In Ahungalla 80Kms from Colombo, Sri Lanka, a little village in the south-west of the island, you can find the exclusive holiday heritage house, 200 meters from the Indian Ocean, the hotel “La Maison Nil Manel”.   A small bumpy road leads to a door which looks rather insignificant from the outside. But when you walk through that door into the lobby-area you immediately feel the warmth and harmony that comes out from every corner of the gorgeous house. With a love for details Monique and Chanaka de Silva have created a unique oasis over the last four years. The French lady Monique and her Sri Lankan husband Chanaka mix French elements with Sri Lankan culture – this tasteful furnishing is a masterpiece!   Chanaka de Silva began his hotel career in 1985 in Europe, on the other hand Monique has great experience as an interior architect in France and Switzerland. In 1999, Monique and Chanaka decided to convert the former cinnamon-distillery of Chanaka’s grand father in Ahungalla in Sri Lanka in an exclusive holiday heritage house for tourists. By working hard and being patient and especially with the help of the couple’s experience in the catering- and hotel-management and designing they finally succeeded after four year’s work in creating a wonderful holiday house with an excellent kitchen.  The hotel “La Maison Nil Manel” contains a nice lobby-area, an open restaurant and a bar with a beautiful view into the inner garden and an arrangement of six pretty one-room-apartments in a lovingly laid out garden. There is also a large pool with jet-streams-massage and a sun deck with a small bar next to it. While every building was painted white, most of the antique, massive furniture is made of dark wood which evokes a very noble impression! A pleasant and calming atmosphere is created by colourful accents and antique accessories.  The guests can choose between a “twin-bed” dorm and a “king bed” dorm. Every apartment has a bright, spacious bedroom and a bathroom with shower and toilet, however some bathroom with a bath tub). The furnishing of every room is very tasteful and unique. All the beds, cupboards, chest of drawers and also doors and some windows are special antique pieces from Sri Lanka which Monique has collected and restored in years of work. The wonderful old beds made of dark wood make you feel comfortable instantly! Fine paintings on the walls and doors and also typical accessories from Sri Lanka create an extraordinary flair in each room. Every apartment is equipped with air condition and fan. In addition, laundry-service is available.  The open terraces in front of each apartment offer space and comfort to relax. To each of the apartments belongs a little garden which – with its luxuriant plants – gives you the feeling of safety and tranquility. With its little ponds and water-elements and its high coconut palms and ferns you feel like in a fairytale garden.   When the weather conditions are good breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the pretty inner garden which offers plenty of seats.  Here you always find little Caramel – the domestic cat Caramel from France – which has been an important part of the family since 13 years now.  A little massage-room and a cute toilet-hut with a changing room are also part of the house. Masseur of the exclusive heritage house is Mr. Nawaratna who has 35 years of experience and therefore he is able to do the best and most effective massages.  The kitchen of “La Maison Nil Manel” is very exclusive. Chanaka combines all of his experiences as a cook in Europe in his own kitchen so that Sri Lankan meals is added a special touch through herbs and spices. Chanaka prefers to use olive oil for the preparation of the meals instead of saturated fat. Fishermen from the local villages deliver fresh fish and prawns every day. Because of the special selection of ingredients and the careful preparation the light and very tasty meals of Chanaka’s five-course-menus are very popular and wanted by the guests. On the snack card you find fresh salads, seafood, French sandwiches, fruit plates and delicious desserts. The kitchen is open for the guests at any time to collect experiences by preparing their own food or by watching the chef.  The beautiful beach which stretches five kilometers can be reached easily by foot in two minutes. In the early morning it is possible to watch the local fishermen doing their daily work. Therefore the guests can get an impression of the life of Sri Lankan people. The best way to get into the little village Ahungalla is by hiring a bicycle from the house. Contact addresses for diving or any water sports-activities and also information about trips and excursions on the island you can get at the reception.  At the moment “La Maison Nil Manel” is extended. On the neighbouring site a beautiful white house with four floors was built.  In this extension there is a large, nicely laid out pool with a sun deck, beautiful Frangipani trees and a little restaurant, bar. The heritage house has wide, elegant balconies on every floor with white pillars and stone balustrades to give the house the appearance of a little castle. In there, six big one-room-apartments with bathroom as well as two beautiful suites are available for the guests. Every room has something special – the high rooms and antique ornate windows and doors are significant elements. Especially the design of the bathrooms is individual and professional as well: playful elements and details – lovingly chosen and designed by Monique – make every bathroom unique. In addition, you can discover a little boutique. Beautiful and exclusive accessories and little presents will be sold there by Monique.  In every corner of this lovely holiday house you can feel that Monique and Chanaka de Silva have put in all their effort, creativity and passion so that your stay in this exclusive heritage house is going to be an unforgettable experience – for you! The couple’s very good knowledge of languages such as English, Singhalese, French and German makes it totally easy for every guest to have a pleasant and comfortable stay in “La Maison Nil Manel”.