Luxurious Lunuganga

It's always nice to see where a famous architect lived, to get a peek at what styles he really liked. Sri Lanka's Geoffrey Bawa left behind a beautiful hideaway that we were lucky enough to visit, have tea and take in the laid back house and expansive gardens.

It was just a bungalow on a rubber tree plantation out in the sticks when Bawa bought the property in 1948, but over the years he expanded the house and gardens into a beautiful estate.

The front of the house features a recurring theme of his work, the play of light from one object (in this case, the trees) on another (the front lawn and house). Sublime.

A side door to nowhere, but nature. Going deeper into the garden, a hidden bench, available for a rest.

The hilltop lake view off the front lawn.

Clean interior, modern, but right for the tropics. One of his dogs understands the vibe.

Another dog taking the pulse of what's beyond the door. Stone features in the garden.

The backyard, looking much better than most front yards around the world.

Geoffrey Bawa and Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel

Sri Lanka is blessed to be the home of the world renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa (1919-2003). While he practiced throughout the world, he's best known as the father of Asian tropical hotel/resort architecture. If you've ever stayed at a beach resort that's filled with exotic woodwork and seems to be one with the surrounding natural environment, you can thank Bawa.

Bawa built many of the better tropical resorts in his native Sri Lanka, including a stunning complex down south near Galle, the Jetwing Lightouse.

Standing in the lobby area, looking out to the Laccadive sea.

The play of light on a hotel door. A closer look at the veranda off the lobby and the sea view.

The main courtyard, a beautiful interplay of concrete, light and nature.

Rocks were left and incorporated into the overall design. Bawa also believed in providing opportunities to artists and sculptors to design site specific works for his projects. This staircase is a commission from Laki Senanayake that depicts the fierce battle of Randeniya between Portuguese horsemen and the local fighters. Quite a ride up the staircase.

Bawa, skilled at bringing the outside in.