THE BEST VILLAS IN SRI LANKA

For the best stay in Sri Lanka, take over one of these sprawling houses set within the most beautiful surrounds.

- Harriet Compston

Sri Lanka is bouncing back. After a rocky patch last year, this island nation is shining with renewed spirit. Nowhere is this more evident than along the southern coast, with its golden beaches and glassy azure waters. Beach bars line the sand, thronging with conversation smoothies, and poke bowls, and shopaholics are spoilt for choice at Galle's chic boutiques.

The big question, however, remains: where to bed down? S While five-star hotel groups put on an excellent show, there is an abundance of overwhelmingly good villas to rent on Sri Lanka's southern stretch of coastline. The villa scene has recently really upped its game with new design-led properties being built from scratch, long-term favourites having a refresh, and big-name, super stylish houses hitting the rental market for the first time.

Many of the prettiest villas circle Galle, with its colonial charm and crumbling Dutch architecture, but there are equally lovely places to rent an hour or so away. The beach town of Bentota, with its Geoffrey Bawa architecture, is fantastic for design aficionados. Or, further south, there's little-known Tangalle which offers a string of tranquil shores. But it's not just about the beach. Some of the finest villas are tucked away inland, hidden among the palms.

Such a wide range of villas means an astonishing choice for visitors, but it has also prompted owners, a mix of passionate expats and forward-thinking locals, to bring originality to the table. Today, there's a villa to suit everyone-be it a petite family hideaway amid a verdant rice paddy, an all-out contemporary party pad in the hills, or a jaw-dropping beach retreat to take over as your own-all with your own pool and team of unobtrusive staff.