Amanwella

The boutique Taru Villas Mawella sits in the middle of Mawella Bay’s near-deserted crescent sand beach, a short way from the town of Tangalle.

Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the main house has four double rooms while the pool house contains two suites. Colonial in style, the chic breezy rooms feature four poster beds, air conditioning with a scattering of modern art. The master suite has its own private plunge pool.

A lounge, small bar and dining area can be found in the main house, in the latter of which you can enjoy fresh and varied cuisine, such as traditional Sri Lankan dishes, homemade pastries and just-caught seafood. You can also choose to dine on the beach, in the garden or on the veranda.

Aside from relaxing on the beach, you are ideally suited to explore the Sri Lanka’s southern coast. The historic fort town of Tangalle is an easy day trip, as is a safari into Yala National Park or the revered stupa at Tissamaharama. Whale watching is also superb from nearby Mirissa from November to April.

Relax on the shores of Sri Lanka’s south coast at Last House, a chic and intimate beachfront property with just six rooms.

Fresh white walls, polished cement floors, splashes of colour and a mix of antique and contemporary furniture give the hotel plenty of character. Rooms come with views of the sea or a lagoon, lofty ceilings ensuring they are flooded with natural light.

Enjoy fresher-than-fresh seafood at the hotel restaurant or head to the beach for a unique destination dining experience. With such a beautiful stretch of coastline on your doorstep you’ll want to get out and explore. There are beach games, surf boards and bikes to hire as well as a boat to take you fishing or snorkelling.

There is also the option to play croquet on the lawn or take a dip in the swimming pool nestled among the tropical gardens if you fancy something a little more relaxing.

Sat atop a small peninsula jutting out into the Indian Ocean, Cape Weligama is one of Sri Lanka’s finest resorts.

A collection of private suites and villas offering 39 huge bedrooms in total are laid out like a traditional village with stylish living spaces beneath terracotta tiled rooftops. All enjoy butler services, a large terrace with dining and spa facilities, steam room, stone bathtubs, spacious walk in wardrobes and state of the art in room entertainment systems.

Between these are tropical gardens and 14 swimming pools, some private and some shared, such as the incredible 60m crescent shaped infinity pool with fine sea views. You’ll also find four restaurants, with Pola serving the day’s freshest catch and the Cape Colony Club a relaxed yet refined venue for traditional high tea and sunset cocktails.

Spa treatments can be organised in room, or head to the Spa Villa to indulge with homegrown spice scrubs and bespoke massages that incorporate Ceylon tea, an ingredient renowned for its antioxidant, anti-ageing and calming properties.

There are two adjacent public beaches and a reef provides safe swimming conditions. The Sports Centre is staffed by professionals and is the embarkation point for all land and water-based activities, such as PADI dive courses and exciting dives, private cruises, big game fishing, seasonal whale and dolphin-watching trips aboard a luxury catamaran, kayaking and snorkelling. You can also explore Sri Lanka’s lush rural hinterland of sleepy villages, paddy fields, meandering lagoons and ancient temples on guided bicycle rides.