Why House

10/10

It’s safe to say we couldn’t have enjoyed our time at Why House any more than we did. The idyllic setting – surrounded by luscious Sri Lankan greenery and drenched in sunlight – was everything we could’ve hoped for for an incredibly relaxing stay. The staff were as hospitable as they come, and they were particularly sweet with my 1-year old baby and my friends’ 9-month old. The food was delicious and it was unsurprising to hear that the proprietor trained at Le Cordon Bleu. Beyond orchestrating the food, she was a wonderful host and looked after us attentively and thoughtfully, adding so much to our experience. We can’t wait to return.

10/10

The accommodation,food and staff are absolutely amazing. Lovely pool area was extremely peaceful but close to Galle fort and cricket ground,highly recommend. We were welcomed by the owner Hettie and her friendly dog Lettie to make you feel at home.

10/10

The accommodation,food and staff are absolutely amazing. Lovely pool area was extremely peaceful but close to Galle fort and cricket ground,highly recommend.We were welcomed by the owner Hettie and her friendly dog Lettie to make you feel at home.

10/10

We had a totally fantastic stay at Why House. We had read a review of the hotel four years ago and finally had the opportunity to visit it, and the place completely exceeded our expectations. We stayed in Garden Bungalow and had two large, connected rooms, beautifully and cozyly decorated and with a huge private veranda with a nice green area in front. The hotel's location is perfect, withdrawn from the coast but only a short tuk-tuk trip from a lot of exciting activities. The best of the place was the service and the food. Henrietta and her team are so welcoming, sincere and attentive. The food is served in the hotel’s cosy restaurant, where each family has their own table throughout the stay. The food was unrivalled - so fresh, exciting and tasty. The best part was that there was not a long menu to deal with, but you could confidently rely on the kitchen and set yourself up every evening. Our four little children also enjoy every second and already miss Letty, Henrietta's sweetest burial dog. All in all, Why House is for us the concept of vacation and was the perfect start of our tour around Sri Lanka - thank you, we will be back!

10/10

Why House has the most incredible reviews, for good reason, this place is the best! Food, delicious, staff amazing, experience first class. We stayed with our 3 yr old, “could we possibly have some food for her at 5.30?” we asked. At any other hotel, the response would be, I’m sorry dinner starts at 7.30. At this place, absolutely, we have a full menu available at any time, just ask. Out came the most delicious pasta, ice cream, etc. We had lobster, prawns, delicious drinks all at a very reasonable price. Pool amazing . . .15/20 minutes from Galle. I could go on. We will be back, for sure. Thank you.

10/10

The location is beautiful. Beautiful large rooms and bathroom with air conditioning, lovely pool with plenty of sunbeds in the shade and breakfast is fantastic. The hostess is also really great and if you are staying here, definitely join the dinner once. Best dinner we have had in Sri Lanka!

10/10

Utter heaven! This boutique hotel within beautiful gardens has rooms in the main building and tucked away around the grounds 15 minutes from the hustle and bustle or Galle. Incredibly comfortable rooms, private terraces, and a large enticing pool. This was the highlight of our trip where we totally relaxed knowing we were in good hands. Henrietta and her wonderful team ensure nothing is too much trouble with their attention to detail and utter charm. We had to tear ourselves away.

10/10

We spent 5 nights at Why House in late February and had a wonderful time. The hotel itself is a lovely colonial-style collection of buildings set out around a central restaurant and pool. It feels incredibly luxurious and special whilst retaining a relaxed easy-going atmosphere, with gentle vibes consistent with the R&R we were looking for. We had room 5 which had a big bedroom (high quality linen) with super high ceilings, an expansive bathroom and walk-in wardrobe and private veranda with seating and a bell to ring for tea. The hotel also has a stylish sitting room and library with comfy sofas available for anyone to use. The location is great - close enough to walk to the beach, but far enough to secure peace and quiet when required; and an easy tuk-tuk into Galle for everything on offer there. Food was delicious, varied and plentiful. Hen has done a great job bringing together a long-standing team, who could not have looked after us any better - we didn’t want for anything and Hen was always around to offer helpful suggestions for things to see and do. And her 4-legged assistant Violet Elizabeth (Letty) is gorgeous too. Thanks so much for making our holiday special.

10/10

Why House is the most comfortable and relaxing place. Set in a lush garden with a stunning pool, our garden suite was stylishly decorated and had a very comfortable bed. Henrietta, hosts Why House like a house party and is so hospitable. Along with her friendly staff she makes you feel instantly relaxed and is always on hand should you have any queries. Little included extras such as aqua classes 3 mornings a week and afternoon tea are really welcome. But the best part of Why House is the FOOD .. wow it’s good. Henrietta has produced food for clients all around the world and has trained her chefs to produce superlative food. It is so good that you don’t want to eat elsewhere. If we’d known Why House was going to be this lovely we’d have booked longer than 5 nights. Reluctantly we had to say goodbye to head to our next destination but we’ll be back!

10/10

Fabulous boutique hotel with the friendliest staff. Located between the south coast surfing beaches and city of Galle. Nothing is too much trouble here and everyone’s smiling - especially the guests! Exceptional authentic Sri Lankan and international cuisine. We’ll be back soon.

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.)