The Wallawwa by Teardrop Hotels review: The ideal place to rejuvenate in Sri Lanka

THE PLACE

Teardrop Hotels is the kind of boutique hotel group we wish existed in every foreign country. Each of their six renovated properties speaks to the history and distinctiveness of the location, but has enough contemporary flair and sophistication to keep them in the design hotel category. There's also a reassuringly consistent thread woven through them so you feel a sense of familiarity when you arrive at each one – from the trio of refurbished bungalows in tea country or the former spice merchant's home in Galle Fort, to the beachfront property on the south-west coast or this, The Wallawwa, an 18th-century manor house that was used as a base by Lord Mountbatten and his troops during World War Two. Thanks to Teardrop's extensive yet graceful renovation, it still looks and feels like a traditional governor's abode, but has been spiced up with modern design and furnishings.

THE LOCATION

The Wallawwa is only a 15-minute drive from Colombo's international airport, but to label it an airport hotel would be misleading since it feels much more like a retreat. Tucked away among two acres of 200-year-old tropical gardens, the mood is tranquil and serene, despite being just a half-hour drive to the buzzing streets of Colombo and the beaches of Negombo.

THE SPACE

After a long-haul flight, the first thing you'll want to do is throw yourself in the stone-lined 16-metre pool, surrounded by jungle-like gardens and cushioned loungers. There are plenty of other tranquil nooks in which to snooze off the jet lag, too – the wicker lounges on the lawn from where you can watch the birds, squirrels and mongooses; the wide veranda strewn with comfy armchairs and quietly whirring fans; and the elegant library. These public areas comprise the original 200-year-old structure, while the new wings off to the rear and side house the 18 contemporary-styled guestrooms. This is also where you'll find the Z Spa which focuses on pre- and post-flight relaxation, with massages, scrubs, wraps and facials that blend Asian techniques with a hint of Ayurveda. There's also a small boutique selling vintage-style posters and postcards that supports local charities.

THE ROOM

My light-filled garden suite (there are also two family suites and a two-bedroom pool suite) has vaulted ceilings and double doors opening onto a terrace and tropical plant-fringed lawn, making me feel like I'm staying in a small home rather than a hotel room. There's a cushioned banquette window seat overlooking the garden and four-poster king-sized bed with muslin drapes, both ideal for post-flight swooning, while the cavernous bathroom has a heavenly rain shower. It's nice to see refillable bottles used for toiletries and drinking water, part of an eco-friendly philosophy that runs through the property – fresh water is pumped from the garden's wells, for instance, and solar power is used.

THE FOOD