Tell us more about yourself
I'm the co-founder of Casa Tikiri, a boutique adults-only hideaway on the south coast of Sri Lanka. Together with Stefano, I’ve built this project from the ground up — quite literally — and today I take care of everything that has to do with storytelling, guest experience, and design. I also manage the marketing and oversee all the small details that make Casa Tikiri feel like home.
Before moving to Sri Lanka, I used to work in business management in Europe. In 2021, I left that life behind to follow a slower, more intentional path – and that’s how Casa Tikiri was born.
My role isn’t easy to label, and that’s what I love most: one day I’m planning a retreat, the next I’m choosing fabrics for the new chairs or writing our next Instagram caption. I live on the property and I’m always around – not just to make sure everything runs smoothly, but because I genuinely love connecting with our guests.
Why stay at your hotel?
Casa Tikiri isn’t just a hotel — it’s a home with soul. Nestled in the lush south of Sri Lanka, between rice paddies and the ocean, it’s a peaceful adults-only retreat where everything has been designed to make you feel at ease.
We didn’t work with a famous architect. Casa Tikiri was designed by us — two Italians with a love for beauty, simplicity, and travel. Every piece of furniture, every corner, every shade of colour tells a part of our story. Most of the furniture was made by local artisans, the floors are hand-polished cement, and the style is a blend of Mediterranean minimalism and Sri Lankan warmth.
What makes Casa Tikiri unique is the atmosphere. Guests often tell us it’s hard to explain, but easy to feel. It’s the little things — the homemade breakfast, the attention to detail, the books lying around, the music playing softly in the background — that turn a stay into something meaningful.
You come for a break, and end up reconnecting — with nature, with yourself, and sometimes, with your dreams.
Tell us more about the style, design, and ambiance
It’s hard to define the style of Casa Tikiri — and honestly, we like it that way. We simply call it Tikiri.
Design & interiors are where our hearts are. We’ve blended international standards of comfort and aesthetics with the soul of Sri Lanka. Most of our furniture is made of restored antique pieces, while lamps, chairs, and mirrors are handcrafted with cane by artisans from our village.
At Casa Tikiri, you’ll find quiet corners to read, open verandas to rest, and a garden pool surrounded by palms and silence. It's a place where time slows down, the breeze flows through the curtains, and your shoulders finally drop.
There’s no strict design rule here — just a feeling. And that feeling is what we call Tikiri.
Tell us about rooms and views
We have five rooms and two suites, each with its own soul. All of them are completely different — in colour, atmosphere, and character. We gave them Sinhala names and furnished them one by one, using vintage finds, handcrafted pieces, and tropical touches to reflect their unique identity.
Each room features an open-air bathroom surrounded by greenery, soft 100% cotton sheets, fluffy pillows, air conditioning and ceiling fans. No TVs, no noise — just the sound of nature and the rhythm of slow living.
All rooms face our lush garden with a swimming pool at its heart. It’s our little jungle, full of blooming flowers, swaying palms, and curious visitors: peacocks, monkeys, iguanas, and squirrels — they’re part of the magic.
Casa Tikiri is not about perfection — it’s about warmth, comfort, and soulful beauty.
Which room do you prefer and why?
My favourite room? That would be Paha.
There’s something special about stepping into the open-air shower and finding a palm tree growing right through it. It’s a simple detail, but it captures the spirit of Casa Tikiri — nature and comfort, side by side.
Tell us more about the service at your hotel
At Casa Tikiri, service is all about warmth, care, and thoughtful details.
Our guests start the day with a slow, generous breakfast: Italian coffee, fresh tropical fruit, smoothie bowls, and savoury options — always served with a smile. The restaurant is open all day, offering simple, seasonal dishes made with local ingredients. Dinner is also open to external guests.
For moments of deep relaxation, there’s our garden pool — surrounded by flowers, palms, and the quiet sounds of nature. And just 500 metres away, our new property Casa Tikiri – Paddy Lodge awaits, with a stunning yoga shala overlooking the rice fields. Guests of the boutique hotel can join classes there or simply enjoy the space, walking through the village or hopping on our free tuk tuk ride.
