Victoria is located on the sunkissed sands of Talpe, a 20-minute drive from the heritage city of Galle. It’s neighboured by private villas and boutique hotels, and close to Dalawella’s lagoon-like swimming beach. Inland, the scene turns from blue to green as oceans of paddy fields fringe a palm-spiked interior where local villages, Buddhist temples, expansive lagoons, tea estates, spice plantations and rainforests home to diverse wildlife lie in wait of discovery. Galle’s 16th century fortress, a hybrid of British, Dutch, Portuguese and Sri Lankan architecture, is nearby, and a fascinating place to lose oneself amongst atmospheric streets.