Why House

Why House was the perfect end to our Sri Lankan adventure—a retreat filled with charm, elegance, and hospitality at every turn. Set in a lush, tranquil location, it was also ideally situated, with easy access to the lively beaches of Unawatuna and the colonial allure of Galle. From the moment we arrived, the staff stood out as exceptional. They were so well-trained, anticipating our every need with the kind of attentiveness that felt entirely natural. The colonial charm of the property added to the experience, with beautiful touches and thoughtful details in every corner. Our beds were wonderfully comfortable, making every night a restful one after our days of exploration. Starting our mornings with a scenic bike ride from *Idle Bikes*, we’d pedal through paddy fields around Koggala Lake before returning for a hearty Sri Lankan breakfast. Afternoons saw us snorkelling with turtles and unwinding with lime margaritas, followed by yoga (which was less gentle than anticipated!) and ending the day with a delicious seafood dinner featuring the freshest local catch. Our last day was delightfully lazy—lounging by the amazing pool at Why House, joining a water aerobics session organised by Henrietta, and soaking in every last moment. We finished our stay with a tuk-tuk ride to Galle, where we enjoyed sundowners, shopping, and a memorable dinner. Why House encapsulated everything we love about Sri Lanka—warm hospitality, old-world charm, and absolute comfort, creating the perfect end to our journey.

This is one of the nicest places that I have stayed. The grounds are beautiful and the pool is a great size for the number of guests. Very pretty. I much preferred being at Why House, a few minutes away from the coast in a tuk tuk, to being down on the beach which felt like a package holiday area for Russians. The local staff understood English well and were very helpful. The service was delightful; a lot of thought was given about what might be needed before being asked. The staff all seemed happy with lovely smiles. The rooms were furnished beautifully and our bathroom was a suite of 3 separate areas which was lovely. The whole place was spotless. There is a small gym. See photo for equipment. The food was all home made and delicious. We had some wonderful prawns, fish and beautifully dressed salads with an Asian twist. The ambience is relaxed, promoted by owner/manager, Henrietta and Letty, the dachshund.

We visited Why House in October as a group of four (two couples). It was incredible in every way - an absolute gem hosted by the loveliest team. The location was stunning, the gardens are just beautiful and grounds so well looked after. The rooms are perfect, lots of attention to detail and a very comfortable stay. The food was simply delicious, breakfast is amazing and the family style dinner is definitely one to not miss. Henrietta and lovely Letty are incredibly welcoming and accommodating, and her team really make you feel welcome. I could not recommend Why House more.

We’ve just returned from another incredible stay at Why House, this time celebrating a very dear friend’s 60th birthday with a group of other friends. In short, we couldn't have wished for a more perfect experience. We've stayed at Why before so we knew what to expect and once again, Henrietta and her amazing team managed to exceed our expectations in every way! Our 8 night stay was filled with outstanding food, first class entertainment, and, as always, the warmest and friendliest service you could wish for. The team at Why House is simply exceptional; attentive, kind, and always ready with a smile. They make you feel like part of the family and their attention to detail is second to none. The setting was as stunning as ever - the lush gardens, the beutifully refurbished pool and the peaceful atmosphere make it the ideal place to unwind and celebrate. The food was consistently excellent, with the kitchen continuing to impress us with their culinary talents. Every meal was a delight! Why House holds a very special place in our hearts, which is why we keep coming back. It provides the perfect combination of relaxation, luxury, and warmth, all just a stone’s throw from the beach and a tuk-tuk ride from Galle Fort. Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape or a place to celebrate with friends, Why House never disappoints. We’re already looking forward to our next visit! Thank you again to Henrietta and the wonderful staff for making this birthday celebration one to remember!

Why House Hotel was exceptional! Set in beautiful gardens with peacocks roaming, a gorgeous pool, stunning rooms with super comfy beds, very attentive staff, delicious food and the entertainment put on was spectacular. We could even ring a little bell for our morning tea to be bought to us in our room before breakfast! I would highly recommend it.

This is my favourite place on earth. Everything about Why House is perfect - delicious food, beautiful gardens, luxurious rooms but above all, the kindest staff. Henrietta, the hostess with the mostest, clearly loves and values her team and engrains in them a sense of 'nothing is too much trouble'. Every time we visit (trip number 5) we meet interesting people, many of whom have become friends we see regularly back in the UK. Thank you Hen, for giving us the most incredible stay - brilliant entertainment and restorative relaxation. Love you, love your team and love Why xx