our favourite days out
The south coast has old forts, easy surf, coral reefs and some of the best food on the island. Here is where we send our guests.
heritage
Wander the cobbled streets of the 17th-century Dutch fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Climb to the lighthouse, browse small shops and galleries, and stay on the ramparts for sunset.
waves
Dewata Beach has steady, rolling waves that suit first-timers as well as regular surfers. Surf schools along the sand rent boards and give lessons, and the beach cafés stay open for sunset.
under water
Explore coral reefs, rocky outcrops and old shipwrecks in Unawatuna bay. PADI-certified dive centres take every level, and you can expect sea turtles, moray eels and shoals of tropical fish.
food
Try rice and curry at a local kitchen, fresh seafood by the harbour and hoppers for breakfast. Ask us for our favourite places, or cook your own finds in the villa kitchen.
day trip
Yala National Park has one of the highest densities of leopards in the world. A jeep safari through its scrub and grassland also brings Asian elephants, sloth bears and hundreds of bird species.
Each is an hour or less from the villas by car, and the closer ones are easy by tuk-tuk.
6 km, about 20 minutes
On the Rumassala headland, the white Japanese Peace Pagoda looks back across the bay to Galle Fort, and a path leads down to Jungle Beach, a small cove with clear water for snorkelling.
16 km, about 30 minutes
Between Koggala and Ahangama, fishermen still perch on poles in the surf, a tradition of Sri Lanka's south coast.
21 km, about 40 minutes
Snorkel over the coral sanctuary just off the beach, where green turtles often feed in the shallows.
21 km, about 40 minutes
See how tea is grown and made on a working estate inland from Ahangama, and taste the white tea it is known for.
33 km, about 1 hour
Boats leave Mirissa harbour early in the morning to look for blue whales and dolphins, mostly from November to April.
From$34 a night