Meet Nyuri

Ayubowan, I’m Nyuri
the creator of
Eraeliya Villas & Gardens.

Many years ago, I was very lucky to find this extraordinary place. Here, I am trying to combine my passion for interior design, art, gardening, holistic lifestyle, travel and the immersion in different cultures. And I would like to share my love for Eraeliya Villas & Gardens with you. Relax in chic elegance, learn how to surf, practice yoga, meditate under the stars and enjoy every minute of your stay.

Our story

1991
The Early Years
The first time I came to Sri Lanka was in 1991. It was quite surprising to immediately feel at home in this warm and vibrant tropical world. After my trip, life went on as usual. Nevertheless, in the back of my mind, Sri Lanka was always calling me back and eventually, I joyfully returned.
1991
2008
A Joyful Return to Sri Lanka
On one particular trip, I came across this beautiful piece of land. As it often happens with love at first sight, my world turned upside down and I decided to buy it. I named it “Eraeliya,” which translates from Sinhalese as “the light of the sun”. Which trancedes everywhere around here - the ocean's surface, the glossy leaves in the garden and the smiles of the locals.
2008
2010
Villa Walauwa’s Transformation
Eraeliya began as a single house with a hundred years of history - Villa Walauwa. The reconstruction was very carefully completed in order to preserve the spirit of the building, its tranquility, coolness and silence. Almost everything here remains as it was, including the elements of colonial architecture, the arrangement of rooms, the enormous old trees around it.
2010
2011
Beach Hut Muhudu Bella
There were only two bedrooms in the original layout of Villa Walauwa, but I wanted to share my home with my friends. So I decided to build Beach Hut Muhudu Bella, which translates to “seashell." My inspiration were the traditional Sinhalese earthen huts built by the native people of Sri Lanka.
2011
2012
Villa Bawana
Villa Bawana is my vision of the perfect home on the beachfront. Every element was thought out with love and attention to the local climate: from the incredibly beautiful infinity pool to the nine-meter vaulted ceilings. Vintage Portuguese roof tiles, antique furniture and massive doors give the villa a genuine colonial feeling.
2012
2013
Garden House Nelum
Next to Villa Bawana stands the Garden House Nelum, translated from the Sinhalese word “lotus”. The path to Nelum leads through the garden full of tropical flowers. Follow the massive stone steps leading from the porch entrance and walk up the pond with its vibrant goldfish and arrive in our beautiful Garden House Nelum.
2013
2014
The Early Ambalama Pavilion
Further on the property there is another magical space – Ambalama Pavilion. To adorn Ambalama, I found grand old doors and columns amongst local antique shops. I built the pavilion walls using massive glass panels and upcycled wood. My favorite detail is the huge Hemingway style writing desk.
2014
2020
The Loft House
I love to give a second life to things as one of my biggest values in life is reuse, reduce, recycle. So whatever I do I try to use this principle.In Sri Lanka there are many auction houses and amazing samples of middle century furniture still underestimated. So I used to go to my favorite auction house “Shockman & Samerawickreme” in Colombo in search of them and bought them in a very bad condition. After careful restoration of local craftsmen I made my dream come true. I combined colonial architecture with middle century furniture and industrial esthetics and called it The Loft House.
2020
These days
Boutique Hotel Eraeliya Villas & Gardens
Now the entire space with six unique villas, in which I have enclosed so much love and care, exists as a boutique hotel. We received positive reviews in the Telegraph, National Geographic and Lonely Planet called Eraeliya Villas & Gardens the best place in Weligama. However, for us, the number of loyal guests who continue to return is the best reward for putting all our love and care into the hotel. I am happy to welcome you at Eraeliya Villas & Gardens – our jewel of the bay.
These days

What our guests say?