Pure Nature Cabana in Tangalle: inspired by nature & crafted with love
“Pure Nature Cabana was born out of my deep love for nature and the desire to create a peaceful escape where guests can reconnect with the earth. I wanted to offer something that felt raw, authentic, and grounded…”
Time to breathe
Inspired by nature and handcrafted with love.
Pure Nature Cabana merges beautiful contemporary design with the warmth of traditional, nature-inspired elements.
A cosy space of harmony – Tangalle, Sri Lanka
A grateful discovery
Lotus & coconuts
During my last stay in Sri Lanka, I was grateful to discover Pure Nature Villa, just a few kilometres outside Tangalle, on the beautiful south coast. Home of Dulaj and Neomi, I stayed in their first home – a beautiful spacious villa with lovely views over the family garden and lotus lake. I loved this villa, and it suited my purpose perfectly – peaceful, great for working, comfortable, light and airy. Close enough to Tangalle centre to enjoy the town and surrounding beaches, but far enough out to feel immersed in nature.
Crafting a new cabana
quietly observing
I was also fascinated to watch the finishing touches being put to a second creation – Pure Nature Cabana. From my daily interactions with Dulaj, the owner, it became clear that the cabana was a project inspired by the natural environment and a desire to create something very special for their guests.
“I spent months sketching ideas, walking the land, and observing how the light moved and how the breeze flowed”
It has a unique octagonal tower like structure, with a hand crafted traditional wooden roof called a kenimadala, which evokes the feeling of being in a treehouse. The contemporary styled sitting room and kitchen are on the ground floor and an outside staircase spiralling around the cabana leads up to a cocoon like cosy bedroom and gorgeous bathroom – your own private sanctuary in the trees.
Complete with outdoor lounging netted platform and your own little kitchen garden full of fresh herbs, Pure Nature Cabana is just magical. It echoes the timeless beauty of Sri Lanka perfectly and the circular design fosters a natural sense of wholeness and safety.
I was so fascinated with the design and observing Dulaj’s artistic attention to detail, that I interviewed him to find out more.
Pure Nature Cabana – an interview with Dulaj
a man with a vision
What is your inspiration for the cabana?
Pure Nature Cabana was born out of my deep love for nature and the desire to create a peaceful escape where guests can truly disconnect and reconnect with the earth. I wanted to offer something that felt raw, authentic, and grounded—something that blends naturally into its surroundings rather than standing out.
Did you design the cabana yourself and if so, how did you come up with the design?
Yes, I personally designed the cabana. It was a very hands-on process, and I spent months sketching ideas, walking the land, and observing how the light moved and how the breeze flowed. I wanted the structure to feel like an extension of the environment—open, airy, and made with locally sourced materials. Every element had to serve a purpose, either functionally or emotionally.
How important is the surrounding environment to the design?
It’s everything. The surrounding environment shaped every design decision. I wanted the cabana to frame the views, allow natural airflow, and coexist with the trees and wildlife around it. Instead of clearing space, I worked around what was already there. That connection to nature is at the core of what makes this space special.
How important was it to use an eco-friendly approach?
It was absolutely essential. I didn’t want to build something that harmed the very nature that inspired it. We used reclaimed wood, minimized cement. Even our water usage and waste management are designed with care. The whole idea is to tread lightly and live in harmony with the environment.
The traditional wooden roof, called a kenimadala, forms the focal point to the design and is very rare these day.
I really love that you have incorporated a mini kitchen garden. What are you currently growing there and why did you include this?
Thank you! At the moment, we’re growing gotukola, spinach, chilies, curry leaves, lemongrass, and a few seasonal veggies like okra and tomatoes. The idea was to create a more interactive and sustainable experience for guests. It’s such a joy to see people picking fresh ingredients and tasting the land in their meals—it brings them closer to the essence of the place.
I felt very much that this is a project that’s come from the heart and built with love. What is it you hope people feel when they stay in the cabin?
That means a lot to hear – thank you. I truly hope people feel peace, presence, and a sense of belonging here. I want them to feel held by the space, as if the cabana itself is giving them permission to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect – with themselves, with each other, and with nature.
Who do you think will like staying here?
I think people who crave simplicity, authenticity, and calm will love it here. Nature lovers, artists, writers, couples, or anyone who just wants a break from noise and distractions. It’s not about luxury in the traditional sense – it’s about feeling something real.
I know when I left, you were about to begin the tree platform that guests can use for yoga etc. How is that going?
Yes! We’ve made good progress on it. The platform is nestled on a big banyan tree and offers a beautiful view over the greenery. It’s such a peaceful spot for yoga, meditation, or even just reading a book. I have also got an idea to perform Ayurvedic massages on the tree house. We’re still adding finishing touches, but guests are already enjoying it—and it really completes the experience we wanted to offer.
