I hardly ever write reviews. The small number of reviews for this property indicates that most visitors feel a similar selfish desire for secrecy when chancing on a gem. But not enough to vote Dutch House in the top 10 (Asia Hotels) of the Conde Naste Gold List 2010 – a huge achievement for a 4 room property.

This was our second visit to the Dutch House (previous was in 2005), this time we had 7 wonderful days. Wonderful.

LOCATION
To explain, the Dutch House and Sun House are opposite each other on a small hill above Galle Fort (10 min walk) - with the advantage of quite and cooling breeze. Galle is a pretty town on the SW coast of Sri Lanka, and for my money, the most charming. Currently a pain to get to (3 hours from the airport) – it will soon be opened up by the opening of the highway in 2011/12, which will make the airport less than 2 hours away. The only real downside is that the beach is a good 15min tuk-tuk ride away (out of town).

DESCRIPTION
The Dutch House is 4 suites within a historic 1712 Dutch captain's house. These are tastefully decorated, with plenty of space. There is a huge veranda, common library, croquet lawn and wonderful swimming pool. Our room, the old ballroom, was over 10m long, and 7m high (2 stories).

SERVICE
The property is managed by Henri, a highly organised English lady who left a PR career nearly 10 years ago, to manage the set of properties the owner has renovated through Sri Lanka. Henri now also manages one of the most active post Tsunami charities on the island. She was not there on this visit, but I had met her previously and she was charming in communications. She has a good day manager who checks every day of we needed excursions organized, and to arrange our dining requirements.

The property itself is staffed with the usual compliment of gardeners and security, while there is 4 dedicated staff to the guests. The ladies who support the guests are charming and speak good English. Their approach is discrete (rather than overly forward), but are always available (will stay up as long as guests are up). The rooms are tidied during breakfast, cleaned more thoroughly during the day, and turned down and tidies while at dinner.

Let me mention the owner, Geoffrey Dobbs (a investment banking millionaire, and now active philanthropist). He may be around when you visit (he spends a few weeks a year at the property), and he is a slice of anglo eccentricity. However, he was astute to our desire for distance. When he is there he is more colour than anything else.

FOOD – excuse my focus on costs, but I was incensed by Anonymous’ comments in this area (the review actually set my expectations, which are pleasantly improved upon)

There are plenty of breakfast (formally at a cost, but this was waived for us) choices and lunch snacks – and the cake for tea is sublime (complimentary).

Dinner can be taken in the Dutch House, but the restaurant is in the Sun House. Focused on fish, it is nothing short of fantastic (the best food we had in Sri Lanka). Henri has astutely formed relationships with a number of well known chefs, and Rick Stein regularly sends his staff to the Sun House to train the kitchen. Dinner costs between $12 and $20 per person. Wine (as throughout the island) is not cheap (but similar to UK restaurants) – while beer is $2 a bottle. Compare this to a recent visit to the Bahamas where we rarely spent less than $100 for 2 for dinner and beer could be as high as $10 per bottle.

Local Gin was $2 per large measure, while imported whiskey etc was between $4 and $5.5. In all considerations, reasonable.

CONCLUSION
The Dutch house is a fantastic boutique luxury experience. Most guests are here for a short visit while touring (as we did on our first visit). I can heartily recommend a longer stay as an alternative (as we did) to the Caribbean or Maldives – and at bargain prices in comparison.

The staff have managed to keep the standards high at the Dutch House (typically in Sri Lankan properties, the benefits of great design are rarely kept up with spending any money on regular maintenance) – although Henri, if you read this, you really need to replace those night lights (hey, one gripe is not too bad!)

The infinity pool does not make this child friendly to the very young (there is a restriction to the under 13). As my wife and I are trying for kids, I will be praying it will be many years before our return. But return we will. My advice – go, go, go!