Here are highly regarded boutique villas and small, villa-style properties across Sri Lanka (by region), with what makes each special and a quick practical note. I selected places that are well-known for design, location, privacy and service — a mix of established boutique properties and top private villas on the south coast.

South coast (Weligama / Mirissa / Ahangama / Tangalle)

• Cape Weligama — cliff-top private pool villas with sweeping Indian Ocean views; excellent for luxury seaside privacy and easy access to Galle/Mirissa. (Luxury villa suites & private-pool options; great for couples/families.) [well-known property in the area — see south-coast resort listings]. (tikalanka.com)
• Amanwella (Tangalle) — small high-end resort with villa-style suites and private pools, calm beach access and minimalist design; excellent for luxury and quiet. (tikalanka.com)
• Helios Boutique Villa (Ahangama) — private 2‑3 bedroom villa options with saltwater pool, close to surf beaches and cafés; ideal for small groups wanting a private-staffed villa experience. (rentbyowner.com)
• Sattva / private villas in Ahangama/Mirissa — a number of boutique private villas (2–5 bedrooms) around Ahangama/Mirissa offer private pools, chefs/concierge and are close to surf and beaches — good for groups and families. (treehouserentals.com)

Galle & South-West coast (heritage + coastal villas)

• The Fortress Resort & Spa / Lantern & Ubuntu Beach Villas (Mirissa area) — boutique-luxury properties with villa-like private options, stylish design and easy access to Galle Fort and south-coast activities. Good balance of service and coastal location. (tikalanka.com)

Cultural / Central Highlands (Kandy / Dambulla / Cultural Triangle)

• Diyabubula (Barberyn Art & Jungle Hideaway, near Dambulla) — a striking small artistic hideaway of individual villas set in sculpted water gardens by artist Laki Senanayake; excellent for peaceful, artsy stays near Dambulla/Polonnaruwa. (en.wikipedia.org)
• The Kandy House (Kandy) — a restored early-19th-century manor offering villa-style rooms and intimate gardens; highly regarded for heritage, privacy and personal service (adults-only style atmosphere). Great as a cultural/highlands base. (thetimes.co.uk)
• Ulagalla by Uga Escapes (Anuradhapura / Cultural Triangle) — villa-style suites in a restored manor/plantation setting with private courtyards and pools; very private, good for families exploring the Cultural Triangle. (tikalanka.com)

East coast / Tranquil shorelines

• Karpaha Sands (Kalkudah) — small, intimate property with tented-suites and villa-style privacy on quiet east-coast beaches; ideal if you want a remote, low-key beach experience. (tikalanka.com)

How to pick the best one for you

• If you want surf/laid-back beach life (young couples/groups): look at Ahangama / Mirissa private villas (Helios, Sattva and similar).
• If you want high-end seaside luxury and dramatic views: Cape Weligama or Amanwella.
• If your priority is culture, gardens and privacy inland: Diyabubula, The Kandy House or Ulagalla.
• If you want a remote, quiet east-coast beach: Karpaha Sands.

Practical notes

• Prices and availability change seasonally (peak season Nov–Mar on the south coast). For up-to-date rates and exact villa options (private-chef packages, airport transfers, pool/child-friendly setups), check the property website or a reputable booking agent. (tikalanka.com)

If you’d like, I can:

• Narrow these to the top 4 best for couples, families, or groups; or
• Check real-time availability and price ranges for specific dates you have in mind; or
• Send direct booking links and contact details for any of the properties above.

Which would you prefer?