Founders – Eraeliya Villas and Gardens

OUR FOUNDERS

Welcome to Eraeliya Villas & Gardens.

We’re Carl and Nyuri; founders of Eraeliya, where Swedish, Dutch, and Russian roots meet the soulful beauty of Sri Lanka’s south coast. Eraeliya is not just a hotel; it’s a personal vision born from our shared passion for hospitality, design, wellness, and nature.

Carl’s journey spans four continents and world-renowned brands such as Aman, Jumeirah, Atlantis The Palm, and IHG, shaping thoughtful, conscious luxury experiences rooted in authenticity.

Nyuri is the creative soul of Eraeliya, an interior designer and curator whose eye for detail brings warmth, artistry, and meaning to every villa and garden.

Our newest chapter will unfold in the Summer of 2026 with the launch of our seaside restaurant and sunset bar, a celebration of honest, seasonal cuisine crafted with locally sourced ingredients. Alongside this, our new farm project grows fruits, vegetables, and flowers; deepening our connection to the land.

Eraeliya is a living expression of care, creativity, and culture – a place where every guest becomes part of our story.

With love & care,
Carl & Nyuri,
Founders & Curators.

GUEST REVIEWS

Paradise for me.nWe had a lovely experience.nMy friend flew in from Australia and I from Stockholm. We needed time to talk and socialise properly - and good sleep.nStayed in a wonderful beach villa, was served breakfast on our own veranda and was very well looked after by the friendly staff.nThe food was amazing, freshly caught fish every day, fruits, vegetables fresh and colorful. Nicely presented and inspiring.nWe took a cocking class and learned to use local spices curry, curry curry, chilli and turmeric along with vegetables in traditional recipes.nI fished, snorkeled, swam and enjoyed the stillness.nMassage until evening in the small airy spa house a few steps from our villa. Clearly a luxury my tired winter soul needed, almost every day. I tried Balinese and hotstone and only foot and head massage. All good.nThe newly opened Kicki&Nonna bar served drinks and yummy hors d'oeuvres at sunset and the sea noise and surf waves provided round-the-clock entertainment.nWe were supposed to stay 3 nights but stayed for 6u2026nWhen we left the whole staff stood in rows around the car and waved goodbye.nIt made me cry.

Wonderful 6 day stay at Eraeliya.nWe had a wonderful 6 night stay at Eraeliya. From start to end the service was outstanding. The property is beautiful and our villa accommodation was of the highest quality with one of the best views out over the gardens to the sea that you can imagine. All of the amenities were great. The food was top notch and we can highly recommend the BBQ and especially the Crab Curry which was the best we found in Sri Lanka. We were looked after every day by Rex, who was attentive, friendly and provided service of the highest quality. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a luxury experience that is very different to a traditional hotel.

***** What a beautiful 5 ***** experience *****nWe had the most unforgettable stay at Eraeliya in August! From the moment we arrived, the whole team made us feel so welcome, especially Sandun, whose warmth and kindness set the tone for our visit. The management is incredibly friendly, and we were all invited to a beautiful cocktail evening with sunset snacks u2013 such a thoughtful and memorable touch.nnOur room was stunning, every detail carefully thought through, from refreshing mango ice sticks and pineapple to soothing face spray infusers. The view was breathtaking, and to top it all off, we were treated to the sight of monkeys playing right outside our room in the trees u2013 an amazing surprise!nnSpecial thanks also to Hashan, the wonderful manager, who upgraded a young honeymoon couple to a secluded, luxurious cocoon. Witnessing their joy and happiness genuinely moved us to tears u2013 itu2019s rare to see such heartfelt gestures.nnEvery aspect of our stay felt five-star: the views, the service, the small luxuries, and above all, the genuine care and hospitality of the Eraeliya team. We left with full hearts and canu2019t wait to return. Truly paradise!