Śūnyatā

Artist Ricky Lee Gordon's Creative Refuge in Sri Lanka

Founded and developed by artist Ricky Lee Gordon as a creative refuge and artist in residency retreat, this beach house rental in Sri Lanka is open three months out of the year to enjoy the peace and serenity of the island's southern shores while nurturing your creative spirit. 

Well known for his large-scale murals that can be seen in cities all over the world, South-African-born Gordon moved to Sri Lanka to set up a studio to call home between travels. Inspired by the mindful and contemplative art of painting, he created a place of simplicity, form and function designed to bring out the beauty of the island and sea. 

Styled with bespoke furnishings, textiles and handcrafted details from across the island and around the world, it's a free-spirited take on global style and simple modern living.

Hidden among the trees under the shade of a Bodhi tree shared with the monastery next door, this is a space to relax, create and enjoy life along the water's edge. 

Read an interview with Ricky Lee Gordon in our Stories section here.

Located right along the shore in the small fishing village of Nilwella, this beach house rental in Sri Lanka is set among the tropical flora in a peaceful and beautiful area with monkeys, peacocks and an array of bird life. 

Built of simple and solid materials of limestone, wood and concrete, the living areas are lined with windows overlooking the gardens and the sea with two lounge areas for studio work, and nooks for contemplation and relaxation.

There's a fully-equipped kitchen with indoor and outdoor dining areas and two dreamy double bedroom spaces, all with open-air ocean breezes wafting through.

The sheltered gardens face the sea from where you can stroll down and take a cooling dip in your private cove. 

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Wifi throughout, TV, kitchen and bath amenities, laundry facilities, private guest parking. 

Optional services include: Airport transfers, bike rentals, tours and daily tuk-tuks, Ayurvedic consultation and treatments.

AROUND

Located at the southern tip of the island just over an hour from the UNESCO heritage town of Galle and the “Golden Triangle,” you are just a couple of minutes from the crystal clear waters and surf breaks of Hiriketiya Bay in the lovely littel village and island of Nilwella. 

Nearby Tangalle is a lively fishing village with great beaches in easy reach including Rakewa beach where the marine turtles come to nest, whales and dolphins migrate, and from where you can partake in pilgrimages to Katharagama, the ancient Mulkirigala Temple and the famous Wewurukannara Temple.

The port city of Hambantota, and the Uda Walawe National Park, which is known for its wild elephants are both an hour from the villa. It’s just over two hours north to Yala National Park for lush tropical forests and water falls and, if you’re lucky, the occasional leopard sighting.

The most well preserved colonial city and fort on the island, Galle is home to the most popular beaches of Unawatuna and Thalpe, Wijaya and Midigama. Don’t miss the lowland White Tea plantations, the amazing home and gardens of Sri Lanka’s best known architect Geoffrey Bawa in nearby Lunganga, and Mirissa for whale watching and nature enthusiasts. The capital of Colombo is approximately a two hour drive.

LOCATION

Tangalle, Sri Lanka. Nearest International Airport: Colombo (190km); Hambantota Airport (69km)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year round with the wettest months occurring in May through September