Hotel Sanctuary
No need to leave the comfort of our hotel or your suite even, to experience Sri Lanka’s amazing wildlife. Located on the edge of a nature sanctuary, our home is frequented by Grey Langur monkeys, water monitors, peacocks and a host of other exotic wildlife – especially birds, due to a rich tropical mangrove ecosystem we overlook.
Rekawa Beach
Rekawa Beach is breathtakingly wild, beautiful and largely deserted, and although sea bathing is not advised in front of the hotel, a nearby rock pool (15 min walk) and much safer beaches can usually be accessed easily. Guests frequently tell us our beach is the most spectacular they’ve ever experienced – we hope you enjoy it too!
Many guests venture beyond the hotel, below is a taster of typical days to dream about.
Outings are tailored to suit although please note, some are seasonal.
Uda Walawe National Park
Home to over 700 Asian Elephants, plus crocodiles and birds of prey. This wildlife experience is only 90 minutes away.
Yala National Park
A prime leopard homeland, this wildlife park is again, about 90 minutes from our gates. Packed with breathtaking and rare wildlife sightings, jeep tours can be arranged both at dawn and during the late afternoon.
Bundala Reserve
A ‘birders’ must-visit, the reserve boasts a plethora of tropical birdlife, exotic amphibians and smaller mammals. Bundala is ideal for an altogether different look at tropical wildlife and occasional elephant treat.
Marine Safaris
Our deep-south location, on the beautiful southern coastline, means we can organise Blue and Sperm Whale (Dolphins too) watching during season. Scuba diving excursions are also a possibility.
Ussangoda
The dramatic beach is the stuff of legend. Old stories tell of the ten-headed King Ravana landing his peacock-drawn flying chariot here. What’s more, the rocky terrain and sandy beaches of the location are breath-taking and worthy of a visit.
Low Country Tea Estates
We’ll send you off for the day, to Sri Lanka’s low-country hills, to see where some of the finest Ceylon tea is grown and harvested. A steam railway journey to Ella comes with waterfalls, tea estates and spectacular hill scenery views as far as the eye can see, and should be considered prior to or at the end of your stay with us.
Kataragama Sacred Site
Considered by many to be the most sacred of all religious sites on the island, Kataragama is a hugely important place of pilgrimage for Sri Lankans of many faiths. The Kataragama site is a melting pot of faiths and religions; Buddhists, Muslims and Hindu's all hold the space sacred to their beliefs and celebrate special calendar events with great processions, ceremonies and rituals - all with deep respect of one another's faith.
Mulkirigala Rock Temples
Travelers often think the historical and cultural parts of the island are limited to the central Cultural Triangle. This is far from true, with culture and history in abundance all over the island. The nearby Mulkirigala Rock Temple complex is just one example. A few hundred hand-carved steps will lead you to the ancient temples, their spectacular rock frescos and sculptures are bound to take your breath away.
Surfing around Tangalle
For much of the year, several nearby bays are suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced surfers. When you arrive at the hotel, simply ask us to check local conditions and book a morning or afternoon session with a local instructor on your behalf. Feedback is consistently excellent with regards safety, quality of instruction - and having fun! Most beginners stand up on their first session regardless of age. Early booking essential/conditions permitting.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
The hilly virgin rainforest, part of the Sri Lanka’s stunning, lowland rain forest eco region, was saved from the worst of commercial logging by its inaccessibility. The reserves name translates as Lion Kingdom. The reserve is only 21 km from east to west and a maximum of 7 km north to south. Nonetheless, it is a treasure trove of endemic species including trees, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.
