Southern Beaches
Southern Beaches
Sri Lanka's south coast is as long as it is stunning. Drive along the narrow, single road that hugs the coast and pass by beach after beautiful beach.
Sri Lanka’s Southern Beaches were badly hit by the Asian Tsunami in 2004, but they have since rebuilt and are once again thriving. Gorgeous luxury villas and hotels dot the coastline and the food is as fresh as it comes, caught straight from the ocean every day.
Surfing is a popular activity along the beaches of Unawatuna, and whale watching is a fun day trip from sleepy Mirissa. While Tangalle is not ideal for swimming, it is home to one of our favourite properties, Amanwella, and has a more dramtic, rocky coastlines. Watching men perched high on stilts out in the water as they fish at dawn and dusk is something the area is famous for.
Our favourite itineraries in Southern Beaches
-
From $3,500 pp
Wild Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan Safaris Cultural Triangle Southern Beaches
-
Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens and trek through tea estates
-
Meet elephants at Udawalawe National Park
-
Go on a night time turtle watch at Rekawa
-
Search for the exclusive Sri Lanka leopard at Yala National Park
-
Enjoy whale and dolphin watching on Sri Lanka’s south coast
When to go:
J F M A M J J A S O N DDiscover More -
-
From $4,500 pp
Tea Plantations and Coastal Hideaways
Sri Lanka is a fascinating country with plenty to see and do. You could spend weeks traversing the teardrop-shaped island, but with this nine-day itinerary we focus on two of the Sri Lanka’s most memorable and uniquely beautiful areas: its misty tea plantations and tranquil southern beaches.
- Experience one of the loveliest train journeys in the world, from Colombo up to the Hill Country
- Explore the countryside surrounding Ceylon Tea Trails
- Spot blue whales and dolphins from the coastal town of Mirissa
- Wander through the streets of Galle Fort, shopping for local artwork
- Go on a day trip to Yala National Park to look for Sri Lankan leopard
When to go:
J F M A M J J A S O N DDiscover More -
From $7,560 pp
From Cultural Sri Lanka to Paradise in the Maldives
Hill Country Galle Fort Southern Beaches Maldives
- Enjoy a scenic train ride between Colombo and the Central Highlands
- Learn the age-old tea-making process and at Tea Trails plantation
- Go whale and dolphin watching from Mirissa in southern Sri Lanka
- Explore the underwater world of the Maldives
- Relax on the pristine beaches of the Maldives
When to go:
J F M A M J J A S O N DDiscover More
Our favourite hotels
-
Last House
Aptly named, The Last House is the architectural swan song of Sri Lanka’s most influential architect Geoffrey Bawa. A man known for blending Sri Lanka’s rich cultural past with clean, modern designs, this particular villa is very special. Located on Sri Lanka’s beautiful southern coast, the Last House is positioned on an idyllic strip of land with a lagoon on one side and a long stretch...
Price scaleDiscover More -
Samudra House
Samudra House is a fully staffed luxury villa set in lush tropical gardens in Habaraduwa, not far from Galle Fort. Designed by one of Sri Lanka’s premier architects, this stunning beachfront property combines modern comforts with traditional Sri Lankan influences and has a rustic-luxe feel. The Samudra House consists of two spacious and elegantly appointed bedrooms opening out onto the...
Price scaleDiscover More -
Sisindu C
An idyllic, stunning and private villa, Sisindu C is one of Sri Lanka’s most luxurious destinations. Set on a magnificent sandy stretch of beach in Habaraduwa on the island’s palm-pocked southern coast, Sisindu’s beauty is in its simplicity. The villa’s location is excellent; the beach beyond the villa is wide and long, so it’s perfect for a morning or evening jog or stroll. The...
Price scaleDiscover More -
Pointe Sud
There are few other properties in Sri Lanka blessed with such sensational oceanfront panoramas, such privacy and such exclusivity like Pointe Sud Villa. This five bedroom villa is perched high on a hillside between Mirissa and Matara, set within a couple of acres of tropical gardens made up of neatly manicured lawns, blooming borders and untamed jungle that winds down a staircase to the deserted...
Price scaleDiscover More -
Amanwella
As you approach the gravel road leading up to Amanwella’s pebbled courtyard, you sense that you’ve arrived at the definitive Sri Lankan seaside destination.Situated in a mature coconut grove facing a glorious crescent-shaped beach near the fishing village of Tangalle in Sri Lanka, the retreat derives its name from aman, or ‘peace’ in Sanskrit, and wella, the Sinhalese word for...
Price scaleDiscover More -
Villa Five
Villa Five is an intimate luxury beachfront villa located in southwest Sri Lanka on the beaches of Talpe offering a mix of beachside lifestyle, boutique design and tantalising food. The five-bedroom villa sleeps up to 16 guests (10 adults and 6 children) in rooms that are as comfortable as they are spacious. Handmade fittings, locally made furniture, and fine woodwork grace every room,...
Price scaleDiscover More
Similar destinations
Eastern Province
For paradise beaches, Sri Lanka’s East Coast is the equal of the famous West Coast. Like the west, there are long pristine swaths of white sands, fringed by ranks of coconuts palms tottering in tropical heat.
Galle Fort
Galle Fort, located a short 1.5-hour drive from the capital Colombo, is a favourite of ours for its colourful history, beautiful jewelery shops, and gorgeous sunsets over the Fort walls.
Hill Country
In our opinion, Hill Country is the most magical part of the entire country, and the train journey from Colombo up into the winding hills is one of the best in the world.
