Most of the world has come to know the small coastal town of Mirissa as one of the best whale watching destinations in the paradise isle. So much so that the area is now inundated with boutique hotels, resorts and home-stays. With its close proximity to both Galle and Matara, Mirissa is also the ideal spot for a family holiday. A few months ago, the town opened doors to its latest addition of boutique hotels in the form of “Triple O Six”.
That’s a funny name for a boutique hotel you may say. We thought so too, until the owner Prinith Manamperi revealed to us the story behind it. Prinith is an ardent 4×4 off road racer and his prized possession is his defender. The boutique hotel which is now his “second love” is named after the vehicle registration number.
Situated on the main Galle-Matara road, the large sign (illuminated at night) is hard to miss. With true Southern hospitality all guests are greeted to a seasonal fruit punch upon arrival. The lobby lounge where you wait while your room is prepared is a culmination of old Sri Lankan artifacts. The walls are adorned with miniature masks from nearby Ambalangoda, coconut shell spoons and ladles, ancient drawings and even a few “haramitiyas” (walking sticks).
The luxurious boutique hotel comprises 21 rooms which are elegantly and contemporarily designed and coupled with the necessities for a comfortable and relaxed stay. All the rooms have floor to ceiling windows with a majestic view of the pool and partial view of the ocean. The room itself gives off an air of comfort with the colour palette focusing on earthy tones and hues that match the ocean and pool below. For those who want only to relax, you may not want to leave your room once you’ve gotten yourself tucked under the blankets. For all those lazy-bones, the rooms at Triple O’ Six are equipped with cable TV that will keep you occupied for hours on end.
For those who prefer to take a closer view of the ocean, the beach is just a short walk away and whale watching, snorkeling and diving is easily accessible. Make sure to do your research before selecting an expedition partner though as there are many of them mushrooming in the area. The best would be to ask the more than helpful staff at the reception who can even arrange for “tuk tuks” at reasonable rates should you wish to take a short ride out.
Nothing is more refreshing after a sea bath or whale watching expedition than a dip in the pool, and Triple O’ Six has a nice little one in the garden to enjoy. It’s also a great way to keep the kids occupied while you relax on the pool deck catching some rays and getting a tan. The soft breeze that blows across the street from the ocean makes it ideal at any time of day (or night!) to catch up on some reading, day dream or watch the stars.
All of the activity is sure to work up quite an appetite and Triple O’ Six is happy to oblige at any given time with the largest portions of food we are yet to come across. Meals are served in a spacious restaurant by the pool. Guests can also choose to sit outdoors overlooking the busy street. The menu at Triple O’ Six serves up traditional ware cooked to perfection with homegrown ingredients from the locality, while also includes international favourites from around the world. Some of our all-time favourites off their menu was the “Bacon Wrapped” (pineapple, banana, sausages, wrapped with bacon and pan-fried served with jiggery sauce). Anything that combines bacon and pineapple we love but to have sausages and the most unlikely bananas added to it makes it so much more exciting. If you are soup-lover then the Mushroom Cappuccino and the Tarragon-flavoured Roasted Cream of Tomato is simply awesome. Served with warm, melt-in-your mouth garlic bread this is a complete meal in itself. If you do have room for mains then we highly recommend their HBC (arguably better than most we’ve tried in Colombo), and a portion with proper-sized pieces served with jasmine rice, or the Grilled Pork Chop with Pineapple Couli (we clearly love this combination!). If you are craving traditional rice and curry then Black Pepper Crab with the best seasonal vegetable curries is the bomb!
There are many places around the coast of Sri Lanka that just calls on travellers from around the world to relax and unwind. Triple O’ Six not just calls you once, but echoes in your memory wanting you to come back for more over and over again.
Information
Triple “O” Six
Mirissa, Sri Lanka.
Email: info@tripleosix.com
Website: www.tripleosix.com
By Nishu Hassim
Photo Credit: Sanura Gunawardana