Eat / Drink
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Mr. M Rooftop
by
Urbanaut
Trendy rooftop bar with killer sunset views at the Harding hotel. They’ve got sunset cocktail hours for those wanting an extra tipple.
Locale Gastrobar & Hotel
by
Urbanaut
The cool kid in Southern Lanka - Locale is where you go for good live music, some ingredient driven (delicious) food and the sea. Always a good idea but be prepared that it’s pricier than other places on the island.
Wild and the Sage
by
Urbanaut
A charming indie bookstore/cafe/reading room in Unawatuna, Wild and the Sage is known for its intimate book and poetry readings in their leafy courtyard (including those by Booker prize winner Shehan Karunatilaka), regular workshops and events and an unpretentious cafe menu. Their garden gets filled up quick when the weather is good, and their indoor space is cozy and perfect for an afternoon cuppa and book.
Ropewalk
by
Urbanaut
Nestled inside the historic Galle Fort hotel is this elegant bar specialising in Arrack cocktails (Sri Lanka’s homegrown, local liquor). Stop by “for a Tipple” as early Dutch traders might’ve and enjoy a grown-up drink in a decidedly mature atmosphere.
Smoke & Bitters
by
Urbanaut
Sri Lanka’s only bar to make it to the 50 Best Bars in Asia (not once, but twice!) is a friendly neighbourhood tiki with fantastic views of the beach and sea. Their cocktails are fantastic and they make an effort to use local ingredients and Sri Lankan liquor (hello, arrack!) and their food menu is equally good. All in all, Smoke & Bitters is well worth a visit if you’re anywhere in the south.
The Bartizan Galle Fort
by
Urbanaut
A stunning colonial-era boutique hotel with warm rooms and mesmerising views of the sea. It is located inside the world-famous Galle Fort — which means you’re closer than ever to some of Sri Lanka’s historical gems. The decor of each room complements the Dutch-inspired architecture of the environment. All this, right on the corners of Pedlar Street and Rampart street, the most popular streets in town.
Closenberg Hotel
by
Paloma Monnappa
An iconic hotel that’s been around since 1860, Closenberg oozes old world charm and has the BEST food. Spend your day at the infinity pool overlooking the ocean, indulge in some of the best rice and curry on the island and feel your worries melt away
EXOTIC ROOTS
by
Urbanaut
An all-in-one, this gorgeous spot is a store, cafe, gallery and performance space. Run by an artistic mother-daughter trio, you can browse through the art gallery or grab a cup of coffee. In the store you’ll find carefully curated items ranging from home decor to jewellery. If you visit on the right day, there may be a pop-up event or a rooftop performance.
AQUA Forte
by
Urbanaut
AQUA Forte brings to Sri Lanka South authentic Italian fare paired with wine that’ll blow your mind. Chef Roberto experiments with traditional recipes to create modern dishes that are a decadent amalgamation of the old and new. Every dish at the Italian restaurant is made to order with fresh local produce and ingredients flown in from Italy. Even the pasta and the bread are made fresh every morning, so you’re guaranteed to have a leisurely meal in view of the stunning Galle Fort.
Lighthouse Ahangama
by
Raffael Kably
Rooftop bar with lovely cocktails and killer views
Elita Restaurant
by
Urbanaut
In the heart of the Galle Fort area is this authentic, local, soulful restaurant. Best for seafood lovers, they serve the freshest catch of the day, fishy dishes of all sizes (you can choose giant portions), oysters and much more. They have an atmospheric outside seating with market vibes - feast as you watch the world go by.
NOMAD Cafe Boutique
by
Paloma Monnappa
Laid back cafe that prioritises healthy and conscious eating. There's something here for vegans, vegetarians and those going gluten-free.
Do
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Wild and the Sage
by
Urbanaut
A charming indie bookstore/cafe/reading room in Unawatuna, Wild and the Sage is known for its intimate book and poetry readings in their leafy courtyard (including those by Booker prize winner Shehan Karunatilaka), regular workshops and events and an unpretentious cafe menu. Their garden gets filled up quick when the weather is good, and their indoor space is cozy and perfect for an afternoon cuppa and book.
