Hikkaduwa Beach Hideaway, Hikkaduwa, southwest coast, Sri Lanka - Explore & Book
"This mellow bungalow, hugging Hikkaduwa’s golden shores, is blissfully unpretentious. Within minutes of getting out of bed, we were on the sand, barefoot, watching the world wake up and boarders swooping through the sea. Wander a little further west and you’re in the heart of Hikkaduwa’s buzzy surf scene but, lured by the villa’s tranquility, we spent most of our time on the breezy veranda, diving into books, dipping in and out of sleep, and dining on impeccably presented meals prepared by the in-house chef.Set back from a sandy garden with a sapphire-blue pool and direct beach access, this simple yet stylish retreat for 4-6 is the handiwork of locally lauded interior designer Nayantara Fonseka, who also owns hideaways in Bentota and Mawella. This house is small yet perfectly formed, with 2 ensuite double bedrooms (both with sea views, air conditioning and space for extra beds or baby cots), plus a lounge attached to a small kitchenette. The easy-going home-from-home vibe attracts families and couples alike, looking to relax, surf and dive. And the superb home-cooked food is a huge bonus. Highs We loved sitting at the end-of-garden table, watching life on the beachNothing is too much trouble for the charming staff; they even arranged a surprise birthday dinner for us, complete with cake and candlesThe high-quality food blew us awaySurf breaks galore, plus historic towns, markets and turtle hatcheries nearbyThe board games and film collection make light work of rare rainy days Lows Some traffic noise, though the bedrooms don’t suffer too badlyThe pool area is unfenced and not very toddler-friendlyIf you’re tall, expect to stoop through the bathroom doorsThe sea can be quite choppy, though it’s generally safe for swimming between November and AprilThere's quite a hefty pre-payment" - Emma Boyle
