Kumu Beach

"Kumu Beach is a seafront hotel with soul on the west coast of Sri Lanka, encapsulating the style and spirit of a world that existed before package tourism discovered the Island of Serendipity. The main house sits above a secluded bay, onto which the surf breaks noisily and into which the sun melts every evening. You are but a short stroll away from a turtle-nesting beach and a quick drive from Sri Lanka’s largest reclining Buddha at Galagoda. Without a hint of gimmickry or any sense of trying too hard, Kumu Beach is an ideal place to decompress."

Kumu Beach, Balapitiya, Sri Lanka - Explore & Book

"Dazzling sunsets, warm sea swims and nesting marine turtles are a few highlights of a stay at Kumu Beach, a cool design hotel with a chilled vibe. Sitting above a golden-sand beach, Kumu’s grassy lawn is sprinkled with hammocks and teak loungers. The 10 bedrooms allow you to gaze at the ocean from the comfort of your four-poster, and the rooftops of the whitewashed buildings are primed for private starlit dining. In the garden lies a deep blue pool with a built-in seat and water jets. It's perfect for couples, though it works well for families, too. Design is contemporary, and interiors are simplistic yet practical. Local artisans were engaged to beautify interior and exterior spaces, and your eyes are drawn to Batik-work cushions, vast globe-like garden sculptures, honey-coloured furnishings, and a brass fish suspended above the staircase. Cuisine is modern, too: Kumu is a sister hotel of Fort Bazaar and Wallawwa and shares similarly polished butler-style service; afternoon tea and social hour drinks are included in the rates too. Watersports haven Bentota is 30 minutes' drive away, as is Lunuganga, the enviable tropical garden of the late architect, Geoffrey Bawa. Galle is an hour's train ride away, a scenic coastal chug. Highs A very relaxing spot, thanks to its quiet end-of-beach setting The smiling staff really heighten the experience – nothing is too much trouble We loved the inventive modern cuisine, with sharing platters and alfresco dining opportunities Perfect for a chilled romantic break – starlit dining, massages, four-poster beds, dreamy sunsets, direct beach access Wild turtles often nest on the beach Lows Sea swimming is seasonal (November to April) – but the 23-metre pool compensates There isn’t a huge amount nearby; Bentota (30 minutes’ drive) is the closest place to shop and dine We found the WiFi a little patchy on our most recent visit" - Emma Boyle