Best Beach Hotels for a Short Stay in Sri Lanka in 2019

Kalutara is one of the underrated beaches of Sri Lanka. Turyaa is a 5 star beach resort hotel that is close to the Bandaranaike International Airport, and just a short distance from Colombo. Along with glorious views of the sea, the hotel also boasts two pools and a sauna, as well as a spa and night club. Bookworms will be happy to know there’s an onsite library, which invites relaxing on the beach with a bestseller in hand. For big groups, there’s a range of sporting equipment at the ready, which makes for fun gaming sessions. The hotel also features five restaurants and two bars, including a coffee shop. Live music calms the soul in the lobby, and the overall experience is that of a relaxing beach holiday. Each of the rooms has its own balcony looking out on the ocean, so this hotel is a great one to visit for a holiday after a long flight and before you make your way back home.
(Image credit: Instagram|trinityharshana)

Every vacationer’s paradise, there are a number of wonderful things to do in Hikkaduwa ranging from surfing the famous wild waves, to snorkelling, sunbathing, scuba diving and exploring secret beaches! Citrus Hikkaduwa is right on the edge of these world famous beaches, providing easy access to the sea at whatever time you feel like going down to the sands. The rooms have balconies and beautiful views of the sea, and are perfect for lounging and relaxing. The main restaurant Lemon Fish features cuisine that is both local and global, so enjoy an authentic taste of Sri Lanka while also indulging in what reminds you of home. The evocatively named Summer Salt is an outdoor bar that allows you to treat yourself to finely mixed cocktails and other drinks while the ocean breeze gently rustles the leaves around you, letting you have a tranquil experience. Enjoy the spa while you are there as well! The hotel is the best place to rejuvenate after an adventurous day exploring the eclectic city of Hikka!
(Image credit: Citrus Hikkaduwa Official Website)

This stunning hotel has the distinction of being surrounded by water on three sides. Being hemmed in by the ocean and river and rooming amongst clusters of coconut trees and other jungle life, this hotel has a unique feel to it that guests will certainly enjoy. The green courtyards are ringed with frangipani, and the rooms have the flavour of Sri Lanka in them. They come with views of the gardens, the oceans or the river. The hotel also has four options to choose from when you want to dine or just have some drinks, and these also feature the diverse views. Have a dip in the pool and enjoy snacks from one of the bars. Another of the bars is situated by the river, making it a lovely place to chill by in the evenings. Another of the restaurants focuses on healthy but absolutely tasty food by the beach, and the main restaurant wraps around the building so that you can choose your own view as you dine.
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Located in the stunning city of Galle, Fortress Hotel is a boutique hotel that focuses on luxury. Some of the rooms have balconies that are truly private, allowing guests to have their own little haven of space. Most of the rooms have brilliant views of the sea, and all feature either soaking tubs or Jacuzzis, making for a truly deluxe experience. Some packages even offer butler services, and splash pools included with the room. Located right on the beach, the Fortress Hotel is a few minutes drive away from Galle itself, and is the perfect place to stay to enjoy the sea as well as the historic city itself. Their restaurants are also unique, with White offering Asian fusion that will sizzle guest’s senses, while also having a wood fire pizza and tandoori menu. Duo is especially unique, as it is an intimate restaurant situated in a wine cellar, with a mellow atmosphere that is particularly romantic. Their outdoor restaurant Salty Snapper is sure to be a favourite, as it encompasses the tropical ocean experience into one meal, with views of the sea along with great seafood. Finally, they also have a T-Lounge, which has delicious mixes of tea that are not to be missed.
(Image credit: The Fortress Resort & Spa Official Website)

Close enough to Colombo that travelling there is a breeze, but far enough away that a vacation here feels like a true escape, Citrus Waskaduwa is close to Kalutara, making it a good resting place for when you’re exploring the city. A five star resort, the hotel is located right on the golden sands, and offers accommodation that rises above the standard. The restaurants at this hotel are a treat! Lemon Sun is the main restaurant and has both local as well as international food. Pips n’ Sips is a sweet little coffee shop perfect for satisfying your sweet (and savoury!) tooth throughout the day. Pomelo Hi is a striking bar that serves cocktails that are as delicious as the bar is trendy! And Aqua Peel, the pool bar, is perfect for sipping a fruit juice or enjoying some snacks after a dip in the pool on a sunny day.
(Image credit: Citrus Waskaduwa Official Website)

Committed to sustainability, this hotel is a truly memorable one. Designed by world famous architect Geoffrey Bawa, the hotel stands at the edge of a beautiful sea green coastline, close to world heritage site Galle Fort. Staying true to the artistic, eclectic, culture-melding experience that is Galle, Light House boasts many different influences in its repertoire of services. The rooms are beautiful, and there are three special themed sweets that are especially enchanting. They are inspired by travellers to the land, including the Fa-hsien suite that is imbued with a Chinese flair for the monk who visited our shoes, to the Ibn-Battuta suite that calls Morocco to mind, as well as a suite decorated with our Dutch colonial heritage in mind. The restaurants here are a delight as well.
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The location of Cape Weligama is breath-taking, as it is situated on a piece of land that rises above the ocean, creating beautiful panoramic views from anywhere on the site. The infinity pool in particular is absolutely stunning, as it curves around the edge of the cliff, its pure blue complementing the shades of green and turquoise that abounds in the sea view that surrounds it. With the breeze rushing through the coconut trees, the setup of the hotel is designed to look almost like a traditional village, but with all the amenities that modern life asks for. Some of the villas and suites come with their own pools, and all have magnificent facilities such as stone tubs.
(Image credit: Cape Weligama Official Website)

Five minutes away from the Galle Fort is this stunning hotel. Perched on a slightly elevated outreach into the sea, the rooms at Le Grand Galle have exquisite vistas. Matching the opulence of Sri Lanka’s past with contemporary tropical style, the hotel itself is beautiful. All the rooms are luxurious, with some featuring Jacuzzis from which you can enjoy the ocean view. The hotel features two restaurants that cook with fresh ingredients that boast amazing ambience. They also have a bar by the pool.
(Image credit: Le Grand Galle Official Website)

Located right in the heart of Galle Fort, this hotel is the height of old colonial luxury, giving you a taste of the lavishness of yesteryear. A boutique establishment, the rooms open onto a beautiful garden courtyard. The building is all wooden floors and white walls, with vintage furniture and décor reminiscent of historical figures. A night at this hotel is like spending a night in history!
(Image credit: Galle Fort Official Website)

A hotel with a modern twist, Cantaloupe Aqua is an urbane paradise. Nestled on the beach, protected by a string of black rocks, the property is a cool blend of contemporary styling and Sri Lankan flavour. Although a boutique hotel, and a comfortable one at that, it’s accessible to many. Its claim to fame is its trendiness, drawing a young crowd to its shores. Many of the rooms have beautiful views of the sea with pristine floor to ceiling glass windows. The restaurant at Cantaloupe Aqua – COCONUT, is an interesting Asian fusion that combines Sri Lankan and Thai cuisine, making for an adventure for the taste buds. They also have the Playground Beach Bar, which is a fun place to visit even when you’re not staying at the hotel! Overall this is a great, fun hotel to stay at while exploring Sri Lanka’s beaches.
(Image credit: Cantaloupe Aqua Official Website)