Owl and The Pussycat Hotel

Named after Edward Lear’s famous poem, this fun, hip, and stylish boutique hotel placed right on the water’s edge in Thalpe, a small village on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka is pure paradise. Designed to celebrate the beauty of the surrounding landscape that overlooks the Indian Ocean, the hotel offers tropical seclusion and unparalleled personal service. Each of the hotel’s 17 suites spread across four colour-popping buildings is distinct in design within a unified style decorated with chic furniture, owl-and-pussycat-themed art, and bright colourful textiles. Taking front-row seats to incredible ocean views are the hotel’s shimmering aquamarine pool, bar, and outdoor lounge areas. At the restaurant, talented chefs ensure a dazzling spread of Sri Lankan specials with global favourites using fresh and seasonal ingredients.

Location

Talpe is an upmarket seaside village, 20 minutes from Galle. Galle (best known for its 17th-century Galle Fort) is about 119 km (2-hour drive) from Colombo.

Things to know

  • Breakfast overlooking the sea is a wonderful experience.
  • The hotel is in a great location with close access to many nearby swimming beaches that are a delight.
  • The hotel is tucked away from the main road making it deliciously private.
  • The hotel can arrange a tuk-tuk for visits to nearby beaches and the legendary Galle Fort.
  • First-floor rooms are more private with sea views
  • Ground-floor non-sea-facing rooms have handles in the bathroom, and ramps can be placed for wheelchair access.

 

Rooms & Suites

The hotel has multiple stay options across 8 categories. From a spacious and beautifully appointed penthouse on the top floor to OTP Signature two and one-bedroom suites that feature spacious rooms, living space, open-plan kitchen and a grand terrace directly overlooking the Indian Ocean. The larger suites like Suite E Pie and Suite Dreams have a master bedroom and a private balcony with fabulous ocean views. Suite Melodies and Suite Little Treats feature a colorful sitting area with shared balconies that look out to the ocean.

Restaurants & Bars

Dining at the hotel’s elegant terrace with superb wines and light, fresh food is a delight.  The cuisine reflects modern Sri Lankan flavors, utilizing local produce and fresh seafood to create a contemporary culinary experience. Weekends offer live jazz with a lively and chic atmosphere. The bar has some eclectic drinks including the Owl and the Pussycat cocktail that are paired with delectable nibbles including vegan options. Vegan, keto, and Jain diets are catered for at the hotel

Spa & Wellness

The invigorating seaside massages at the open-air therapy hut with soothing ocean sounds and refreshing salty air is touted to be among the best in Galle on the edge of the ocean. Guests can opt for a relaxing yoga session under the able guidance of instructors at the Yoga deck directly overlooking the ocean, both during sunrise and sunset. There’s also a small but well-equipped fitness center on the top floor that’s open 24 hours for those who like a more intense workout.

Experiences

For all-day relaxing the shimmering pool with sun-beds overlooking the sea is a great option. There’s also a small library where guests can read or work. Nearby beaches including Dalawella, where turtles are frequently sighted in the shallows, and a visit to Galle Fort are great options for those who want to step out of this tropical paradise.

Sustainability and Responsible Tourism

The hotel also has a small boutique that houses hand-made accessories, clothes, and other knick-knacks. The boutique supports small Sri Lankan enterprises and young artists, proceeds of which go to the Rotary Club. The hotel follows sustainability best practices hiring locally and supporting the needs of the local community. At the hotel, energy efficient lighting, waste-water management, use of eco-friendly products, reducing the use of plastic bottles for drinking, and reducing food waste are some of the other measures taken by the hotel.