Helga’s Folly in Kandy - Sri Lanka

A chalet style building where every room has a view of the lake, and enough fantastic décor to satisfy the inner child.

Helga, who presides over her erstwhile home with the grace of a duchess, has created a fantasy with outrageous colour schemes and candle-lit parlours of antiques and whimsy. “It’s tongue-in-cheek,” its startled to guests. “Staying here should be fun.” It’s an attitude that has made the place popular with cosmopolitan trendsetters. There are 25 rooms in operation, some of which are air-conditioned, and the food is as memorable as the over-the-top décor, with such dishes as fish poached in tea. This is a Sri Lanka budget resort with a difference.