The land was bought at the end of 2020 and work began in June 2021. Twenty local workmen finished the project by December 2021 although the landscaping and finishing touches are continuous. Antique recycled roof tiles, terracotta and stones were preferred to new materials and trees and plants were transplanted from local gardens, making an ideal habitat for the multicoloured birds. The proprietor oversaw all the works personally and paid special attention to minute detail. The whole place exudes a feeling of love.

Suitable for parties of 4, 6, 8, 10 pax - perfect for Easter or New Year getaways. Long term lets are welcome from May to November 2024. Four kilometres inland from a quiet little virgin beach, Emel's Retreat takes you back in time to jungle and rice fields while offering all the amenities of a 5* hotel. All the ensuite rooms are equipped with hot water, AC, WiFi and desk, filtered drinking water, natural handmade soap, shower gel and shampoo. Some beds have hand embroidered bed linen while others have mosquito nets. The main attraction has to be the 40ft infinity pool and pavilion but the fauna (from tiny humming birds to petrol blue peacocks)and flora are breathtaking! Each room has its own unique theme - the African style room with authentic pieces and furnishings - the Italian Romantic room, the antique sitting cum bedroom with authentic Srilankan painted doors and 17th c. Italian furnishings, the Green Garden Chalet with its antique wooden horse and the Orange Garden Chalet surrounded by tropical bushes and hibiscus. Yoga mats are available and ayurveda treatment can readily be arranged in the massage room by the pond. There is a staff of 4 who will look after you and cook for you if desired. Otherwise, use of the 2 kitchens is also possible. The proprietor lives on the estate during the months of December to April and prefers to offer bed and breakfast while she is there, but lives abroad in the other months, leaving the kitchens entirely at the guests' disposal.

There are village shops 5 minutes away on foot and bigger villages at 4.5 km. There's an unspoilt stretch of beach with a few sun beds and bars and restaurants too. Galle (UNESCO town) is 11 km and Hikkaduwa 12 km. (both 10 min by tuktuk)