Nestled by the water’s edge, this enchanting boutique hotel in Sri Lanka comprises 17 stylish suites and rooms and offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Its exceptional and personalised services aim to enchant guests and provide an unforgettable experience.
– Prativa V Bhalla
The luxury boutique hotel is located along Sri Lanka’s southern coast, in Thalpe, a 20-minute tuk-tuk ride from the heritage town of Galle and a 2.5-hour drive from Colombo International Airport.
Unique Hospitality Approach
The hotel owes its quirky name to Edward Lear’s famous nonsensical poem “Owl and the Pussycat.” The hotel’s design seamlessly integrates this thematic inspiration, featuring eclectic decor that harmonises the Sri Lankan seaside ambience with international sophistication and style. It presents a clever yet elegant ambience, complemented by welcoming staff dedicated to providing inclusive and unparalleled guest experiences.
Its unique selling proposition is rooted in a personalised and artistic approach to hospitality. Instead of using room numbers, the hotel names its rooms after elements from the poem, such as ‘A Small Guitar’ and ‘The Sea’. Each suite, individually named and designed, reflects the owner’s personal vision and travel experiences. Various artists have contributed to the unique artsy atmosphere, including hand-painted motifs by Italian artist Cisky Gabriele and picture frames crafted from scrap boards by German intern Anton Borkman. Two well-stocked libraries and comfortable seating areas create an engaging literary ambience, leading to lively interactions and fostering connections among guests.
Contemporary Sri Lankan Gastronomy
The hotel’s gourmet cuisine showcases modern Sri Lankan flavours by integrating local produce to offer guests a delightful contemporary culinary experience. Fine dining is championed by a focus on local ingredients, creative presentations, and a blend of traditional and modern Sri Lankan flavours.
Named after the poem, the restaurant, ‘The Runcible Spoon,’ resides on an elegant dining terrace showcasing breathtaking ocean views. The restaurant prioritises food preferences, catering to vegan, Jain, and keto diets. Acknowledged as one of Galle’s finest, it presents a diverse selection, including modern, light, fresh Sri Lankan delicacies.
Immersive Local Experiences
Guests can engage in curated activities on the sea, surrounding villages, and markets for an authentic local experience. Tourist attractions near the property include cultural sites, natural landmarks, adventure, wellness, and traditional markets that showcase the beauty and heritage of Sri Lanka. The front desk is at the guests’ disposal to curate tailor-made activities of the best that Sri Lanka has to offer. Most popular activities are private boat ocean safari, surfing lessons, private forest picnics, beach turtle hatchery experience, Ambalangoda Mask Museum and Galle Fort visit with tuk-tuk ride, a bike ride through Sri Lankan paddy fields, and morning market guided tours.
Sustainable Conservation Measures
The Hotel is committed to upholding sustainability across all operations to safeguard the surrounding biodiversity, ensuring it remains unpolluted and protected. Sustainable initiatives include the use of glass jugs in each room, fabric napkins, and the avoidance of all disposable cutlery. The hotel wastewater is purified into ‘brown water’ before being released into the town drainage system. Sheets and towels are changed every three days, and guests are educated on water conservation methods. Sensible food practices are strictly followed to reduce food waste.
Local Community Empowerment
The Owl and the Pussycat Hotel takes pride in supporting small Sri Lankan enterprises and retails unique decor pieces and handcrafted furniture from local artisans. The gift shop also features handmade dolls of owls and pussycats, the proceeds of which are donated to the development of children’s libraries in underdeveloped communities. Additionally, it is the proud sponsor of the Edward Lear Prize for Poetry at the Galle Literary Festival, promoting literature and creative writing amongst young Sri Lankans between 18 and 30 years of age.
The clever poem aptly mirrors the property’s atmosphere, encapsulating a blend of cool, relaxed, gourmet, and artistic ambience. This unconventional setting serves as the ideal backdrop for unforgettable holidays.