EXOTIC ROOTS
by
Urbanaut
An all-in-one, this gorgeous spot is a store, cafe, gallery and performance space. Run by an artistic mother-daughter trio, you can browse through the art gallery or grab a cup of coffee. In the store you’ll find carefully curated items ranging from home decor to jewellery. If you visit on the right day, there may be a pop-up event or a rooftop performance.
Abode Ahangama
by
Urbanaut
Four room haven from the exceptional team behind Abode Bombay. The lovingly restored art deco building styled in their signature boho-luxe blend of vintage, contemporary and upcycled interiors is nestled in the tropical jungle just minutes from the ocean with a shaded pool for some R & R.
Idle Bikes
by
Urbanaut
From their base near the famous Wijaya Beach restaurant, take a gentle paddy trail ride or venture into the hills if you’re more daring (and able). Idle bikes caters to riders of all levels, offers bespoke tours and local experiences if you so desire and provides a great way to experience the gorgeous countryside
Dondra Lighthouse
by
Urbanaut
Head out on a day trip to the Dondra Lighthouse, located at the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka.
Kathaluwa Old Temple
by
Urbanaut
Buddhist temple that stands out for its late nineteenth century Kandyan-era murals. Many of the beautiful murals depict life during the colonial period despite the temple being one of the oldest temples in the area (thirteenth century)
You are the sea
by
Sarah De Vere-Drummond
Therapeutic and holistic massages from Franco and his team. The massage combines long integrative strokes with detailed deep tissue work, allowing you to be fully immersed in a continuous, recycling energy flow and leaving you feeling calm and more connected to your body and soul.
Galle Fort Walk
by
Urbanaut
Walk the outer walls of the Galle Fort for amazing views and an overall aesthetic experience. Begin at the Clock Tower and make your way towards Star Bastion. From there, head south along the coastline and pass Flag Rock Bastion. Follow the coast once more and end up at the Galle Lighthouse. On the way, you can catch a glimpse of the Meehan Mosque.
Santani Wellness Resort & Spa
by
Urbanaut
Leave stress at the door when you step in to Santani Wellness Resort – or don’t, because they’ll wrest it out of you! The wellness retreat has several accolades to its name, including Tatler’s ‘best spas in the world’ and Forbes’ ‘most unusual hotels in the world’. Their wellness experience is based on Sri Lanka’s rich Ayurveda heritage. There are a variety of packages to choose from depending on what stresses you’re looking to release. Each of their 16 mountain chalets is minimal, preferring to defer to the bountiful surroundings to help slow your mind. They have WiFi, but you’re encouraged to digital detox when you’re there.
Galapita Eco Lodge
by
Urbanaut
A peaceful eco lodge in the Yala National Park, perched along the Menik Ganga in the middle of the jungle. Stay in rustic huts that are totally in sync with nature without compromising on comfort or decor, as the tasteful Sri Lankan antiques will show you. Swinging bridges, natural jacuzzis and river-bathing add to the laidback, nostalgic feel of the place.
Stay
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The Bartizan Galle Fort
by
Urbanaut
A stunning colonial-era boutique hotel with warm rooms and mesmerising views of the sea. It is located inside the world-famous Galle Fort — which means you’re closer than ever to some of Sri Lanka’s historical gems. The decor of each room complements the Dutch-inspired architecture of the environment. All this, right on the corners of Pedlar Street and Rampart street, the most popular streets in town.
Closenberg Hotel
by
Paloma Monnappa
An iconic hotel that’s been around since 1860, Closenberg oozes old world charm and has the BEST food. Spend your day at the infinity pool overlooking the ocean, indulge in some of the best rice and curry on the island and feel your worries melt away
EXOTIC ROOTS
by
Urbanaut
An all-in-one, this gorgeous spot is a store, cafe, gallery and performance space. Run by an artistic mother-daughter trio, you can browse through the art gallery or grab a cup of coffee. In the store you’ll find carefully curated items ranging from home decor to jewellery. If you visit on the right day, there may be a pop-up event or a rooftop performance.
