ISHQ Colombo

ISHQ Colombo, an utterly serene Oasis in Sri Lanka’s Capital

Set discreetly among quiet residential streets and lush tropical greenery, ISHQ Colombo offers something few city stays can: a sense of calm, privacy and personal space, right in the heart of the capital. This Boutique Hotel is villa in style, a refined hideaway that operates both as an intimate hotel and a fully staffed private residence, offering the flexibility to book by the suite or take the entire property exclusively.

Designed by Channa Daswatta, a protégé of the celebrated Geoffrey Bawa, the villa’s architecture draws on Sri Lanka’s modernist heritage, blending contemporary lines with open, light-filled spaces. Each of the four oversized suites has been individually styled, with king-sized beds, private living areas, and generous bathrooms. Some open directly onto the courtyard pool, others onto private terraces framed by tropical foliage and city views, but all share the same sense of elegant, pared-back luxury.

Inside, the interiors reflect the owners’ heritage and global influences: rare antiques, Moroccan textiles, Sri Lankan art, and carefully curated pieces gathered from across the world. Every corner invites you to pause — from daybeds tucked into quiet alcoves to oversized armchairs perfectly placed for an afternoon book or evening drink. Each of the four spacious suites offers king-sized beds, private living areas and generous bathrooms. Some open directly onto the courtyard pool, others lead out onto elevated terraces.

Colombo’s key landmarks are all easily reached from ISHQ. Bambalapitiya Beach is just 550 metres away, while Kollupitiya Beach sits less than a kilometre from the villa. If you feel inclined to explore on foot, many of the city’s cultural highlights are within walking distance, including the National Art Gallery (1.6 km), Independence Square (1.7 km), and the iconic SSC Cricket Ground (2 km). Alternatively, tuk-tuks — Colombo’s most authentic and affordable way to travel — are readily available for short, scenic rides across the city.

Dining at ISHQ is as personal as the setting itself. Breakfast is included daily, served either indoors or on the peaceful patio. For lunch and dinner, the villa’s private chefs create menus tailored entirely to your preferences, blending Sri Lankan classics, international dishes, and a small selection of family-inspired Memon recipes — a unique cross between North Indian and Persian influences. Guests are also welcome to bring their own wine or spirits, which the staff will chill, serve, and store with ease. For those who prefer to dine out, a variety of excellent cafés and restaurants lie just 200 metres from the villa.

At the villa’s centre, the courtyard swimming pool offers a tranquil place to cool off after exploring Colombo’s art galleries, boutiques, temples and gardens. For further relaxation, the rooftop wellness terrace features a Jacuzzi, steam room and small spa treatment area, offering a calm escape above the city’s rhythm.

Though only 45 minutes from Bandaranaike International Airport, ISHQ feels far removed from the city’s pace. Its setting makes it a perfect stop to gently acclimatise on arrival, or to unwind before your journey home. Quiet, personal, and deeply comfortable, this is city living at its most private and polished — a rare sanctuary in the capital.

Sadly this beautiful hotel does not lend itself to people with mobility issues

Many of our guests travel to Sri Lanka as part of a wider journey, taking in multiple regions to experience the island’s extraordinary diversity. ISHQ Colombo is often just one stop on a much broader tailor-made itinerary — whether it’s the starting point for adventures inland or a final moment of calm before flying home. To explore how this property might fit into your own bespoke journey, visit the ‘Tailor-Made Itineraries’ tab or get in touch — we’d be delighted to help you make the most of your time on this vast and varied island.