Sometimes getting out of Colombo on your own is not a bad idea. And if you find that right place that you can just chill out at without having to worry about being on your own, then head down straight to the Owl and the Pussycat Hotel in Thalpe.
Getting there
Head to the Maharagama Bus depot, get on the Colombo-Galle bus and within an hour you come to the Pinnaduwa exit. Make sure you get off at the exit before it turns right to head to Galle. You can either grab a trishaw or get a vehicle from the hotel to pick you up. From where you stand, Thalpe is just 5 minutes away.
No. 788, Matara Road, Thalpe is home to this one of a kind boutique hotel that has taken inspiration from very famous poem ‘Owl and the Pussycat’ by Edward Lear. Walking in you are welcomed by the gentle sounds of the waves crashing on the shore, hustle bustle of the staff going on about their duties and warm greetings from the General Manager Ajith Gurugalle, Front Office Manager Rachana Jage, Head Chef Anthony D'Costa and the Italian bartender Nicola (always full of smiles and ready to refresh the soul with one of his best recipes).
Reita Gadkari who is from Northern India got together with Shane Thantirimudalige to create this unique place that is full of colour, stories to tell, little artifacts from around the world, crazy work of art and a place that will take all your troubles away.
Owl and the Pussycat (aka OTP) opened doors on December 15, 2015 and six months later is getting major reviews from people not only here but from abroad as well.
Reita and Shane both come from the background of property development and who want to buy old properties or bare land and creating something beautiful with it. This is their first adventure of opening a hotel for people to experience and enjoy. Uday Dhar is the architect behind this creation who also has the vision to have more modern look for the property using different colours and make it exciting.
The name
Reita was sitting at the property one evening and saw a little Ginger Cat coming inside the property. Then after sometime she had gone up to her room when her daughter sent her picture of her kitten to her and just like that she thought of the poem ‘Owl and the Pussycat’ and decided to give the property that title.
And each room is titled with a line from the poem (my room was the Bong Tree) while others are titled ‘five pound note’, ‘hand in hand’, ‘edge of the sand’ and more. They love to keep and use the music and the beautiful natural elements they get.
There are 17 rooms and you have the pleasure of choosing one that fits your family, your friends, you and your special someone or just yourself. There are the suites which are fully equipped to entertain families who are down for a long stay. There is the kitchen, the bedroom, living area and the terrace that looks out to the ocean front. For guests who are on a budget
There is also the OTP signature suites that have two bedroom suites with a kitchen, pantry, cutlery and crockery where if you want, you can make yourself some pasta. There are the single ocean view rooms which are very cozy and have their own private balcony. If you are on your own, it’s ideal to catch up on your reading, work on your tan, sleep listening to the sounds of the ocean.
Most of the rooms have a similar style but the layouts and colour combinations that define the rooms. An artist from Italy used the past and present sort of theme into the works of the building. Lot of fabric and furniture have been brought over from places like Italy, Turkey and more local handicraft and artifacts have been used to bring out the essence of the property.
Using the local stuff, OTP wants to show off the talents of the local people and give them a chance to be a part of this adventure.
Adventure
When you are on holiday, you usually just don’t stay in your room especially if you are new to the area. There is actually quite a lot to check out and OTP recommends them to try the Idle Bike Tour. This is located 10 minutes away from the hotel and Idle Bike Tour which is a very small organization arranges a bike ride through the paddy fields. This allows the guests to get close to the nature and guests can get off their bikes and walk around as there are little hills to climb. They provide you with all the safety gear and if you have children, they have bikes to take them too. Once you are done with the ride, they reenergise you with a King Coconut. OTP suggests that if guests want to go on this trek they should go early in the morning as if they go later, the heat might just tire them out. And do not worry about missing out on breakfast, as OTP keeps the breakfast open late for those guests who gone on the morning adventures.
Then there is the Turtle Hatchery which is in Habaraduwa and they have these turtles that are rescues, old and injured. And one of the best experiences a guest could have is, to release a baby turtle into the sea. The hotel will check up with the Hatchery and see if there are baby turtles are ready to face the ocean and at around 5.30 in the evening they give you the chance to release a turtle into the sea.
There is also the Handunugoda Tea Estate in Ahangama which is not too far from the property. There is a garden display where the guides who are there speak many languages explaining to the guests about everything there. There are also some old machinery from Japan, India and UK used for tea making. They don’t charge any entrance fee and once you’re leaving they give you a cup of tea and little piece of cake. You can also buy some tea to take back to your country.
People who are into water sports can take up surfing classes which they can arrange in Mirissa or Unawatuna. There is also Whale Watching and people have the option of doing the aerial whale watching (which is a bit pricy) and check them out without disturbing them and take in the beauty of the surrounding area as well.
But one place that you must check out at the OTP is their library. This is a little museum of its own with artwork and creations that are mind boggling and truly trippy.
World of your own
When you sit at their restaurant/bar The Runcible Spoon located by the pool, sit on the table closer to the beach and for a moment you will realize that it does not feel like you are in Thalpe. When you look around you create a world of your own actually - the bar reminds you of Coco Cabana, the palm tree shades makes you feel like you’re in your own island (as staff let you enjoy your breakfast and come only when you want their service again) and the coloured property makes you feel like you’re in Italy. Might sound crazy, but when you are on your own, sipping your tea, taking pictures of the early morning stilt fishers, admiring the view of the ocean – you truly are at peace.
The food is fusion of local flavour mixed from spices and ingredients from around the world courtesy Chef Anthony D’Costa. My favourite is the Sri Lankan Rice & Curry served with a yellow curry fish, dhal, pappadam, red chillies, bandakka and kohila. Then there are homemade desserts as well for you to choose from along with ice cream. For dinner you can speak to the chef and get him to surprise you with one of his best dishes.
Now to go with along with meal, there is the drinks and that’s where they chirpy Nicola Galeani comes in. He will create a concoction of cocktails using his secret ingredients that truly give you that right kick you need with one sip.
If you are not a fan of the strong drinks, then request for the fresh juices and he will spice that up as well.
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