How we source!: Sri Lanka
A little digital postcard from our sourcing trips, where we hunt for unique treasures across the globe.
Last November I spent nearly two weeks exploring the southern part of the island, with my sisters, staying at a variety of hotels that each offered something unique. Some standout stays included:
The Wallawwa – The perfect place to recover after a long flight. We didn’t leave the property—just swam in the garden pool, indulged in incredible Sri Lankan cuisine, and got spa treatments - it’s an easy, tranquil landing pad just outside of Colombo.
Kurulu Ella Eco Resort – A small, charming eco-lodge run by the sweetest couple who personally cook your meals. It served as our base for hiking in the Sinharaja Rainforest. We stayed in the treetop room with no walls, just windows and views over the waterfall.
Blue Wave Hotel – This is where I finally learned to surf. Mornings started with cappuccinos and watching surfers from the terrace. Afternoons were for tuk tuk rides to remote beaches nearby. A casual, surfer-friendly spot right across from the breaks.
The Last House – Tucked at the end of a winding, tree-lined road and set along an unspoiled beach, this Geoffrey Bawa-designed hideaway feels miles away from everything (while still being close to Tangalle). Remote, peaceful, and full of character.
De Saram House by Geoffrey Bawa – I spent my last night here solo, exploring Colombo’s architectural gems (all designed by Geoffrey Bawa) by Uber tuk tuk. Staying in this private Bawa home-turned-guesthouse felt like inhabiting a living piece of design history and I had the place entirely to myself.
Kurulu Bay –I spent an afternoon at Kurulu Bay (a design-forward retreat inspired by Florida Tropical Modernism) doing yoga, followed by lunch in their cafe (reading the New Yorker while eating chocolate cake, nothing better). The spa was minimalist and serene, designed to feel like an extension of the natural surroundings. While there I spotted a Nationalgalerie Berlin “Têtes et Queue – Calder 1965” exhibition poster and a few months later, I was able to source one for Hometings (available here).
Food Highlights - Sri Lankan food is the ultimate ultimate! I thought about it regularly during the seven years between trips—so when I finally went back, it was the thing I was looking forward to most. Every meal felt like a celebration, especially shared with my sisters and the settings we enjoyed them in.
Curry at Barefoot Garden Café – A lush, leafy oasis in the heart of Colombo where Geoffrey Bawa’s office used to be. I had my last meal of the trip alone here, after crazy shopping at Paradise Road (which also has a small shop at the cafe).
Sri Lankan Breakfast at Art Yala – One of the best hotel breakfasts we had: a full spread of traditional Sri Lankan dishes (Pol sambol, hoppers, dhal, and curries) while watching the water buffalo in the creek below.
Fresh Coconut at Yala National Park – We sipped sweet coconut water straight from the shell during a break from leopard spotting at Yala National Park.
Healthy Breakfast at Blue Wave Hotel – While watching the waves we enjoyed smoothie bowls, eggs, fruit platters, and great coffee.
What we bought - Sooo much!! Handwoven bags, stainless steel soap dishes, terracotta plates and a variety of incense holders - available here.