Lighthouse Ahangama
by
Raffael Kably
Rooftop bar with lovely cocktails and killer views
Harding Boutique Hotels
by
Urbanaut
Design forward hotel in Ahangama with a trendy rooftop bar and a pool. Rooms have gorgeous views of the ocean and some of their outdoor bathrooms (and bathtubs!) allow you a soak with a view.
Kandy Samadhi Centre
by
Urbanaut
A spa for the spirit, located northeast of Kandy. The thirteen pavilions are designed to invoke the feeling of tranquility, which is also added to by the lush environment and birdsong. The suite of rooms look out into paddy fields, mountains and bench terraces — in all, it’s a wonderful wellness eco-retreat for creative thinkers and those who want to get away from the city.
Kahanda Kanda
by
Urbanaut
Kahanda Kanda is a luxury boutique hotel set on a working tea estate that commands stunning views of the Koggala Lake. It’s a hidden gem for sure, with 12 individually designed villas—7 of which have private pools—made even more personal by five-star service. The meals are also the bomb, we hear, especially because two of the chefs were trained in Thailand!
Khouse
by
Urbanaut
Verdant surroundings contrast with the cool concrete interiors of these design-forward holiday homes. The secluded beachfront villa resort falls in one of Sri Lanka’s most unspoiled areas. You’ll find the East house to be more bright and spacious; by contrast, the West house is much more intimate and cosy. The austere decor completes that feeling of serenity and solitude you’ll experience when you first walk in.
Galle Fort Hotel
by
Urbanaut
A discreet, elegant hotel in the centre of Galle Fort and home to one of the best bars in the area - Ropeswalk. A stay at Galle Fort is a lovely step back in time.
Abode Ahangama
by
Urbanaut
Four room haven from the exceptional team behind Abode Bombay. The lovingly restored art deco building styled in their signature boho-luxe blend of vintage, contemporary and upcycled interiors is nestled in the tropical jungle just minutes from the ocean with a shaded pool for some R & R.
Santani Wellness Resort & Spa
by
Urbanaut
Leave stress at the door when you step in to Santani Wellness Resort – or don’t, because they’ll wrest it out of you! The wellness retreat has several accolades to its name, including Tatler’s ‘best spas in the world’ and Forbes’ ‘most unusual hotels in the world’. Their wellness experience is based on Sri Lanka’s rich Ayurveda heritage. There are a variety of packages to choose from depending on what stresses you’re looking to release. Each of their 16 mountain chalets is minimal, preferring to defer to the bountiful surroundings to help slow your mind. They have WiFi, but you’re encouraged to digital detox when you’re there.
Galapita Eco Lodge
by
Urbanaut
A peaceful eco lodge in the Yala National Park, perched along the Menik Ganga in the middle of the jungle. Stay in rustic huts that are totally in sync with nature without compromising on comfort or decor, as the tasteful Sri Lankan antiques will show you. Swinging bridges, natural jacuzzis and river-bathing add to the laidback, nostalgic feel of the place.
Buy
explore all >>
EXOTIC ROOTS
by
Urbanaut
An all-in-one, this gorgeous spot is a store, cafe, gallery and performance space. Run by an artistic mother-daughter trio, you can browse through the art gallery or grab a cup of coffee. In the store you’ll find carefully curated items ranging from home decor to jewellery. If you visit on the right day, there may be a pop-up event or a rooftop performance.
NOMAD Cafe Boutique
by
Paloma Monnappa
Laid back cafe that prioritises healthy and conscious eating. There's something here for vegans, vegetarians and those going gluten-free.
Real local
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Dondra Lighthouse
by
Urbanaut
Head out on a day trip to the Dondra Lighthouse, located at the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka.
Mr Sunils Roti and Juice Shop
by
Raffael Kably
Local food by the beach
Elita Restaurant
by
Urbanaut
In the heart of the Galle Fort area is this authentic, local, soulful restaurant. Best for seafood lovers, they serve the freshest catch of the day, fishy dishes of all sizes (you can choose giant portions), oysters and much more. They have an atmospheric outside seating with market vibes - feast as you watch the world go by.