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Amari Galle

Where to stay in Galle and along the south coast

There is plenty to do in Galle and along the southern coastal belt. From inviting golden sandy beaches and the historical Galle Fort to the happening night parties, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Written by
Time Out editors
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With the salty breeze and soothing sound of the sea, the southern coast of the island is a magical destination for a relaxing getaway. Whether you want to get a sun tan, stroll along the beach, surf the waves, scuba dive or snorkel along nearshore coral reefs or simply unwind, this is the region to go to. And you could end the day savouring a deliciously fresh seafood dish. The beaches, which include Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Koggala, Mirissa and Tangalle, will offer you a comfortable and mesmerising vacation. We recommend idyllic hotels for you to stay at; relax and enjoy as you explore some of the best beaches on the island!

  • Hotels
  • Galle

A scenic destination located on the south western shoreline is home to the stunning Heritance Ahungalla. The hotel provides guests the opportunity to experience the coastal town at its enchanting, exotic best. Modern yet minimal decors throughout the hotel adds a sense of tranquillity to the entire atmosphere. Overlooking the deep blue seascapes, guests to Heritance are promised lazy and relaxing days in the sun. The Premium Deluxe and Deluxe rooms are well-equipped with modern amenities. The Luxury rooms, Suite and Luxury Suite offer spacious accommodation and calls for a lavish vacation. The suites are perfect for a group of friends or family. All the rooms have their share of picturesque views of the rippling Indian Ocean.  There are many restaurants at Heritance Ahungalla to satisfy your hunger pangs. The Jute Restaurant serves buffets featuring Sri Lankan and International dishes. The Mustard Coffee Shop, the only coffee shop open 24 hours in the area, offers tongue-tingling pastas, thirst quenching beverages, indulgent desserts and other sugary goodies. The Upper Room Restaurant is the hotel’s fine dining restaurant which serves fusion cuisine. It also has its own sommelier and a romantic ambience. Comfortable within one of the five bars, named Bacchus, Pool,Apollo,Wall and Orpheus,guests can sip on a signature beverage at sundown. Heritance Ahungalla is also ready to cater to your personal needs by arranging themed nights for large groups or a dreamy dinner for two on the beach

  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Kalutara
  • price 3 of 4
The Villa Bentota is one of the foremost boutique hotels in Sri Lanka close to the beach at Bentota. It stands as a testament to the charm of old world Ceylon. There are five rooms and six suites. All the rooms are either sea or garden facing except the Executive suites that come with additional space enhancing privacy of the residents. The Mohotti suite is the largest, with double bedrooms, a lounge and an en suite bathroom. Although luxurious the bedrooms are not extravagantly furnished with simple minimalism being preferred, enhanced with striking paintings by local artists. The Villa Café caters to both non-residents as well as guests and has an eclectic menu of local and international cuisine.
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  • Hotels
Set on a hill facing the sea, UTMT - Underneath The Mango Tree Spa & Beach Resort features a variety of modern room types with free Wi-Fi. It has its own Ayurvedic spa, restaurant and private beach. Wewurukannala Vihara Temple, which features Sri Lanka’s largest Buddha statue at 160 feet high, is 4 km away. Matara Railway Station is 20 km away while Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport is 61 km from the resort. Offering garden or sea views, each room has a mosquito net. A private bathroom with bathtub, outdoor shower, hairdryer and free toiletries are included. Surrounded by coconut palms and mango trees, Underneath The Mango Tree Spa & Beach Resort also has a tennis court and offers water sport facilities and a shared lounge. Sporty guests can go cycling, hiking and diving. A fusion of Sri Lankan and European cuisines is served at the resort’s restaurant.
Amari Galle
  • Hotels
Set in Galle, 4.3 km from Galle International Cricket Stadium, Amari Galle features a restaurant, bar and spa. The hotel has an outdoor pool and a private beach area. It also offers a rooftop bar. Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and features a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. A terrace or balcony are featured in certain rooms. The rooms are fitted with a private bathroom. Extras include bathrobes and slippers. Free Wifi is available. Guests can enjoy a meal at Ahara Food Gallery - the all day dining restaurant or at the Shoreline Beach Club. There is a hairdresser's at the property. The hotel also offers car hire. Dutch Church Galle is 5 km from Amari Galle, while Galle Fort is 3 km away.
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Turyaa Kalutara
  • Hotels
  • Luxury hotels
Spanning across six acres, the five star hotel is conveniently located in Kalutara. Featuring a total of 199 luxury hotel rooms, the hotel boasts of seven restaurants, each catering to a different dining experience. From Fine Dining to Poolside drinks, guests can have their own choice. They serve carefully curated international as well as Sri Lankan cuisine. Feast in a hearty meal with family while enjoying a relaxing stay here. Tastefully furnished rooms and suites with modern amenities are equipped with their own balconies, patios or verandahs.  The hotel is also equipped with a gym, spa and a swimming pool.
  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Tangalle

