Palagama Beach

The charming, eco-sensitive Palagama Beach is a small rustic-style beach resort that has been designed to reflect a traditional village. Built using indigenous materials and quirky bits of recycled furniture, this hotel combines traditional Sri Lankan style architecture with hints of European design and offers accommodation in eight cabanas and three villas tucked amongst swaying palms.

Set back from the beach, the fan-cooled Wooden Cabanas feature wood-clad walls and polished cement floors and are beautifully decorated in vibrant colours to give them a more contemporary feel, while the Beach Cabanas (fan-cooled) are set overlooking the ocean and showcase an authentic barefoot style with woven willow walls, garden showers and private little decks to watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean.

The three air-conditioned villas feature two rooms and are ideal for families. All meals are served in the open-sided Corallia Restaurant, which offers a range of fresh seafood dishes, traditional Sri Lankan and a small selection of Western dishes.

Leisure facilities at Palagama Beach include a stunning infinity pool and a beach bar, where a movie is played for the guests after supper on most evenings. Activities on offer include cycling through sleepy villages, dolphin and whale watching (between November and April), and kitesurfing (May to October).

Although it is possible to swim in the ocean, guests must be aware that, like much of Sri Lanka, the currents are strong, and we recommend that you check with the hotel staff before going for a dip. While the tropical beach setting of Palagama Beach is beautiful, guests should be aware that a power plant and wind turbines are visible in the distance to the left of the property.