Kumu Beach

Surrounded by coconut palms and overlooking the pristine Balapitiya Beach, dotted with boulders, Kumu Beach has a location which is at once serene and spectacular. A manicured lawn leads down to a stylish infinity pool, perfect for gazing out over the south-west coast of Sri Lanka and watching the sun sink down into the Indian Ocean. Along this stretch of coastline, as well as beautiful beaches, you’ll find clear blue waters and incredible wildlife.

There are just ten rooms at Kumu Beach, all overlooking the ocean and the hotel gardens, so you can expect an exclusive, sophisticated and relaxing atmosphere. They share an attractive open-plan layout and a tasteful design featuring wicker furniture, teak panelling and modern art by local artists. They have a stylish neutral colour palette of white and grey, with pops of colour.

The Oceanview rooms and suites feature access to a private garden terrace or balcony, offering sweeping sea views. All rooms have spacious, stylish bathrooms with rain showers.

Food at Kumu Beach, served on the wooden dining deck (but can also be enjoyed in the hotel gardens, poolside, or on the beach) is an eclectic affair which blends international favourites with classic Sri Lankan dishes, all expertly crafted by the hotel’s chefs. That means you can look forward to rich curries, delicious grilled meat and roasted vegetable dishes, and, of course, ocean-fresh seafood. Breakfast has a particularly healthy focus, with granola, smoothies, and platefuls of tropical fruits. Enjoy refreshing drinks at the bar.

The beautiful Z Spa is a relaxing space whose range of wellness treatments blend ancient traditions with modern technology and organic products. South Asian and Japanese shiatsu massages are among the treatments on offer, while the Z Signature massage uses black tea, vetiver and pepper among its natural ingredients.

There’s also a lovely infinity pool in the immaculate gardens, surrounded by swaying coconut trees, or relax on the timber sundecks and take in the views over the Indian Ocean.

While you might find it hard to drag yourself away from the beautiful beach, there’s plenty to do and see. Discover small fishing hamlets dotted along the coast, while a short way to the north, in Kosgoda, you can witness a miraculous life cycle in action – see turtles nesting on the beach and visit a hatchery. The Madu Ganga River, meanwhile, is the perfect setting for a boat trip, with its mysterious mangroves and temple-topped islands.

The nearby town of Ambalangoda is a hub for local culture and famous for its wooden devil masks, which you can learn about at two museums. You can also explore historic Galle and catch some waves at surfing paradise Hikkaduwa.