We depart from Colombo and head directly to our luxury villa accomodation for a 9 night/10 day stay. Check in, relax by the pool and enjoy an incredible introduction to Sri Lankan food, cooked by our private in house chef, alfresco. Seafood Curries, luscious vegetable dishes, rice and local seasonal specialties.

A leisurely brunch, perhaps a walk along the beach, or a quiet sketch with a coffee. We meet our chef today and take a market visit with him to learn about the soul of the area. A vibrant and bustling market with plenty of time for a sketch, and extensive learning about unique ingredients.

In the evening, you may participate on a hands on cooking class, and watch Anna demonstrate how to make a specialty dessert Wattalappam. This dessert is the quintessential dessert of Sri Lanka. It captures the remarkable spices, the island climate, the melting pot of the culture and the amalgamation of the incredible history of Sr Lankan people all in one dessert. Relax in the balmy evening with creative tools in hand capturing the essence of our day.

After brunch we take a fun Tuk Tuk journey a few minutes up the road to the local town Dickwella. Swim with the turtles, relax beachside and enjoy the local culture or explore the cute shops and cafes of this up and coming alternative beachside town.

Anna will guide you through the basics of travel sketching at beach side locations. Travel with a small beach bag and enjoy the beautiful turquoise coloured beach & activities of the day.

After brunch we journey to the UNESCO heritage town of Galle Fort.

Galle Fort's history is deeply intertwined with the lucrative spice trade. Initially an ancient port for Arab and Chinese merchants, its importance grew exponentially with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1505, who sought to control the island's valuable cinnamon. The Dutch, who captured the fort in 1640, fortified it and established it as their main hub for the spice trade in Sri Lanka. They systematically cultivated, stored, and exported cinnamon, making Galle Fort a bustling commercial center and a key player in the global spice market, which in turn profoundly shaped the local culture and economy through the mixing of different peoples and traditions.

We enjoy the day here, take a walking tour, sketch, photograph and enjoy the local hospitality and culture.

Begin your day with a delicious brunch before a private visit to a local Buddhist temple. Anna will guide you through this incredible experience, where you'll learn about Sri Lankan Buddhist traditions and enjoy the quiet the reverence of visiting a local temple.

Sri Lanka is a melting pot of religions, with Buddhism being the majority spiritual practice. Steeped in centuries old traditions and integral to the country's modern history, Buddhism is a fundamental part of the psyche of the Sri Lankan people you'll meet.

One of the best things about Sri Lanka is its nature. In the Southern Province, we have access to several local wildlife sanctuaries. Today, we'll take a private safari to explore Udawalawe National Park.

Beyond the gentle, free-roaming elephants, you'll also spot buffalo, crocodiles, an abundance of birds, lizards, and fascinating insects. The wide-open spaces of the national park's lake and its surroundings are a remarkable highlight of the trip.

Anna will teach you how to capture the elephants in your sketchbooks and brief you on the essentials of Nature Journaling practices, ensuring you have a joyful and satisfying day.

After brunch, we'll continue our Nature Journaling with a guided tour of a neighboring “secret garden”. This beautiful space has been planted using the principles of permaculture, sustainability, and regeneration, making it a naturalist's dream. We'll take our time to observe the unique plants and environment of Sri Lanka's Southern Coast.

You'll be able to record your findings in your journal and enjoy a quiet day on the grounds. You're welcome to spend your afternoon beachcombing, reading, watching a movie in the private cinema room, or enjoying the waterslide and beachside swimming pool.

After brunch, you will visit a local pottery village for a hands-on experience and the chance to meet the local artisans. Afterward, you will travel to a tea plantation to sketch and learn about Sri Lanka's tea industry.

A gentle rainforest walk will lead you to a beautiful waterfall where you can swim and enjoy lunch. The afternoon will be spent relaxing at our villa, which features long tables where you can comfortably spread out and create. Order afternoon tea with homemade cakes and treats, while you spend the rest of the day immersed in your sketchbook.

Brunch then an incredible local indigenous farming and cooking experience in Welligama. We also visit the stilt fisherman area, a quintessential scene of Sri Lanka. Bamboo pole boats and the area of Ahangama will be where we spend the rest of the day learning about the fishing industry and fish markets of Sri Lanka’s south coast.

In the evening we have planned a spectacular beach long table barbecue including the famous Sri Lankan Crab Curry. We will be dining on our private beach to the sound of the waves, with a bonfire, masses of fairy lights and 5 star service. This is accompanied by traditional dancers, acrobats and the entertainment of fire breathers and leaping plate spinners. A finale night to remember!

After a leisurely brunch and sketching session it is time to depart.

Your airport transfers are organised with us, the driver is booked, we journey back to Colombo airport and say farewell but remain friends for life.