000 years ago, a group of sages gathered under the Himalayas to discuss balance, plants, and the body, leading to the birth of Ayurveda. A sage from Sri Lanka attended the discussion, giving rise to the unique Ayurvedic therapy in Lanka. With abundant plant resources, the therapy here has evolved into a distinctive system. Even today, Ayurveda serves as a means of relaxation, revitalizing the body, and assisting in the treatment of some major illnesses.
Reasonably priced, skilled staff will come to the villa with equipment and materials. You can choose to experience it in your room or opt for the standalone room “Bookish.” This spacious suite is equipped with a billiard table, and the collection of books in Chinese, English, and German is extensive—hence its name, “Bookish.”
The first time I visited the villa for a tour, the hostess asked me, “Which part of this villa on Lake Koggala do you like the most?” I answered, “The overall atmosphere is secluded, like a utopia; traditional yet modern, with excellent natural lighting (many beautiful boutique hotels in Sri Lanka lack sufficient lighting). Every corner and play of light is meticulously designed. I especially love the sound of the wind passing through the villa.”
Finally, I have one regret—such a wonderful place, why didn’t I come here sooner?