I would wake up in…
Tangalle, a laid-back village on Sri Lanka’s south coast.
I would stay at…
The Last House, a boutique hotel designed by Geoffrey Bawa — Sri Lanka’s most famous architect — and furnished in a mix of contemporary and antique style. I would rent the whole house (it only has six bedrooms) and take my extended family with me.
Breakfast would be…
String hoppers, sambals, fish curry and exotic fresh fruit. And local tea.
I would wear…
Day: Ted Baker swimsuit for the pool/beach and matching maxi cover-up for shopping/sightseeing trips.
Evening: My favourite white linen trousers and long-sleeved shirt by Paul Costelloe to keep off the mosquitoes.
Travel essentials…
Sun cream, swimwear, flip-flops and my camera
I’d listen to…
A mix of cheesy 80s music, like Duran Duran and Madonna!
And visit…
Nearby nature reserves and lagoons for their wonderful wildlife. Go to the local Turtle Conservation Project to see marine turtles lay and hatch eggs on the sands at night.
Have lunch at…
A beach bar on Tangalle Beach. Sri Lanka is famous for its fish and where better to enjoy it than at one of the many bars overlooking the pretty beach.
Dinner…
At Maya, a Dutch colonial plantation house, for a superb curry in their bird-filled gardens with a view of the paddy fields beyond…Bliss!
Buy…
Sarongs, beach wraps and hand-woven cloth at Barefoot Galle, which is famous for their beautiful handloom textiles in jewel colours, woven by women in small co-operatives.
Hang out with…
My husband, daughter and family
Relax…
By the pool working on my tan and catching up with my reading , or having a treatment at the Amanwella Spa.
Drink…
Cocktails overlooking the beach.
Chat with…
Local designers and craftspeople as I’m always on the lookout for new ideas and inspirations.
Why Sri Lanka?
I was born there and my mother was Sri Lankan, so I like to go back whenever I get the opportunity. Travel was restricted for a long time due to the civil war, which ended a few years ago, so I am making up for lost time now.
www.antheashomestore.co.uk