Travelling a distance of 115km into the interior of the island from the capital of Colombo, through the
iconic city of Kandy, and from there along the Kandy-Mahiyangana Road, is Digana, home to the
renowned Victoria Golf Course, a 517acre property set in the lush hills of the Knuckles Range on the
shores of the Victoria Reservoir.
Spreading over peaks and slopes with vast Victoria Reservoir breathing soothing breeze, Victoria Golf
Course is as fine as any in the world. Still more its awarded as the finest and the most immaculately
maintained golf course in the Indian subcontinent for several years and voted ‘Best in Asia 2013’ by Asian
Golf Monthly. The 6877m (par 73) golf course which has made the full use of features of the terrain,
undulating hillside and majestic forests. Golfers Digest ranks it in top 100 Most Beautiful Courses in the
World.
From there, a well tread gravel road takes you to No.21, Coconut Hill – a hillock overlooking the Victoria
Golf Club. Atop this beautiful hillock rests the Residence Digana, like a veritable pearl of unspoilt beauty
amidst an expanse of palm trees. The view from there is nothing short of breathtaking – the Golf Course
and the Victoria Reservoir against the idyllic backdrop of the Knuckles Range.
The Residence Digana
The elegant, yet sophisticated interior of Dutch inspired décor welcomes you to this retreat draped on a
picturesque hillside. From the outset, the arched windows framed in wooden louvers gives a fairytale feel
of a hideout castle. The entrance opens directly into an airy and well lit living room, the equally or larger
dining room opens into a courtyard, aka a ‘meda midula’, featuring a vertical garden amidst a luxuriant
screen of vegetation. A Pettagama (Dutch Box) with a delicate ebony boarder is placed on the side,
shelving a standing horse on its hooves, a symbol of physical and spiritual vitality and freedom, setting
the tone for the serenity to come.
In-between the dining and living stands in all its glory the Dutch Bar, a testimony to the Dutch heritage in
Sri Lanka – closer inspection reveals that it is assembled out of small doors, finding a new use of old
doors other than keeping storms and intruders out! Versatile in its use, this is also used as a breakfast
bar.
If the Dutch Box at the entrance failed to leave its mark on you, be sure not to miss the one at the
Entrance to the dining hall. Perhaps 6 times as large as the former, this unique collector’s item boasts a
linage of not less than two centuries. Above the Pettagama sitting firm on the wall in a perpendicular
posture is a unique a rare finding of a Crest of Imperial Crown of Austria the Coat of Arms of Charles V,
Holy Roman Emperor.
The dining table which sits 08 people comfortably, displays intricate carvings, majestic enough to host
candle lit dinners, still simple enough for an early supper – yet another alternate use of a decorated
door..! A dog-legged staircase leads upto the first floor to a TV lounge, which also serves as an enclosed
second sitting room. Decorated with single vintage beds adorned in earth coloured cushioning and an
almairah from the Kandyan era, adds cozy intimacy and a touch of sophistication to the Dutch undertone of this mansion.
Accommodation
Residence Digana is a brand new Boutique Villa offering 4 En -suite Luxury Rooms including 2 Deluxe
Rooms. It boasts of an Ultra – superior Master Bedroom, named Tee-One overlooking the Golf course –
tastefully decorated, the room is a classic marriage of vintage design with the comforts of a modern
bedroom. Tee-Two, is a Superior Room with a spacious balcony overlooking the Pool, perfect for star
gazing, or just watching the clouds pass by. Tee 03 is a large room with a four poster bed, and Tee 04 is
a Twin Room on the ground floor. All rooms are air conditioned and comes with Tea/Coffee making
facility, Spacious toilet, toiletries and a Hair dryer.
The Villa blends beautifully with the enchanting splendor of the scenic beauty of its natural setting and the
waterways which flow lazily. Lending an air of romance and a touch of elegance, the infinity Pool comes
with a solar cover heating the water to luke warm temperature to match the salubrious environment of
Digana – making the perfect setting for either a quick dip after a good game of Golf or to lounge all day
relaxing in the sunken seat gazing at the vanishing edge over the Golf Course and the turquoise waters of
the Reservoir.
Dining and Kitchen facilities
Western hot breakfast is provided to all guests. Its recommended that you use the Club House restaurant
that serves an array of western and eastern food. Quick delivery of food could also be arranged for which
settlements needs to be made by cash to the delivery boy. We could also prepare food for you. We can
shop and cook, or you can shop and we can cook – in the well-equipped, stainless steel kitchen . A
usage fee will be levied. Tea, Coffee is on the house. Bring your own Booze. A limited menu with Soft
drink is made available. The manager Vernon and his assistant Nilu are ready to help you.
Spa Treatment is available by an experienced Male Masseur with over 25 years of service in some of the
biggest spas in Sri Lanka. His specialty is a 100 Minutes Full Body Ayurvedic oil Massage from Head to
Toe in the comfort of your room. He is on call Monday to Friday from 2.00 p.m. to 7.00 P.M.
The Residence Digan is a place to relax, unwind and to forget about everything. Set in the panorama of
the Victoria Golf Course, Victoria reservoir and the Knuckles Mountain range with rooms which favours
particular views, this is indeed a oases which stands testimony to true Sri Lankan hospitality.
