Kalundewa Retreat

The swimming pool is set away from the main buildings (a short walk or buggy ride), located in a small depression, next to a creek and bordered on one side by a canopy of palm trees and a sea of rice paddies on the other. It’s an ‘ulpatha’: a natural spring that wells up from underground (watch the water bubbling up while you swim). Light-blue tiles contrast with the green and timber surrounding the organic-shaped oasis; next to the pool is a roofed terrace designed for sunbathing and al fresco meals.

The accommodation, like all the buildings at Kalundewa Retreat, are superbly designed.  Light, airy and spacious with open sides and huge glass windows that let’s the outside in.  Sleeping quarters are spread across three buildings: the first sits in the paddocks, housing three entry-level rooms; the second and third buildings are over-water, set in the wetlands and shrouded by a canopy of trees. One building holds two bedrooms, the other holds just one.  Kumbuk Chalet is the most private option and has its own over-water plunge pool.

Overlooking the fields and wetlands, the open-air restaurant is wonderful and nearly all of the fare is grown onsite.  For a change of scene, ask the staff to set up your own private dining experience: out in the plantations, on the deck of your chalet, at a pagoda beside the pool or on a bridge over one of the creeks.  The retreat is alcohol-free so, if you want to enjoy a drink during your stay, you’ll need to bring it with you – but there’s no corkage charge.