Gavin

1 property

36 reviews

Expert owner

Direct booking - no fees


Joined 2005

Gavin

Owner from Bath, United Kingdom

About

I first came to Sri Lanka in September 2000 and was instantly charmed by the people, their culture and the fantastically beautiful natural landscape. I used to split my time between Sri Lanka and UK but now just visit Sri Lanka when I can.

1 property


36 reviews

Family from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Peter

Family from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates · December 2018
It's all been said before, but, From the second I initially contacted Gavin to the very end of our stay (over Christmas & New Year), the whole experience could not have been better. The ease of booking, the transport arrangements (getting from the airport to Hikkaduha), to enjoying the famous BBQ's and lovely Sri Lankan curries cooked by the house staff, it was all fantastic. Mahinda was terrific in organising any tours or transport we wanted, even a last minute whale watching on a private boat (yes, you pay more, but 5 of us were on a boat and not with 80 others). The pool was a great place to come back to after a long drive and a leisurely walk along the beach to any of the (many) restaurants was always a pleasure (much better to walk back after the meal to let the food go down). If you didn't feel like walking, there were always 2 Tuk Tuk's out the front waiting to take you anywhere. We are an 'Aussie' family and travelled as a family of 5 and our only regret was that we should've booked a few extra days. Thanks again Gavin (& Mahinda and staff). We will be back!
Gavin

Reply from Gavin

So glad to hear how much you enjoyed your stay, Peter and got a real appreciation of the fantastic beach and surroundings. You will, of course, be welcome back anytime! :-)

Family from London, United Kingdom

Louise

Family from London, United Kingdom · January 2018
We stayed at the tropical beach house in January and thoroughly enjoyed our stay there. The staff were friendly and courteous and on call for when you need them. Gavin responds to communications quickly and effectively and is only too happy to provide useful information. The house itself is located at the quieter end of the beach which for us was perfect, there are restaurants and cafes within walking distance but if you want to go the main part of town then its a 200 rupees tuktuk trip into town (oneway). The beach outside the house is wide, clean and beautiful and there are no hawkers, the sea is suitable for paddling but there are warnings about swimming on that part of the beach even though we did on certain days when the waves were not too big. The pool is a great alternative and is kept clean by the pool guy who visits in the morning. We had many fun days lazing by the pool and playing games with the family. The rooms are comfortable and clean and well equipped with ensuite and a kitchen in each area. My husband and I had the top floor in the main house which in my opinion was the best room in the house, the views are spectacular and the sound of the waves gently take you into a peaceful sleep at night time. All the family said how comfortable the beds were in each of their rooms. We had a seafood BBQ one night which included fish, chicken, prawns, salad and rice. They even made us delicious spicy sauces which we requested and everyone commented as to how well cooked and delicious the food was. I would thoroughly recommend this house for family or large groups of friends. I would go back again tomorrow if I could!
Gavin

Reply from Gavin

It's lovely to ready how much you enjoyed your stay, Louise. You'll all be welcome back anytime! :-)

Family from Bretzenheim, Germany

Joerg

Family from Bretzenheim, Germany · April 2017
Traumurlaub!!! Meine Familie und ich verbrachten knapp 2 Wochen (16.04. bis 27.04.2017) an diesem wunderschönen Ort. Das Anwesen ist sehr gepflegt und die Zimmer gemütlich eingerichtet. Einfach unglaublich! Der Pool ist schön groß und sauber. Wir hatten den kompletten Strand für uns und traumhaft gutes Wetter. Das gesamte Personal war sehr hilfsbereit, freundlich und erfüllte uns jeden Wunsch. Wir empfehlen jedem, der nach Sri Lanka reisen möchte, ein paar Tage in diesem tollen Haus zu verbringen. Besten Dank natürlich auch an Gavin, für die unkomplizierte und nette Konversation/Vermittlung. Wir kommen gerne wieder :)
Gavin

Reply from Gavin

Ich bin so froh, dass du deinen Aufenthalt genossen hast. Sie waren nette und respektvolle Gäste und Sie werden jederzeit wieder willkommen sein. Mit einem zurückkehrenden Gastrabatt!