Thank you Dulaj!
My overall opinion
gorgeously cosy immersing you in nature
a lovely family who understand the value of authenticity
a very special space
Is this place good for solo women travellers?
Yes, definitely – Pure Nature is situated in the family garden so you feel safe at all times, whilst also being spacious enough to feel private. Meals are on offer and although a few kilometres outside Tangalle town, tuk tuks are readily available.
Find out more about Pure Nature Cabana and Pure Nature Home here:
Pure Nature Cabana. Tangalle | Tangalle | Facebook
Pure Nature Cabana, Tangalle, Instagram
Tangalle Wellbeing – Things to do
health, healing & growth
Tangalle, a small coastal town in southern Sri Lanka, is a welcome reprieve from the busier tourist resorts. Life here moves at a gentle rhythm. Whether watching the waves roll in or enjoying a fresh rice and curry, Tangalle encourages you to slow down and relax into the moment.
Tangalle beaches
You’re spoilt for choice for quiet beaches in and around Tangalle. On the east side of the town long swathes of golden sand invite long, unhurried walks along the beach, and on the west side of town, small tranquil bays dot the coastline, and finding your own piece of paradise below a coconut tree is easy.
Kayaking
Kayaking in Tangalle is a serene way to connect with nature and experience the region’s natural beauty. As you paddle through calm lagoons and winding mangroves, the only sounds are the dip of your paddle and the calls of tropical birds. Either at sunrise or sunset, kayaking reveals a gentler side of Sri Lanka.
I loved my kayaking experience. After a couple of years living with a chronic neurological condition that affects my legs, I have often felt that my body is working against me – but out on the water, something shifted. Gliding through the calm lagoons at my own pace, I felt strong, steady, and in control for the first time in a while. That peaceful challenge became a reminder that even in the face of ongoing struggle, I am still capable of moving forward – one paddle stroke at a time. I was left feeling confident and excited about what I could do, rather than what I couldn’t do.
I went kayaking with Terence of Blue Lagoon Kayak Tours – a small family run business on Rekawa Lagoon. The owner, Terence, is very kind and good at identifying the local wildlife. After the trip, his family provides tea, roti and bananas as a much needed refreshment.
Yoga Tangalle
Yoga Tangalle has an open-air rooftop shala next to the ocean, where the constant sound of waves provides a soothing, natural soundtrack to every practice.
Yoga Tangalle offers a wide range of activities including daily yoga classes, retreats, meditation, reiki, qi gong, and deeply moving rituals and ceremonies. I had the pleasure of joining a cacao ceremony, a chanting and breathwork workshop, and a full moon ritual—each one uniquely powerful. These experiences became magical highlights of my trip and meaningful steps on my healing journey, allowing me to connect with others, ground myself, and feel the immense joy of singing and chanting in community.
Reiki treatments are also on offer. I had a lovely reiki treatment with Reiki Master, Gamini Gunaratne. His presence is warm and grounded, and his energy work is deeply calming and restorative. My treatment with him left me feeling lighter and more centred.
Ayurvedic Treatments
Sri Lanka is one of the few places in the world where Ayurveda isn’t just a trend—it’s a way of life. Rooted in over 5,000 years of tradition, Ayurvedic medicine in Sri Lanka is deeply interwoven into everyday health care.
Ayurvedic treatments aim to restore balance and health by aligning the body, mind, and spirit using natural therapies rooted in a traditional system of medicine. You can read more about Ayurveda here.
There are plenty of Ayurvedic treatment centres and Ayurvedic doctors around Tangalle. I visited Talking Fingers Spa and had a full body massage and singing bowl. The therapist applied just the right amount of pressure while still maintaining a sense of calm and flow. The addition of the singing bowl at the end of the massage — added a layer of sound healing which lulled me into a mediative state. It was a unique fusion of deep tissue work and energetic balance.
Harmunis – my favourite super healthy place for brunch
There are lots of places to eat, but I super loved Harmunis. Situated a little way out of Tangalle town, across from Unakurawa beach, it’s worth the trip. Harmunis has a super chilled laid back vibe, the staff are warm and welcoming and the menu is deliciously healthy.
The menu is a health-lover’s dream: fully vegan, mostly gluten-free, and loaded with local, seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re into smoothie bowls brimming with fresh tropical fruit, or prefer savoury dishes like falafel wraps, mushroom shawarma or jackfruit gyros – every bite feels like it was made with care. I personally loved their scrambled tofu, with beans and sourdough bread! OMG I could eat it now!
Related Posts
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A Review of ‘Journeys Beyond and Within…’ by Priyanka Gupta: a journey of self-discovery
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Orchids to Olives
Journeys of self-discovery, wisdom, healing and friendship
