Tarshush Beach Residence, Unawatuna, Sri Lanka

Tarshush Beach Residence sits at the far end of Unawatuna bay in Galle, reclining directly onto the sea in one of Sri Lanka's most celebrated coastal settings. Unawatuna has been described by the Discovery Channel as one of the top ten beaches in the world, and this private residence makes the most of that distinction by placing guests as close to the water as the land will allow.

The property is built on the edge of a reef — a detail that carries two quiet advantages. The reef shelters the bay, making the water safe for swimming, and it is said to be home to more fish than the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, offering remarkable marine life practically at the doorstep.

Design and Interiors

The rooms and interiors have been given a consciously contemporary, minimal treatment. The intention is to enhance tranquility and free guests from conventional distractions, rather than to impress with ornament. Every living and sleeping area enjoys uninterrupted views of the ocean, and the overall design is guided by a wish to stimulate the senses and renew a natural affinity with the sea.

Spaces That Open to the Sea

Sliding glass panels and projecting decks transform the bedrooms into spacious open-air terraces, dissolving the boundary between inside and outside. The therapeutic sound of the waves makes these terraces a natural platform for yoga and meditation, while the setting is equally well suited to quiet sunbathing or alfresco dining beneath open skies.