Best hotels in Tangalle

In the crook of a crescent-shaped bay, shared only with local fishermen, Amanwella is an easygoing resort with heaps of barefoot luxury. Dotted along the expansive shoreline of palm trees, you'll rarely see another person from your freestanding suite, except for your private butler, of course. At home on Sri Lanka's balmy south coast, the spacious suites have a casual, tropical design and your days are punctuated with yoga in the hushed coconut grove, barbecues on the beach and sundowners overlooking the bay. If you can bear to leave your sun lounger, enjoy trips to finely-carved rock temples and national parks chock-full with elephant.

If you were wondering where its name comes from, The Last House was the final project of Geoffrey Bawa, one of Sri Lanka's most famous architects. His classic style shines through in the artistic decor, seamless design and colourful hues that fill every space. It also happens to be at the very end of Mawella Beach, one of the island's most secluded beaches and you'd be forgiven for thinking you were the first person to stroll along its golden sand. In the tangle of trees behind the house, you may even spot iguanas, monkeys or a strutting peacocks. Spend your days lazing by the pool, snorkelling in nearby bays or joining the staff for a spot of cricket - they're always game.

Nestled between dense jungle and a stretch of golden sand, Kayaam House is the first offering from Reverie, the partner company of Resplendent Ceylon (the mind behind Ceylon Tea Trails, Cape Weligama and Wild Coast Tented Lodge). In fact, many of the team from the other Resplendent properties have come to work at Kayaam, meaning the hospitality is top-notch but never overdone. Up the coast from the sensational Tangalle, Kayaam House is situated in a blissfully quiet corner of Sri Lanka’s South Coast. We recommend beginning your day with a sunrise kayak on the lagoon or learning to surf, before exploring on a cycling adventure between the quaint villages, and rounding off with a lip-smacking local meal back at Kayaam.

Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort sits on a rocky outcrop on the southern coast of Sri Lanka near the old fort town of Tangalle. Golden-hued beach fringed by coconut palms overlooks the roaring Indian Ocean. Explore the island's rainforests, pilgrimage sites and fishing ports. Dine cliffside, embark on surf adventures, or retreat to the sanctuary of Anantara Spa with award-winning Ayurvedic treatments.

Somewhere on the fringes of Tangalle (Sri Lanka), tucked away in the heart of nature, discover Buckingham Place. This classic, intimate, beachside property - more than just another boutique hotel, is built on solid foundations of good old fashioned hospitality and core values. Iconic architecture, complimented by playful use of colour and stylish, understated interiors, is hallmarked by a graceful patina and spectacular views.