Mawella Beach Hideaways
Beach · Tangalle
Kudawella Road, Morakatiyara, Sri Lanka
"We were thrilled when we stumbled upon this charming 2-bedroom beach cottage. Its simple, pared-down style is a perfect complement to laid-back Mawella beach: a peaceful strip of sand which lies a few steps down the grassy garden through a private gate. Here, the ocean is relatively calm, with small waves perfect for keen swimmers and boogie boarders alike. A few minutes’ drive from the traditional town of Tangalle, the house is one of four small and nearly identical buildings on the site, 2 of which are for security and housekeepers, the 3rd is another villa. The house itself has 2 high-ceilinged, spacious bedrooms, both with ensuite bathrooms and views to the ocean, so you can fall asleep to the sound of breaking waves. French windows open onto a huge veranda running the width of the house, with wicker loungers and a separate dining area. Dotted about the long garden are recliners and a hammock, while a thatched pavilion overlooking the beach is a serene spot for shady reading on plump cushions. The villa is fully serviced with two in-house staff to look after you, plus a gardener. One of the great luxuries here is tucking into one of their signature curries after a strenuous day in the sun - choose from a range of menus. This is simple beach life made comfy. Highs It works equally well for an adventurous family, for a honeymooning couple, or for 2 couples who are happy to share the lounge and gardenWe loved the calm, almost monastic bedrooms, and the wonderful sense of space in both garden and verandaThe 3km-long beach is one of very few that are safe for swimming during high season (Dec-April); outside these times it is practically empty (we shared it with just a few fishermen on our September visit)Unlike many Sri Lankan cottages, this one is really set back from the road, making it extremely quiet and private, and there's security for the villa at nightIf you want company, it's an hour's drive to the bustling beaches of Unawatuna and the historic town of Galle Lows Book early - it's often full!The house and gardens are prone to insect visitors (as is the rest of the country), particularly mosquitoes and red ants, so take plenty of repellentYou will need a local tuk tuk to visit shops or towns, or a car with driver (but there's no driver accommodation here)As often in Sri Lanka, you may need to ask staff for things, but they are incredibly friendly and are more than happy to help" - Claudia Davies
"On a completely unspoilt stretch of coast, near the market town of Tangalle, two barefoot hideaways await. You’ll find them nestled within verdant tropical foliage at the western end of the sweeping 2km curve of Mawella Beach, set around a shimmering pool. Here you can chill on a sunlounger, shade in the pool house, or wander through your homely hideaway's garden gate and down to the beach, where a plethora of colourful fishing boats lay poised for action. Aside from short periods at dawn and dusk when the boats come and go, the beach is blissfully quiet. Expect to see a few fishermen mending their nets, monkeys and squirrels frolicking in the trees, and little else. The two hideaways, each a former fisherman’s house, are nestled between the headland and the breakwater, which creates calm waters for leisurely swims. One hideaway has one bedroom, the other has two, but both have airy living and dining spaces and basic kitchens for self-catering (a cooking team is available, shared between the hideaways). Though their layouts differ, they brandish the same minimalist, monochrome interiors. Escapist couples and adventurous families with older children will cherish the seclusion of these laid-back localities. Rock-top temples, hidden coves and turtle sanctuaries all lie within easy reach. Highs We loved the privacy and barefoot informality of the simple hideaways Mawella Beach (just steps away) has a breakwater to reduce waves and help fishermen land their boats, so the sea is shallow and good for swimming. There's also a pool beckoning within the gardens Waking up at dawn to watch fishermen hauling in their catch as the sun rises over the sea; this feels like a proper slice of authentic Sri Lanka The staff are extremely helpful and friendly, the food delicious, and the housekeepers are always on hand should you need anything The air charter/taxi service from Colombo lands on the nearby lagoon, so it’s easy to reach (500m) Lows No bar, but you can BYO at no charge or ask the team to purchase it on your behalf The bungalows aren't air conditioned, but they do have ceiling fans A little hard to find (use Nicola's map), and restaurants are a beach walk or tuk-tuk ride away Nature often finds its way indoors, so don’t be surprised to come across an insect or two – particularly in Kumbuk, which is set a little further inland Full pre-payment is required by bank transfer (or credit card on request)" - Emma Boyle
