Thaembili Grove
by Ginganga Lodge
A villa of your own
Thaembili Grove is the newest addition to Ginganga Lodge — a private two-bedroom villa with its own pool, lounge and kitchen.
The same quiet, unhurried pace our guests have always loved at Ginganga Lodge — only now, entirely your own. A private chef is on hand each morning for breakfast, and for an evening curry tasting, should you wish for one.
Thaembili Grove began as a private home — built by Indika and Dineshi's Swiss partners as their own retreat within the Ginganga Lodge garden. They will spend two months of the year here; the rest of the year, it's yours to enjoy.
It carries the same care and detail of a home built for its owners, now shared with guests.
Three Stories of Thaembili Grove
Space tailored for you
You don’t need a big group to enjoy total villa privacy. Thaembili Grove features two beautifully appointed bedrooms (a master double and a flexible twin).
If you are traveling as a couple, you can book the as an exclusive one-bedroom experience. We simply lock the second bedroom, ensuring you enjoy full, unshared access to the private swimming pool and living spaces.
Dine at your own pace
Forget strict restaurant timetables. Breakfast here is a "Fort to Table" celebration served on your private veranda whenever you choose to wake up, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the nearby Galle markets.
For lunch and dinner, you can enjoy light Western favorites or dive into authentic local Sri Lankan cuisine. Our private villa chef is on hand to prepare traditional Southern curries and fresh coastal seafood, tailored exactly to your personal tastes and spice tolerance.
Where outside is inside
Designed to celebrate our tropical climate, a private swimming pool wraps around two sides of the villa, while each bedroom features its own secluded terrace.
The central lounge opens completely to pool and garden—the perfect vantage point to watch monkeys in the palm trees, colorful birds, or an occasional monitor lizard by the river. Inside, the spaces are defined by high-quality furniture custom-made by a local artisan and his team, who beautifully replicate pieces in the iconic style of the great Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa.
Curated Villa Packages
Let us shape your days as beautifully as your nights. Each of our curated packages is added to your villa stay as a simple per-stay supplement — experiences thoughtfully arranged for you, and always with your own private villa to return to.
Galle Heritage & River Safari
from 2 nights · Perfect for first-time visitors
Discover the two worlds that meet at Thaembili Grove: the bustling streets of Galle and the quiet beauty of the Ginganga River. Glide out at first light on an early-morning river cruise, when the riverbanks belong to the kingfishers and basking monitor lizards. Then wander the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort on a private tour. Nature at dawn, culture by day, and your private pool waiting at the end.
Tropical Wellness Sanctuary
from 2 nights · For couples, honeymooners and anyone in need of a reset
Slow everything down. Begin your mornings with private yoga by the pool, surrender to a 90-minute massage in the villa (one per guest), and dine on chef-prepared half board without ever leaving the villa. No schedules, no traffic, no television — just the river, the birdsong, the wildlife and each other.
Southern Tea & Food Experience
from 3 nights · For foodies, families and small groups
Taste your way through Sri Lanka's south. Hop in a tuk-tuk for a market-to-table shopping trip, then learn the secrets of Sri Lankan cooking in a hands-on class. Enjoy a private visit to the Herman tea estate — one of the very few tea estates on Sri Lanka's coastal belt — and savour chef-prepared half board in your villa throughout, including flavours you helped create.