Family from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

simon

Family from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates · January 2017
Dear Gavin, We had a great time in your fantastic beach house. The location was perfect and I do hope to stay again at some point in the future. In terms of help Mahinda (house manager) was outstanding and we used his driver colleague Janaka a few times. Having been to similar places like Sri Lanka it didn't take long to make a load of local contacts/drivers etc. My tip to others coming to Sri Lanka would be to get an Etisalat SIM! once again thank you and I will be in touch should we wish to book again! Kind regards, Simon Johnson
Gavin

Reply from Gavin

So glad that you and your family enjoyed your stay, Simon. Great suggestion - we're going to make a local mobile available for all future guests to use. Pre-loaded with some useful contacts. Don't forget your returning guest discount for your next visit! Thanks, Gavin

Family from Midland, USA

Susana

Family from Midland, USA · March 2016
We stayed at this property with our 4 young children, and it was the perfect location on a quiet stretch of the beach. It is not safe to swim in the ocean, so the small pool was a great touch that we all loved. The kids spent hours alternating between the beach and the pool, enjoying every minute of it. The staff was unobtrusive, yet friendly and as helpful as needed. The hotel next door was also very convenient as their restaurant/waitstaff was happy to deliver meals right to the house and then would come back later to pick up the dirty dishes. We did all stay in the bottom portion of the house as the bottom and top floors are separate and our children are so young, but we knew that when booking. This house would be perfect for extended families, couples, or friends traveling together who also wanted some personal space, or families with older children that didn't mind the separation. In all, we had a wonderful stay and would recommend!
Gavin

Reply from Gavin

Hi Susana – I’m so glad that you and your family enjoyed your stay and thanks so much for your lovely comments. You are all welcome back any time but don't forget to contact me direct for your returning guest discount! Best regards, Gavin

Family from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

James

Family from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates · March 2014
Very easy to book and ask the owner questions. the House Manager (Mahinda) and his staff were excellent and arranged everything we needed. So good that we are going back later in the year.

Couple from Helsinki, Finland

Tuija

Couple from Helsinki, Finland · January 2014
Apartment is spacious and in very good condition. it was cleaned daily - which we didnt expect - at the beginning of our stay. Manger was easy to reach both by phone and in person, he visited the house practically daily. Nice sea breeze coolened the big terrace and apartment. moskito net above bed guaranteed moskito bite free night sleep. Apartment is located next to beach, but swimming on that part of the beach isnt usually possible due to big waves. Interesting attaraction was to follow how fishermen went to sea by their special boats. We joined them for a couple of times to draw the fishing net in. That was fun! On the other side is busy road which disturbed us suprisingly little. There is also a tuk tuk stand where from it is easy to catch a ride. On the terrace is a sofa and 2 sun beds, but sun shines ther only after midday. There are some beach beds in front of some restaurants/bars where you can stay for free. Walking distance is not too far. Nearest supermarket needs a tuk-tuk (at least if you have heavy bags to carry). Jus next to the supermarket is also a wine store which sold even cider. Apatment is easy to find. it is just next to Cinnamon Garden hotel, which every tuk tuk driver knew well. I recommend you to ask from the manager to organize a barbeque at the garden - it was really worth while.

Family from Le Roy, USA

Diana

Family from Le Roy, USA · September 2013
Outstanding little cabana in a very nice area of Sri Lanka. We were picked up at the airport without any problems. The cabana was cute and clean. This beach is very nice, we went snorkeling and the house staff went out of their way to accomodate us. The owner answered all our questions before the trip and was very nice. We truly enjoyed our stay here.

Family from Bridgend, United Kingdom

Susan

Family from Bridgend, United Kingdom · August 2013
We were delighted with the accommodation and the service we received at the Tropical Beach House. Mahinda was a fantastic guide and his brother, Chandara, was an exquisite BBQ cook…just 2 days after the birth of his 3rd daughter!!

 From Melbourne, Australia

Michael

From Melbourne, Australia · April 2013
Stayed at the beach house for over a week and found the place to be excellent. The local crew running the place are real friendly and helped us out with anything we wanted, no hassles. It was perfect for our big group with ages ranging from 2 to 65. Right on the beach and walking distance or a short tuk-tuk run into town and restaurants. For surfers it is only a 10-15 minute walk up the beach to a decent reef break which gets pretty fun waves, both lefts and rights. We were there at the end of the season, so I say it would turn it on with more swell mid season. Overall great place to stay Hikkaduwa