The Story of Malala Retreat
- Home
- Story of Malala Retreat
Our Journey Begins: A Dream Rooted in Nature
Our family-run journey began in 1999 when we purchased a 2.5-acre plot of bare land in Udamalala, Hambantota. Bordered by a serene lake, lush paddy fields, and a gently flowing stream, the landscape was utterly enchanting - we knew instantly that this was where we wanted to build something special. Over the years, our land has expanded to 5 acres, growing alongside our dreams.
At the time, though we lived in Colombo, we didn’t own a house there. Strangely enough, it was this marshy, untouched land in Hambantota that felt like home.
By 2001, we had completed construction of our main house - a peaceful retreat from the fast-paced life of Colombo. What is now the Pond View Room was originally occupied by our caretaker, who has been with us for over twenty years. This room was first built with a thatched roof, along with a small outdoor kitchen and gazebo, making it the perfect simple escape.
The pond in front was not naturally there – it was carefully excavated and has since become a thriving habitat for frogs and fish. When we first started, nearly half the land was marsh, requiring countless truckloads of earth to fill and landscape the area.
All of this was accomplished long before the highway was built. Back then, the journey from Colombo to Hambantota took a grueling seven hours, with difficult roads and endless truckloads of construction materials making their way to our site. Every trip saw our own vehicle packed to the brim with furnishings, light fixtures, and everything we needed to bring our vision to life.
We never imagined that one day we would have a seven-room hotel. Initially, it was just a dream to turn the caretaker’s room into a rental, and that’s where it all began. Then came the restaurant, and before we knew it, a pool. A builder who came to renovate our house casually mentioned that he could build six rooms for us – and just like that, the Pool View Rooms were born.
These hotel rooms, built about five years ago, were the true beginning of Malala Retreat as it stands today. Brick by brick, Malala has been constructed – a true labor of love. We still remember choosing the name “Malala” because of our location in Udamalala and adding “Retreat” to reflect the calm and peaceful environment we’ve created.
Every piece of furniture was designed and handcrafted on-site by a skilled carpenter from Hambantota. The entire project, from planning and designing to selecting the lighting, was done by us. It took nearly four years to bring our vision to life, but every effort was worth it. In August 2023, we officially opened our doors. It feels like just yesterday that we welcomed our very first guests, filled with excitement and joy.
A major turning point in our journey was setting up our social media and conducting our first professional photoshoot. We wanted to showcase the beauty and tranquility of Malala Retreat, and having an online presence allowed us to connect with travelers looking for a peaceful getaway. Setting up our Booking.com listing was another huge milestone – it played a crucial role in reaching guests from all over the world and making Malala what it is today.
We’ve come such a long way from where we started, but we know this is only the beginning. There is still so much more to achieve, and we’re excited for what the future holds.
As owners, along with our amazing staff, we work tirelessly to maintain the high standards of Malala Retreat. Our greatest hope is that you, our valued guest, enjoy your time here as much as we have enjoyed creating this space for you.
Thank you for booking and staying at Malala Retreat, Hambantota.
– Faiq and Rahil Abdeen
