Turtle Bay, Kalametiya, Sri Lanka

Turtle Bay is a boutique hotel set in Kalametiya, a small village 214 km south of Colombo. The property sits along Sri Lanka's deep south coastal belt, where miles of virgin beach meet the ever-changing Indian Ocean. What distinguishes Turtle Bay is its commitment to responsible luxury — a philosophy that places environmental and social sustainability at the heart of every decision, without sacrificing comfort or elegance.

Influenced by ideals of tropical living and modern definitions of luxury, the architecture and interior bring together a refreshing amalgamation of different design elements. The service is designed to be attentive and intuitive, allowing guests to immerse themselves fully in the tranquillity of the location.

A Remarkable Natural Setting

Of the seven marine turtle species in the world, all are listed as endangered or critically endangered. Five of those seven species come to the deep south coastal belt of Sri Lanka to nest. Among the most magical and still-unsolved mysteries of the natural world is how adult female sea turtles always return to nest on the very same beach where they were born. This remarkable homecoming begins when the turtles reach around 25 years of age and continues for the rest of their lives — a tradition that stretches back to the days of the dinosaurs.

Accommodation

All rooms offer a commanding view of the Indian Ocean and the surrounding stretch of beach. Each 40 sq metre room is a harmonious fusion of indigenous materials and refined luxuries, with tastefully crafted decorating elements that impart a sense of tropical intimacy. The 55 sq ft oversized beds, complemented by a generous selection of pillows, are designed to induce a blissful slumber. Guests are also treated to both invigorating sunrises and spectacular sunsets, owing to the hotel's position in the deep south of the island.

Dining

At Turtle Bay, the restaurant operates with no fixed meal times, and alfresco dining is available anywhere on the property or on the beach. The resident chef prepares global favourites alongside a creative range of fusion dishes and authentic local fare. Guests may select from the catch of the day brought in directly from local fishing boats, or choose fruit and vegetables from the hotel's biodynamic farm. The bar serves classic and exotic cocktails as well as a selection of soothing coolers.

Hela Wedakama Wellness

The wellness treatments offered at Turtle Bay are not the standard ayurveda packages found elsewhere. Instead, they are grounded in Hela Wedakama, the native medicine of Sri Lanka, which is considered older than ayurveda — ayurveda itself is said to have evolved as a sub-category of this ancient system. Practiced for thousands of years, Hela Wedakama knowledge is carefully preserved in ancient ola leaf manuscripts passed down through generations of practitioners. All oils, formulas and rejuvenating tonics are prepared by experienced doctors using only authentic and pure ingredients. Following a consultation with the resident doctor, each treatment is individualised to the guest's body type and condition, with regimens planned to simultaneously cleanse, heal, restore and balance the mind, body and soul.