Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from our guests
We want to make your experience a special one. Please see the most frequently asked questions that our guests ask before coming to the villa. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please contact us by emailing ambalamavilla@gmail.com or call +65 9815 8960 or +94 76 536 7676
What are the eating and drinking arrangements at the villa?
Ambalama has its own in-house chef exclusively for the requirements of guests. There is a villa menu but please do ask for your favourites too. Each day the chef will discuss with you your meal requirements. For guests who book the whole villa the ingredients, which are bought fresh daily, are charged at cost plus a 20% admin fee to purchase them from the markets in Galle or nearby.
A visit to the market with the chef is one of the highlights of any stay. You will be asked to provide a cash float (in local currency) for daily provisions. For guests booking the villa by room on a on exclusive basis there is a priced menu which is very reasonable value.
How do we arrange transport?
We recommend you allow us to arrange airport transfers since the drivers are familiar with the villa location and we have the flexibility to provide the size of the van/car required. One way airport transfer takes about one hour 45 mins and costs approx US$100. Transport for whilst you stay can be easily arranged. Tuk tuks are available outside the villa for shorter trips to town and Galle Fort.
Is it safe to swim on the beach directly in front of the villa?
The surf directly in front of the villa is not safe but Wijaya beach is just a 300 meter walk from Ambalama. Wijaya beach has a lovely reef and provides a safe spot for swimming.
Is the villa available for private functions?
The villa is available for small private events such as weddings, birthday parties, family reunions and for honeymoons. The casual but delightful ambience of Ambalama lends itself to intimate gatherings where you can enjoy privacy and wonderful Sri Lankan hospitality. Please inquire for further details: ambalamavilla@gmail.com or by phone/text +65 9815 8960
Is the villa available for private functions?
We have a lot of activities that you can take part in and around the villa!
We have several local activities such as whale watching, the Galle fort, spice plantations and Yala National Park. You can also take advantage of the shops and nightlife of Galle, which is just a 20-minute drive away.
Want activities brought to you? Ambalama can arrange for in-house activities such as massages or yoga. You may also get a chance to witness sea turtles nesting right outside on our beachfront. Please speak to the Manager upon arrival for details.
What is the policy on children?
Children of all ages are welcome at Ambalama villa, and many guests enjoy family holidays with us each year.
Please bear in mind the villa has a swimming pool and a lily pond with easy access to the beach so it’s important to keep an eye on wandering young ones.
What does housekeeping provide?
Your rooms will be made up each morning and prepared in the evening. All beds have mosquito nets and we do fog the premises on a regular basis. Please do try our proprietary Ambalama gels and shampoo. Towels are replaced on a regular basis but please just ask if you need a fresh set. Bedsheets are changed every 3 days.
If you have laundry to be washed, please place it in the laundry basket located in each bathroom. Laundry will be washed in-house or sent to a nearby laundry. You can speak with the Head of House about laundry charges. Dry cleaning is possible.
How many staff members are in the villa?
We want our staff to be available, but feel it’s important that it’s unobtrusive so you can enjoy the privacy of your villa.
The villa has a manager / chef and three houseboys in addition to a gardener and watcher for security at nights.
Can I invite extra guests?
The villa is organised and set up for staying guests but we do appreciate on occasion you may wish to invite outside guests to come for a meal. There is a cover charge of US$10 per outside guest per meal.
What about security?
Sri Lanka is generally safe for tourists. We have a night watcher to protect you and your belongings and the villa is equipped with CCTV. We request you use the safe deposit boxes provided and not to leave cash, valuables in public view, especially at night.
We also recommend you do not leave valuables in the living/dining area at night and that you bolt your bedroom doors as an extra precaution.
What about gratuities?
For villa rental the charge is nett of taxes and, unless otherwise stated, subject to a 10% service charge payable when the rental is due. Of course additional gratuities are at your discretion but will always be appreciated and deserved. The tips can either be handed individually to staff or as a pool tip to the villa manager.
What happens if there is an issue while I’m at the villa?
If there is an issue whilst you are staying at the villa please immediately speak to one of the staff and in particular the Manager.
Chris Kidd, the owner is also contactable by email on ambalamavilla@gmail.com or by phone/text +65 9815 8960
What if I have to cancel the booking?
If you have to cancel please inform us as soon as possible.
We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance to cover against this risk. For bookings cancelled more than six months prior the arrival date there is a 10% charge of the value of the total booking . For bookings cancelled 3- 6 months prior the arrival date there is a 50% charge. For cancellations less than 3 months prior we try to find replacement bookings on equivalent terms and will refund up to 50% of the booking if successful.
What do you mean by “privately owned and operated”?
The Ambalama villa portfolio was created by Chris Kidd who actively manages the villa and visits on a regular basis. When you book direct to stay at Ambalama you will be in contact direct with Chris, who will work to make your stay as memorable and pleasant as possible.
Do you accept credit cards?
Payment for the villa rental is generally made to a designated bank account in USD. For the villa rental booking it is possible to pay by credit card through PayPal with a 4.5% fee. When at the villa local expenses can be charged to your credit card with a 3% surcharge.
