Shangri La, Unawatuna, Sri Lanka

Shangri La sits just a short walk from the sandy shores of Unawatuna, tucked into a garden shaded by coconut trees and set slightly back from the bustle of the beach. Although not directly on the waterfront, it remains very much part of Unawatuna's characterful rhythm — a place where days are spent by the Indian Ocean and evenings drift into music at small cafes, bars and restaurants that come alive after dark.

With a reputation for good-quality meals and homely rooms, Shangri La is regarded as a good-value beachside guest house. It sits just off the main Galle–Matara road, five minutes on foot from the beach. Galle's historic 17th-century Dutch Fort is a fifteen-minute drive away, and the journey from Colombo's international airport takes approximately four and a half hours.

Accommodation

Nine wooden cabanas, built on stilts and scattered through the garden, form the heart of the property. Each cabana has a double bedroom — available with twin or double beds — an overhead ceiling fan, and an en-suite bathroom with a hot-water shower, wash basin and WC. A small timber deck with lounging chairs extends from each cabana, offering a quiet spot among the trees. For those travelling as a family or a group, there is also a self-contained cottage with two double rooms, a bathroom and a kitchen. The main house provides five bedrooms, two bathrooms and a dining area, and can accommodate up to seven people when rented in its entirety.

Facilities

The centrally located restaurant and bar serves a mix of Sri Lankan and Western cuisine, with a special daily menu that has earned steady popularity among guests. Upstairs, a games area houses two billiard tables. Throughout the garden, hammocks are strung between the trees. Other facilities include satellite television, a DVD player, a music system, a library and internet stations, and the staff are noted for being particularly helpful and friendly.

Excursions and Activities

Safe swimming is possible just five minutes away in Unawatuna's beautiful bay, and watersports on offer include deep-sea fishing, catamaran and boat rides, surfing and snorkelling. High on the headland of Unawatuna Bay stands Rhumassala Temple, and a walk around the headland leads through hidden villages and verdant jungle valleys before arriving at the secluded and little-known Jungle Beach. Galle's historic 17th-century Dutch Fort — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is only fifteen minutes away, and hours can be spent exploring its maze of narrow streets lined with Dutch and Portuguese period buildings, sturdy sea-facing ramparts, art galleries, antique shops, and cafes and restaurants.