This Villa overlooks Tangalle Beach and so is close to the country’s down south attractions. There are six air conditioned bedrooms, four in the main house and two in an annexe. There is a separate dining space over looking the sea, set in the garden amidst  trees. The rooms are smoothly decorated, keeping to the theme of black and white with the occasional dash of colour. The hotel pampers its guests at the in-house spa by providing ayurvedic massages, body scrubs and Thai massages. Like most small hotels, Coco Tangalla aims at promoting local cuisine with a variety of  fresh sea food from the beach.   

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  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Tangalle

The Last House has been constructed in a tranquil location by the Tangalle coastline. It has been designed for renting in its entirety but individual guest rooms are available when the whole house isn’t rented. It is eminently suitable for family getaways or for hosting an important function like a birthday party since the ambience is in living at ones’s own house, if one had as designer plush as this.The rooms are in pop colours of blue, pink set in a beach theme. The house has its own fishing boat and guests can cruise in it accompanied by crew and guides. There is complementary breakfast and a chef on call to prepare a range of local and international delicacies.  

Elephant Safari Hotel
  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Moneragala
  • price 4 of 4
The Elephant Safari hotel is located in the jungle landscape at Udawalawe. The features accommodation in double and single chalets each with private balconies/sitting lounges and open air bathrooms. The cottages are constructed to complement the jungle with thatched straw roofs and cave like arches. The interiors, however, are in accordance with the modern fashion and promise super comfort. The hotel is close to Udawalawe national park, the Katharagama Temple and other sites of historical importance.
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  • Hotels
Thambapanni Retreat is located in Galle, a 5-minute walk from Unawatuna Beach. It features 2 dining options, an outdoor swimming pool and rooms with a TV. Free Wi-Fi and parking are provided. Retreat Thambapanni is a 10-minute drive from Galle Fort and Koggala Lake. The National Maritime Museum is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Air-conditioned rooms at Thambapanni come with wooden flooring, dark wood furnishings and a 4-poster bed. All are fitted with a fan and an en suite bathroom with shower facilities. Guests can enjoy relaxing Ayurvedic oil massages, practice yoga or rent a bicycle to explore the area. For convenience, laundry services are also offered upon request. Available for all-day dining, the restaurant serves a variety of Asian and European fusion dishes. Room service is provided.
Thaproban Beach House
  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Galle

Set on the beach edge, Thaproban Beach House is the perfect spot to chill next to one of the finest beaches of the Island. The hotel is an excellent choice to explore the warmth of the sun and golden sand with a friendly and attentive staff ready to assist you in your need. Accommodation units comprise of spacious and comfortable rooms ranging from Deluxe, Superior and Penthouse with charming furnishing and balconies with beach views. For seafood lovers, the restaurant is a haven of classic and authentic Sri Lankan dishes spiced in Sri Lankan style. The blue waters of Unawatuna are ideal for surfing, snorkeling and diving among the tropical corals of the Unawatuna reef.  

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