Iconic stilt fishermen, coconut-ladened palms and swathes of golden sand make the beaches of the south coast some of the finest in the country. Add in UNESCO-listed Galle, luxurious resorts and the vibrancy of the capital and the appeal of Sri Lanka’s south-western corner is clear for all to see.
Stroll Colombo’s bustling markets, leafy gardens and colonial landmarks along a beachfront cityscape.
Explore radiant rice paddies and palm forests that frame endless turquoise ocean views.
Snorkel or dive Galle’s marine park, spotting turtles gliding through the shallows.
Wander the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, a maze of cobbled streets and Dutch-era charm.
Surf Weligama’s gentle waves or unwind on Tangalle’s pristine beaches.
Colombo is a melting pot for the many colours, cultures and characteristics that make up this island nation, condensing them into a medley of markets, gardens and historical sites, all set against a sweeping slice of beachfront. Head south from the capital and the picture soon changes. Radiant-green rice paddies and forests of swaying palm trees contrast with endless beaches and an ocean of rich turquoise.
Bentota and Hikkaduwa offer high-end resorts between Colombo and Galle. Galle’s UNESCO-listed fort enchants with its walkable ramparts, maze of cobbled streets and evocative Dutch architecture. Weligama’s long sandy beach and gently breaking waves create the perfect conditions to learn to surf. While Dondra Head Lighthouse provides an exclamation mark to Sri Lanka’s southernmost point en route to Tangalle, with its picture-postcard beaches.
Kayaam Wellness sits on a quiet stretch of Tangalle’s south coast, a nine-room retreat shaped around Ayurveda, open sea views and unhurried routines. With a focused wellness programme and a coastal setting, it offers a measured, restorative stay.
Ahu Bay sits on Sri Lanka’s south coast with a calm beach-house feel and thoughtful service. Its laid-back setting encourages unhurried days shaped by the ocean, nearby villages and the area’s distinctive natural life.
Ishq Colombo offers a calm well considered base in a quiet central neighbourhood, shaped by architect Channa Daswatta and rooted in the Yusoof family’s story, with thoughtful detail that reflects Colombo’s history and its coastal setting.
Set on a secluded coconut-fringed cliff above the Indian Ocean, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle blends barefoot luxury with refined elegance. With private villas, an Ayurvedic spa, immersive local experiences and oceanfront dining, it offers a sanctuary for discerning travellers.
Amanwella is a sleek beachfront sanctuary of modernist pavilions and swaying palms, located on a crescent of golden sand near Tangalle. With private pools, ocean-facing terraces and signature Aman serenity, it is the epitome of understated coastal luxury.
Ease into or out of your Sri Lankan holiday in style at the Wallawwa, an 18-room boutique retreat set in tropical gardens, just 20 minutes from the international airport.