Diyabubula is the Oasis that Laki Senanayeke, one of Sri Lanka's most renowned artists created in Dambulla, Sri Lanka. Over a period of 50 years, he transformed flat cultivation land into a lush forest, a water garden and an open air art gallery.

In 2012, Laki, built for the owners of Barberyn Ayurveda Resorts an Art & Jungle Hideaway - a small luxury lodge, a boutique hotel, consisting of five villas. He chose 100 year old railway sleepers as basic building material. This wood, seasoned by sun and rain over a century, has been combined with sleek and beautiful timber sourced from all over Sri Lanka, and hand-crafted right at Diyabubula. Laki designed and executed every detail of the lodge, and it is his most important work of art.

Laki shared this beautiful oasis with us, and he continued to live and work in his minimalist space until he passed away in June 2021.

We are integrating Lakis' abode and studio, with our Art and Jungle Lodge in keeping with Lakis' wish, so that his legacy on Art, Sculpture and Architecture and biodiversity can be kept alive. It is a precious responsibility, and we invite you to join us on this uncharted journey.

The Lake house is the last space that Laki built “to watch the stars” – though the trees hide the stars. “You can rebuild it one day” he casually remarked, and this is what we did.
Directly accessible from the wide Terrace, the two level space built around a tree as old as diyabubula, has a triangular transparent roof. At the terrace level is the bedroom which overlooks the Lake in which Laki found inspiration to create his magnificent art works. At the ground level is the en suite toilet and shower.
As twilight falls The Laki is beautifully lit & you can experience the magic of the night in the privacy of your elegant glass walled bed room

Made from rail sleepers and other recycled wood, each water villa has two floors. The spacious bedroom is upstairs. It has a king size bed and offers every comfort to appreciate the huge dramatic painting as well as the beautiful accessories, all created by Laki Senanayake.

The artful en suite bathroom is equipped with a rain shower and a toilet. There’s a dressing area, and a balcony overlooking the lush forest.

Another original idea of Laki: The Bamboo Grove villa has a triangular transparent roof under a canopy of bamboo – you can watch the spectacular night-sky from your cozy double bed. Water flows beneath the villa, which also has a balcony and an en suite toilet/shower. The Bamboo Grove has the option of air- conditioning for your comfort.

A truly original creation by Laki, the rafters of the tree house are living Arcunut trees. They have been trained to grow at an angle, thereby building the structure for the roof. The ground floor has a bedroom with a double bed The ceiling of abstract forms was specially desired by Laki for the tree house, and a sitting area with a day bed. On the upper level, you’ll find a single bed under the living triangular roof. A bathroom with toilet on the upper level complete this “lookout”. Enjoy your view of the walled courtyard, the pond and the forest beyond.

Our cozy restaurent serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Your comfort at Diyabubula means everything to us: if you would like to get some refreshments or snacks outside meal times, our chef will be happy to accomodate your orders. Fresh fruit juices and tea can be ordered any time of the day.

In accordance with the Barberyn philosophy, we do not serve meat, and we do not serve alcohol. We serve fresh vegetables, fruits, fish and seafood, deliciously prepared by an experienced chef and his staff.

Breakfast comes international style – start the day with Western dishes as well as Sri Lankan specialties. Lunch could be a Sri Lankan meal of rice with a range of curries and fish. If you desire just a light meal, spaghetti, lasagna, or anything else – just inform the chef before meal time. Dinner will be Western style - consisting of a starter, soup, main dish and dessert. Our chef will discuss your choice of dinner menu with you.