The Mayava Story
Mayava began with an old house, a wild tropical garden, and a vision to create something that felt deeply connected to Sri Lanka. Rather than replacing what was already here, we chose to restore, reimagine and build around it, preserving the character of the original home while bringing together local craftsmanship, natural materials and thoughtful design.
What followed was a slow transformation into the Mayava you see today.
We discovered the property in January 2023, a colonial-era home surrounded by an overgrown tropical garden. Weathered wood, old built-in furniture and traces of its past remained throughout the house. Beneath years of neglect, we saw the potential to bring it back to life while preserving its original character.
After finalising the legal process, work began in July 2023. We first cleared and reshaped the land, removed old structures and created the boundaries of what would eventually become Mayava’s gardens.
The restoration began with a small existing bungalow on the property before moving to the main house. The original roof had to be completely rebuilt, walls were restructured and ensuite bathrooms were added. Arches and open spaces were introduced to bring more light and flow into the house while keeping its original character.
Throughout the restoration, we deliberately mixed old and new. Original sideboards, built-in cupboards and rattan chairs were restored and paired with handcrafted cane mirrors, antique-inspired pieces and locally sourced materials. Much of Mayava was shaped by Sri Lankan craftspeople, whose work remains an important part of its identity today.
On a natural hill within the garden, we created our round wellness shala beneath a traditional iluk roof. Surrounded by tropical greenery, it is now a peaceful space for yoga, massage treatments and intimate gatherings.
The small bungalow that marked the beginning of the renovation has since entered a new chapter of its own. Today, it is Opal Garden Bungalow, a secluded suite surrounded by its own private garden and complete with a private plunge pool.
Today, Mayava is home to five individually designed rooms and suites, a lush tropical garden, a natural Sukabumi stone swimming pool, our wellness shala and a spacious rooftop overlooking the surrounding palms and the ocean beyond.
Mayava continues to evolve, but the idea behind it remains the same: to create a place that feels considered without feeling formal, rooted in Sri Lanka, connected to nature, and shaped by the character of the home that was already here.
A place to slow down, experience the beauty of the south coast, and feel at home for a little while.