Ceylon, Shaken Not Stirred

 
About Henri

Henri arrived in Sri Lanka in May 2002 after 18 years in the exhausting world of public relations. Having been given the opportunity to try her fortune in the travel industry, Henri embraced the management of the Taprobane Collection, which she runs with geat passion and flair.

Henri lives in Galle tucked away ‘on-site’ beside The Dutch House but retreats to her gorgeous rentable beach house, Kikili, just 20 minutes away as often as she can. Ulpotha is another one of her favourite places where she escapes for some serious r&r .

Go and see her at The Sun House for a coffee, a sumptuous afternoon tea or a delectable dinner in her fine dining fish restaurant.

An Interview with Henri

Why did you come to Sri Lanka?
I got a call out of the blue and couldn’t resist the challenge of coming somewhere new. I had visited before and loved it. Sri Lanka just feels right.

By the sea or in the hills?
The sea for me, although escaping to the cooler climes of the hills to get away from the sea is always a welcome change and a treat.

Three absolute Sri Lankan musts? 
A Sun House Sri Lankan curry; a sea bath followed by a prawn curry at Wijaya Beach Restaurant in Dalawella; and a moped to get around.

Favourite walk? 
The mysterious Horton Plains.

Favourite vibe? 
The dive centre in Unawatuna when the local band (‘Riddim’) is drumming. Fabulous!

Favourite snack? 
Freshly made roti from The House of Roti Restaurant in Hikkaduwa – it has an amazing menu that features every possible roti combination!

Favourite drink? 
The Sun House Arrack Sour. Very refreshing!

Top thrill? 
Jumping into the lake at Ulpotha or cycling downhill from Samakanda, inland from Galle. I feel alive and invigorated!

Top chill spot? 
Kikili Beach – my gorgeous beach house in Dalawella

Favourite hotel? 
Kahanda Kanda. The views from here over Koggala Lake are amazing and the food is excellent too.

Choose three celebrities to accompany you on a Sri Lankan road trip? 
Gordon Ramsay or Rick Stein to cook delicious food; Dawn French for entertainment; and Duncan Bridgeman from One Giant Leap to provide the music.

Essential items for a Sri Lankan journey? 
Sunglasses, an iPod to block out the bus horns, a feather pillow and a travel hammock.

Is there a soundtrack to your Sri Lankan journey? 
It has to be Promised Land by Jo Smooth

Insider’s tips? 
Don’t try too hard or use too many words when trying to get a point across. Do explore.

Vital word or phrase? 
Oya naraka lamayek de ( are you a naughty boy)? It opens doors, believe me. It was the first phrase I learnt and its been invaluable for laughter and acceptance.