Best hotels in The South Coast

From the verandah of your private villa, it might seem like you're in the middle of the jungle with swathes of lush trees as far as the eye can see. Kahanda Kanda happens to sit in a 12-acre tea estate, which you can saunter through to your heart's content - you may even spot chattering monkeys and a peacock in full colour. Begin your mornings with a spot of yoga at the secluded pavilion, enjoy meals under an ancient mango tree and start your evenings with the resort's signature cocktail - rum, lychee and passion fruit. After enjoying the views at Kahanda, venture out to see the plentiful beaches nearby and float past fishermen on Lake Koggala.

Up a slope from Balapitiya Beach, awash with frothing waves, Kumu Beach has unbroken views of the Indian Ocean. In shades of white and blue, unfussy but elegant furnishings fill the communal areas - whimsical art like giant copper globes and abstract floral paintings. With just 10 bedrooms, the hotel feels quite intimate and you'll rarely see another soul on the powdery beach. The south coast of Sri Lanka is a collection of picturesque bays, which warrant endless strolls, and the Madu Ganga River is a lovely spot for a boat trip.

Ensconced by lush foliage on the banks of Lake Koggala, Tri Lanka is unique in every sense of the word. Designed to mimic the shape of a spiral shell, Tri places great import on wellness and reconnecting with nature. The resort was created with hefty eco-credentials including living walls, roof gardens of dwarf bamboo, and villas built with 100% recycled wood. Dotted across the impressive hillside property, you'll find a secluded yoga venue in a glade of trees and utterly private villas with idyllic lake views. Explore the lake by boat, visiting scenic islands and watching out for flashes of birdlife as you glide by.

Set within the shaggy ramparts of Galle Fort, this hotel has a whole lot of history. Beginning its life as a 16th-century merchant's home, Fort Bazaar has since been updated into a classy hotel on the central Church Street where the antique shops, cafes and plenty of historic buildings are at your fingertips. Combining its modern design with distinct nods to Middle Eastern style, a stay at Fort Bazaar is all about relaxing spa treatments, afternoon tea in the lovely courtyard and strolls to nearby 'postcard' beaches. And whale watching boat trips for the more adventurous!

Along the historic ramparts of Galle Fort, this restored Dutch merchant's home stands as a testament to colonial splendour. Idyllically positioned along Rampart Street, this refined sanctuary offers privileged views of 17th-century fort walls from elegant living spaces.

As one of the fort's few luxury boutique properties with a private pool, centuries worth of heritage is preserved while offering contemporary comfort. Each thoughtfully curated space echoes stories of merchant glory within this UNESCO World Heritage haven.

Ayubowan! (May you live long)

Over the centuries, the sea brought the world to these very shores. As the waves crashed against the rocky coast, the inhabitants witnessed foreign cultures melding with local traditions, forging a thriving harmony that transformed an ancient trading post into the bustling coastal city they are proud to call home: Galle.

The world's influences have shaped the very fabric of Galle. From the iconic Dutch fortress in the heart of the city to the traditional fishing villages at its fringe, these cross-cultural charms have extended into the nature of its legendary hospitality. This spirit has been brought to life in an architectural masterpiece designed by Geoffrey Bawa, which always remains open for the visitor to come and discover the heritage of tropical luxury on the southern coastline of Sri Lanka.