The Owl & the Pussycat Hotel | Galle
The Owl & the Pussycat is a vibrant, tranquil and quirky boutique hotel situated in Talpe, in the Deep South coast of Sri Lanka.
It is approximately 2.5 hours from Colombo Airport and is a short tuk-tuk ride from the historic UNESCO town of Galle. As soon as you arrive, you are transported through to the whimsical world that Edward Lear recreated in his poems, which is the muse for the unique style of the hotel.
We were fortunate enough to spend two nights in this tropical seaside hideaway, watching the local stilt fisherman as we sunbathed from the poolside, and enjoying the mix of traditional cuisines served at the hotel’s restaurant.
Having won the ‘Most Instagrammable Hotel’ award at the Small Luxury Hotels Awards in 2017, every nook and cranny of this hotel is perfectly styled and aesthetically on point, with its modern, yet eclectic Sri Lankan touches. With 17 diverse accommodations to choose from, there are three room choices with each offering different features, yet all catching the sea breeze. We stayed in room 12, a ‘Suite Little Treats’ category. The room was colourful, bright, with an amazing terrace and ocean view.
If you’re travelling with a larger group or with family, there is the option to choose one of the three larger suites, which will provide you with additional space and oversized terraces to catch the spectacular views and breeze of the Indian Ocean.
WHY WE LOVED IT
Ideally located to all the idyllic beaches along the Galle district coast, and only a short tuk-tuk ride to historic Galle Fort.
A huge array of delicious cuisines to choose from at the hotel restaurant, the Runcible Spoon. If you’re unable to stay at the hotel and are in the south, be sure to make a reservation at the Runcible Spoon – it is an absolute must.
The staff are all incredibly hospitable and always at your beck and call. Everyone will go out of their way to accommodate any request you have, and are willing to share their local knowledge with you. Samantha in particular, was friendly and helpful, as were the rest of the staff – you could not ask for better service.
The size of the hotel is appealing, as there are no large tour groups or crowds, which provides a special ambience and makes it fee like a home away from home.
We enjoyed the morning and afternoon walks along the beach, as the hotel is right on the beachfront. The instafamous palm swing at Dalawella Beach is a fifteen-minute walk along the beach. However, we found Dalawella beach to be overcrowded and overrated, as we prefer to find undiscovered and less touristy areas. If you head right out of the hotel gate at the beach, you will eventually find other palm tree swings before you hit Dalawella beach.
Visit otphotel.com or visit their Instagram page @otphotel.
I was hosted as a guest of the Owl & the Pussycat, but all the opinions expressed in this article are, as always, my own.