Thema Collection has opened Deewara – Mawella, Tangalle, its 17th property in Sri Lanka, introducing a boutique coastal retreat inspired by the island’s fishing heritage, traditional homes and the laid-back character of the southern coast.
The opening ceremony was graced by Mr. Matthieu John, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of France to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, as the Chief Guest, alongside guests from the travel, tourism and media sectors.
Set along the shores of Mawella, Deewara brings together a collection of restored stately homes, thoughtfully transformed into a quaint boutique villa while retaining the essence of the original dwellings. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, open courtyards and views of the beach, the property offers a relaxed setting for guests to eat, drink and unwind.
The property features 11 rooms, combining traditional character with modern comforts, alongside beachfront dining, a swimming pool and a traditional Ayurvedic spa.
Bringing the Fisherman’s Story to Life
For Thema Collection Founder and Chairman Chandra Wickramasinghe, Deewara builds on an idea that has been part of the collection since its first property, Maalu Maalu.
“When we started with Maalu Maalu, our first property, we wanted to bring the life and character of Sri Lanka’s fishing communities into the hotel experience. That idea has stayed with us. With Deewara, we wanted to take that story further by restoring these old homes and creating a place that feels connected to the fishermen, the sea and the community of Mawella. It is not simply about building a hotel; it is about giving a place and its story a new life.”
Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa in Pasikuda marked the beginning of Thema Collection’s journey of developing properties around distinctive Sri Lankan themes, culture, nature and local communities. It was also the first property to be built on Sri Lanka’s East Coast following the end of the 30-year-long war, marking an important step in the region’s post-war tourism development. Deewara continues this approach through its architecture, setting and connection to the coastal traditions of Mawella.
Mawella – A Destination of Its Own
Speaking on the opening, Chamin Wickramasinghe, Director / Chief Executive Officer of Thema Collection, highlighted the potential of Mawella as a destination for travellers seeking a quieter coastal experience.
“Mawella is a beautiful part of the southern coast, with lovely beaches, a relaxed atmosphere and a strong sense of place. We believe there is an opportunity to introduce more travellers to this side of Sri Lanka and encourage them to stay longer, explore the area and experience what makes Mawella different. Deewara gives us a base from which to do exactly that.”
From Deewara, guests can explore the surrounding area through experiences including night walks along the beach, Rekawa turtle watching, seine-net fishing at Mawella Beach, mangrove exploration, village encounters, local culinary experiences and visits to cultural sites such as Mulkirigala Rock Temple and Wewurukannala Rajamaha Viharaya.
Stories Turned into Experiences
For Maxime Wickramasinghe, Director – Marketing & Business Development, Deewara reflects Thema Collection’s approach of connecting guests with the character and stories of each destination.
“At Thema, we are interested in bringing stories to life. Every place in Sri Lanka has something different to tell, and our role is to create experiences that allow our guests to discover those stories. At Deewara, that can be as simple as walking along the beach at night and experiencing the coast differently, watching turtles at Rekawa, meeting local communities or exploring the cultural sites around Tangalle. These experiences are what turn a stay into a real connection with Sri Lanka.”
A New Chapter for Thema Collection
Deewara adds a distinctive coastal property to Thema Collection’s portfolio, with its design, setting and experiences reflecting the character of Mawella and the wider Tangalle region.
The property also incorporates Thema Collection’s wider sustainability approach, including local employment, biodiversity conservation, reduction of single-use plastics, linen reuse and community-focused initiatives.
Deewara – Mawella, Tangalle is now open to travellers looking to discover the coast through its beaches, fishing heritage, nature, culture and local communities.
For more information: www.themacollection.com/
