Owl and the Pussycat Hotel, Thalpe celebrates Valentine’s weekend in style 

When the Owl and the Pussycat opened its doors on 15 December 2015, little was known as to what to expect. Today, it is the buzz about town especially in Galle and neighbouring resort areas. The Owl and the Pussycat – Sri Lanka’s newest boutique hotel, offers guests a luxury long-haul hideaway in the southern coastal town of Thalpe, just a short tuk-tuk ride from the historic Galle Fort. 

Owners – Reita Gadkari (London and Italy) and Shane Thantirimudalige (Galle) both property developers, have created a hotel that offers sophistication with a lively seaside atmosphere and access to an unparalleled experience with a Sri Lankan and international flavour.

Painted in deep pastels and vibrant bohemian hues, the property is designed by New York architect Uday Dhar. The hotel’s furniture, colourful textiles and artwork are hand-made by artists from all over the world and include works by local craftsmen.

The property boasts generously sized rooms and suites (17 in total) eight with open-plan kitchens, en-suite bathrooms where some have private terraces and balconies. All the rooms have panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, 24 hour Wi-Fi, a restaurant that offers traditional local cuisine and also foods with Mediterranean accents. A bar and a café, a relaxed beach shack and a beautiful swimming pool hence make this one of the new must – visit places.

Guests are welcome to use the facilities, ensuring a sociable and relaxed local atmosphere. Together with live music and its philanthropic heart, this new hotspot is inspired by local influences, whilst still promising sophistication and style.

The chic café type restaurant serves simple but elegant food with the best local and imported ingredients. An early evening cocktail and an opportunity to grab a breathtaking sunset is guaranteed on a clear day while you relax and unwind at the beach shack and bar. Enjoy the lap pool as you gaze at the open sky or soak in the sun on the comfortable sun beds. Learn to fish with the local stilt fisherman or cycle, hike or get ready to roam the streets of the Galle Fort that’s just ten minutes away.

With barely a month after the opening, the hotel has already earned a name for not only hosting a spectacular New Year’s Eve party, but for putting on a grand dinner during the recently concluded Literary Festival. Owl and the Pussycat is now ready to welcome you over the Valentine’s Day Weekend by enticing you with their special offer of dinner and an overnight stay which includes a special brunch on Sunday! 

General Manager Ajith Gurugalle says that those who make reservations for dinner on the 13th should swing by early to the lively bar overlooking the ocean to enjoy an OTP signature cocktail with such names as The Gingered Owl and The Passionate Pussycat. The popular margarita already reputed for being the best, made by the hotel’s very own barman is a must try. Watch the sun slip away with a wonderful evening ahead while you leisurely enjoy your dinner. A delectable four course menu accompanied by live music completes the evening. Gordon Ramsey trained Chef Anthony D’ Costa takes pride in presenting a lobster and steak his way accompanied by half a bottle of Champagne, while an extensive wine list also awaits.

Priced at the equivalent of $ 75 per person – the Valentine’s Day dinner (13) includes canapés and half a bottle of champagne. Those opting to stay over can take advantage of the special opening price starting at $ 180/night plus 10% service charge inclusive of breakfast/brunch on the 14th.

Finally fall asleep to the sound of the ocean in one of the 17 rooms or suites and wake up late on the morning of the 14th to savour Chef Anthony’s delicious meal of a brunch in the hotel’s open air restaurant. 

Please email or call the hotel to make a reservation: [email protected], 777 24 0077, 

www.otphotel.com.

“And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand, they danced by the light of the moon” – Owl and the Pussycat Poem by Edward Lear