Our opinion
Well-suited to clients looking for a truly unique, rich, and peaceful experience of Sri Lanka, Palagama Beach merges luxury service with tradition.
Hotel description
On Kalpitiya Beach on the west coast of Sri Lanka, Palagama Beach is a collection of attractive beach cabanas, garden cabanas, and villas. This hotel was designed by Cecil Balmond and his son, whose works include the Orbit Tower in London, the CCTV in Shanghai, and the Casa da Musica in Portugal. In this project, however, the Balmonds have realised their vision of beautifully natural accommodation that reflects the heritage of its surroundings. With the sand just a few steps away from the rooms, this rustic accommodation is perfectly placed for seaside and forest relaxation. Subtle, unobtrusive modern touches, such as the sleek infinity-esque outdoor pool, complete the private spaces that offer a tranquil alternative to the beach. Villas and cabanas have traditionally thatched roofs, and wooden and plastered walls. The rooms, like the complex itself, are etched with simplistic Sri Lankan character, then cultivated by bold fabrics, canopied beds, and exposed wood. The Coralia Restaurant specialises in flavoursome Sri Lankan cuisine, including hoppers, rice and curry, and Watalapam. Cookery classes with the chef are also available to those guests who wish to take a long-lasting souvenir with them when they leave. Other once-in-a-lifetime activities include dolphin- and whale-watching excursions; alternatively, soak up the serene Sri Lankan atmosphere from under the open-sided spa cabana, while enjoying a luxurious massage. Palagama Beach envelopes guests in a true sense of rural Sri Lanka, surrounded by trees, sand, and sea, thus making an excellent stop-off point on a luxury tour of Sri Lanka. We would recommend combining Palagama Beach with stays in modern resorts and inland villas to ensure you witness every side of this diverse island.
Location
Right on the beachfront near Kalpitiya.
Official star rating
no rating
Distance from airport
77 miles
Closest airport
Bandaranaike International Airport
Room types
13 rooms with queen-sized beds, large bathrooms, local furnishings, and a heightened sense of privacy.
Beach Cabanas
Garden Cabanas
Villas with garden and veranda
Hotel facilities and services
Infinity freshwater pool, beach house club area, Coralia Restaurant, boutique shops selling crafts made by women in Jaffna, and spa.
Water sports
Kitesurfing, fishing, boat rides, and dolphin- and whale-watching.
Out and aboutnearby/local interest
In such an enviable location, Palagama Beach guests are well-placed to explore famous regions such as the Cultural Triangle, or the larger cities of Negombo and Colombo. Wildlife trips into the nearby Wilpattu National Park are available with local businesses, and guests are encouraged to engage in some self-guided exploration. Scuba-diving is at its best at Bar Reef, and the local fishing villages are an excellent way of becoming better acquainted with traditional day-to-day Sri Lankan life. The peninsula that surrounds Puttalam Lagoon is dotted with small villages that are all strikingly different. Kandakuliya, lined with small fishing boats, and Kalpitiya in particular are worth visiting. Anuradhapura is the spiritual home of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, with its dagobas, ruins, and sacred fig tree mythically brought from India in the 3rd century.
Sports nearby
Scuba-diving (best between November and April).
Children
Villas are recommended for families looking for privacy and additional space.