The Last House

The Last House in Tangalle, Sri Lanka, a Michelin Key Selected property, is consistently praised as an exceptional and unique retreat, offering guests a profound sense of peace and personalized luxury. It stands out as a masterpiece of design by the renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, harmoniously blending with its stunning natural surroundings.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for The Last House is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "exceptional" and "paradise on earth." It garners impressive ratings, including a 9.3 overall on Agoda, 9.7 on Booking.com, and perfect 10/10 scores for Room, Food, and Service from i-escape guests. Many reviewers express a strong desire to return, highlighting its ability to create an "unforgettable" and "magical" experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several key aspects:

• Architectural Design: As Geoffrey Bawa's final commission, the property is celebrated for its iconic design, featuring open, airy spaces that seamlessly merge indoor and outdoor living. Guests appreciate the interplay of light and ventilation, cool cement flooring, and stylish verandas.
• Intimate & Exclusive Feel: With only five or six rooms, The Last House provides a remarkably intimate and exclusive atmosphere, often making guests feel like they are staying in a private villa or home rather than a hotel.
• Stunning Location: The secluded beachfront setting on Mawella Beach is a major highlight, offering direct access to a pristine, often deserted stretch of sand. The sound of the waves and beautiful tropical gardens contribute to a tranquil oasis.
• Exceptional Service & Food: The personalized and attentive service from the staff, combined with the exquisite, locally sourced cuisine, are repeatedly cited as reasons for a memorable stay.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at The Last House are described as beautifully appointed, comfortable, and elegantly designed. They feature a stylishly uncluttered aesthetic with antique furniture, Egyptian cotton bedding, whitewashed walls, mosquito nets, and ceiling fans, accented with splashes of vibrant color. Many rooms offer breathtaking sea views and private outdoor spaces like patios or balconies. Specific rooms like the Cinnamon Hill Suite are noted for their spaciousness, wraparound balconies, and large en-suite bathrooms with features like freestanding tubs. Comfort is rated exceptionally high by guests, scoring a perfect 10.0 on Booking.com.

4. Dining Experience

Dining at The Last House is a gastronomic delight, characterized by fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a personalized approach. There isn't a traditional restaurant in the conventional sense; instead, meals are often arranged on request and served al fresco in various beautiful settings, including a dining veranda overlooking the sea, by the pool, in the garden, or as a romantic barbecue on the beach.

Chef Ananda is highly acclaimed for his superb dishes, which often feature a fusion of Sri Lankan and Asian flavors. Highlights include fresh seafood, especially crab curry and mullet with dhal sauce, as well as flavorful curries and aromatic rice dishes. Breakfast is a tempting spread of fresh fruit juice, muesli, pancakes, eggs, and traditional Sri Lankan specialties like hoppers. Guests appreciate the daily-changing menus and the feeling that the chef is cooking specifically for them, with dietary preferences accommodated.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at The Last House receive consistently stellar reviews, often cited as a key differentiator. Guests frequently praise the "impeccable staff performance," with ratings of 9.5 on Agoda and 9.8 on Booking.com. The team, led by manager Ananda, is described as dedicated, friendly, attentive, discreet, and going "above and beyond" to cater to every need. The service style is likened to a personalized butler service, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere that feels more like staying in a private home.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Last House boasts a breathtaking and secluded location on Mawella Beach, providing guests with a tranquil oasis away from crowds. It offers direct access to a long, pristine beach that often feels private, frequented mostly by local fishermen and guests of nearby properties.

While it offers a sense of getting away from it all, the property is also conveniently situated. It's approximately 15 minutes from the center of Tangalle town, offering a peaceful environment while still providing access to local life. Nearby attractions include Mawella Lagoon (within walking distance), the turtle hatchery at Rekawa, the Mulgirigala Rock Temple (30 minutes away), and national parks like Bundala, Yala, and Udawalawe for day safaris.

For accessibility, guests can fly into Colombo's Bandaranaike Airport and take a Sri Lankan Air Taxi to Dickwella (a 20-minute drive from the hotel) or a train to Matara (45 minutes away). Hotel transfers are recommended due to the secluded nature of the location.

7. Value & Pricing

The Last House is considered to offer exceptional value for money despite being a luxury boutique property. With an average room price around $279 on Agoda and starting from $387 on KAYAK (or US$423 on Trip.com), it positions itself as affordable luxury, especially when compared to the average price of a hotel room in Tangalle, which is around $131. Guests consistently rate its value highly, with a 9.5 on Agoda, 9.3 on Booking.com, and 9/10 on i-escape. Many feel the unique experience, impeccable service, and stunning location justify the cost.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor points of feedback or considerations for potential guests include:

• Secluded Location: The property's secluded nature means it's about 7km from the nearest town and can be challenging to find by tuk-tuk, making hotel transfer services a recommended option.
• Alcohol Policy: The Last House does not typically serve alcohol, though guests are welcome to bring their own.
• Age Restrictions: For individual room bookings, children under 10 are generally not allowed unless the entire house is booked.
• No Traditional Restaurant/Pre-ordering: While the personalized dining is a highlight, some guests might expect a conventional restaurant setup or spontaneous meal options. Meals are generally prepared to order and often require pre-ordering.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. booking.com
3. i-escape.com
4. booking.com
5. ampersandtravel.com
6. thehotelguru.com
7. mrandmrssmith.com
8. michelin.com
9. angelfish.travel
10. discerningcollection.com
11. villa-finder.com
12. inspiringtravel.co.uk
13. kayak.com
14. timbuktutravel.com
15. trip.com