It’s not luxury in the classic sense. It’s a slower, more human kind of luxury — the kind that stays with you.
Tell us more about your location and neighborhood
Casa Tikiri is located in Ahangama, a laid-back village on Sri Lanka’s south coast, just 350 meters from Kabalana Beach — one of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in the area.
The vibe here is slow and local. You’ll find surf spots, small cafés, tuk tuk, and lush nature all around. We’re close enough to the main road for convenience, but tucked away just enough to enjoy peace, silence, and starry nights.
Whether it’s a morning swim in the ocean, a yoga session in our shala overlooking the rice fields, a sunset walk on the beach, or a candlelit dinner with Italian vibes — everything feels close, simple, and effortlessly special.
What about the breakfast, restaurant and bar?
At Casa Tikiri, we serve homemade, fresh, and mostly organic food whenever possible. Our breakfast is à la carte — no buffet — and includes tropical fruit, smoothie bowls, savory options, and warm croissants, all served with Italian Moka coffee or Ceylon tea. We offer a healthy, seasonal menu that includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
Our restaurant is open all day for in-house guests, and for dinner we welcome outside guests as well. The atmosphere is intimate and laid-back, with candlelight, soft music, and food made with love.
To drink, we serve natural juices, a small wine selection, and our signature spicy Tikiri Mojito — perfect under the palm trees, by the pool.
What activities and experiences can travelers enjoy around your hotel?
There’s a slow rhythm to life around Casa Tikiri, and that’s exactly what makes it special.
You can start the day with a swim at Kabalana Beach — just a 5-minute walk from our pink gate — or join a yoga class in our open shala overlooking the rice fields at Paddy Lodge.
For surf lovers, some of the best breaks on the south coast are just around the corner. You can also explore nearby temples, visit tea plantations, take a tuk tuk to Galle Fort, or simply wander through the village and watch daily life unfold.
When you travel with kids, which room do they have to book, and what facilities do you offer?
Casa Tikiri is an adults-only retreat, designed for guests aged 18 and above.
We created this space to be quiet, peaceful, and intentionally grown-up — a place where couples, solo travellers, and friends can slow down, reconnect, and truly unwind.
If you're travelling with children, we’d be happy to recommend other beautiful stays in the area that are more family-oriented.
What are your hotel's environmental commitments?
At Casa Tikiri, sustainability isn’t just a trend — it’s a daily practice. We believe in doing our part, one conscious choice at a time.
We actively reduce plastic use across the property and avoid single-use items. That’s why you won’t find disposable kits in our rooms — we’re committed to creating a more mindful, plastic-free environment.
We heat water with solar panels and use only LED or rechargeable lights, reducing our energy consumption and environmental footprint.
We’re constantly working to optimise resources and reduce waste, from laundry routines to kitchen practices. Our staff is trained in sustainable habits, and we gently invite our guests to be part of this shared responsibility.
We also support a circular economy. Our Casa Tikiri Bags and Scrunchies are made from leftover fabrics purchased from local factories and handcrafted by tailors in our village — giving new life to materials that would otherwise be discarded.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about doing our best — every single day.
What business facilities do you offer for travelers?
Casa Tikiri is not a business hotel — and we like it that way.
We’re a place to slow down, disconnect from the noise, and reconnect with yourself. That said, we know that sometimes inspiration strikes or work calls — even in paradise.
That’s why we’ve made sure our space works beautifully for remote workers. Two of our suites, Deka and Thuna, include a dedicated workspace separated from the bedroom, offering comfort, privacy, and focus. We also offer unlimited fibre-optic Wi-Fi throughout the property, and there’s a shared area that can be used as a quiet coworking space during the day.
So no, we don’t have a business centre or meeting rooms. But we do have palm trees, calm energy, and the kind of silence that helps you think clearly.
Do you want to share anything else?
if you’re curious to explore more, just a short walk away you’ll find Casa Tikiri – Paddy Lodge, our new sister property tucked between the rice fields. It’s the perfect place for yoga, creative retreats, or simply watching the sun rise over the paddies in complete silence.
Come for the beauty, stay for the peace. Tikiri is waiting.
