ICEBEAR GUESTHOUSE, Negombo, Sri Lanka, 2019.12.06

Day 2 (1 of 5).

Many people dream of opening a guesthouse in an exotic country and lead a carefree life: mingle with the locals, tend to a lush green garden, raise a brood of poultry, walk the dog in the morning, and surf at the beach until sunset.  Not sure how Gerd Arthur Haisch from Switzerland ended up in Negombo 25 years ago.  But his two decades of effort to establish the Icebear Guesthouse has proven Gerd’s original decision was not a short-lived enthusiasm.  Though just an one night stay, Icebear Guesthouse offered us utmost comfort in a Sri Lankan setting.  Apart from serving travelers, Icebear has long been a prominent member in the community, engaging in local drug and suicide prevention works as well as tsunami relief works back in 2004.

Coconut trees, aloe vera, hammocks, beach chairs, timber veranda,  water features, bamboo furniture, colourful fabrics and exquisite handicrafts, the garden of Icebear Guesthouse is full of charm.  Throughout the night, rhythmic waves of the Laccadive Sea washed up the beach.  The thundering waves was a pleasant surprise for us when we first arrived at 1:30am.  After a sound sleep, we get up as the first light seeped through the window curtains and mosquito net.  By the window, the faint silhouette of wooden furniture and table lamp resembled a set coming straight out of a vintage movie.  We quickly headed out for a beach walk before returning for a hearty breakfast in the paradise-like garden of Icebear.  We felt that we could stay there for the entire day.  What a refreshing start for our Sri Lankan trip!

Icebear Guesthouse offered us several hours of comfortable rest.

The first thing we saw when we get up was the soft silhouette of the wood furniture and table lamp beyond the mosquito net.

It wasn’t until the morning that we could appreciate the lovely setting of Icebear Guesthouse.

Icebear is a seaside villa complex full of unique handicrafts.

The reception veranda offer visitors a homey arrival.

Vivid colours go well with the tropical atmosphere.

The idyllic beachfront garden of Icebear Guesthouse is perfect for outdoor dining, leisure reading or even an afternoon nap.

The garden is full of seaside breeze and tropical vegetation.  Ducks and birds roamed freely in the garden.

We had our breakfast at the dining veranda.

Our breakfast at Icebear Guesthouse: omelette, Ceylon tea, passion fruit juice, and bread.

20 days to go for Christmas!

Eye-catching statue on a mini column forms the centerpiece in the garden.

Beautiful decoration hung from a tree.

Traditional garden lamp decorated with seashells.

Beyond the garden stands the exit to the beach.