Mandara Mirissa, Mirissa

Mandara Mirissa, Mirissa

This is a modern hotel which offers the best accommodation in Mirissa. It is located between the banks of the river and the Indian Ocean. Swimming in the sea is not advisable (due to strong currents) but there is a beautiful pool. Whale watching can be done from Mirissa between November and April so this is a perfect hotel for that as the harbour is so close by.
Kalla Bongo Lake Resort in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka

Kalla Bongo Lake Resort in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka

This lake resort is a 10 minute drive inland from Hikkaduwa and overlooks a beautiful lagoon where there is an abundance of stunning wildlife (as well as a variety of birds for those bird spotters amongst you).
The Kalla Bongo Lake Resort is perfect for those people who really aren’t that interested in staying at a beach resort and would prefer total peace and tranquillity to rewind.
Lagoon Paradise Beach Resort, Tangalle

Lagoon Paradise Beach Resort, Tangalle

This is located in a beautiful setting near Tangalle between Rekawa Lagoon and the sea and has a very laid back feel to it. The gardens extend to 5 acres and are full of many tropical trees. The hotel has 2 restaurants – one overlooking the lagoon serving mainly Sri Lankan cuisine and the other, the beach restaurant, serving fresh seafood. The sea fronting the hotel is safest for swimming between December and April however the hotel does have a beautiful pool.
Kingfisher Hotel, Unawatuna

Kingfisher Hotel, Unawatuna

This is a very small boutique hotel that is right on the beach at Unawatuna. It only has 4 rooms so does have a very intimate feel to it. The rooms are chic and large and all have balconies. There is no pool but you can swim safely all year round at Unawatuna as the bay is horse-shaped and is protected with an outer reef, so there are no strong currents. The hotel has a great restaurant –as it isn’t big, you do need to book. You do need to be aware that sometimes there can be beach parties where music is played.
Kahanda Kanda, Koggala (Nr Galle)

Kahanda Kanda, Koggala (Nr Galle)

This is a luxurious boutique hotel with 9 Suites, set in its own tea plantation about 15m minutes inland from the world famous Unawatuna beach. It is about 10km from Galle, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is set on a hill overlooking Koggala Lake. The open sided sitting and dining pavilions are truly magnificent and the pool is spectacular. The food is fantastic using fruit, vegetables and spices grown on their own estate.