The Palms Hotel, Beruwela, Sri Lanka

Nestled along the golden sandy beaches of Beruwela on the south-western coast of Sri Lanka, The Palms Hotel offers a classic beach holiday experience — a blend of ocean-facing rooms, varied dining, and easy access to both water sports and cultural landmarks. Set within a sprawling 8-acre property shaded by palm trees and bordered by a reef, the hotel sits approximately 90 km from the international airport in Katunayake.

The surroundings alone make a compelling case for a stay here. Sandy beaches stretch in either direction, while the coastal city of Beruwela provides convenient transport links for those arriving by taxi or public transport.

Accommodation

The hotel offers 100 beautifully designed rooms, each promising a magnificent view of the Indian Ocean. Well-furnished interiors are complemented by a private terrace, a choice of twin or double beds, a mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, a telephone with IDD facilities, cable television, and an electronic safety deposit box. Each attached bathroom comes equipped with hot and cold water, a shower cubicle, and a hair dryer.

Dining

The main open-air restaurant overlooks the hotel gardens and serves buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner alongside à la carte options. Seafood enthusiasts will appreciate the Fisherman's Wharf, an outdoor specialty restaurant dedicated to seafood dishes. For a more relaxed pace, the hotel's coffee shop is well suited to lazy afternoons, while the main bar serves drinks and cocktails throughout the day.

Facilities

The Palms caters to a wide range of needs beyond the beach. An outdoor swimming pool and a children's pool are available for guests, along with a gymnasium, volleyball court, table tennis, pool tables, and snooker. Those looking to unwind further can visit the Ayurvedic centre or the hair and beauty salon. Boutiques selling jewellery, clothing and souvenirs are also on the property, and the entire hotel is Wi-Fi enabled.

For events, the hotel can accommodate weddings and celebrations in an open-restaurant concept seating up to 400 guests, with staff on hand to assist with planning. Conference facilities are available for business meetings as well.

Water Sports and Excursions

Beruwela is considered one of the island's best locations for water sports. Guests can enjoy wind surfing, parasailing, water skiing, water scooter rides and river cruising. For the more adventurous, deep sea fishing as well as wreck and reef diving are also on offer.

The hotel staff can arrange cultural day trips to nearby landmarks, including the Kande Vihare Buddhist Temple, which is said to house one of the country's tallest Buddha statues, and the Sri Kalyanarama Maha Viharaya, home to a magnificent marble Buddha statue. Day excursions further along the coastal belt can take in Galle, the Brief Garden, Lunuganga, and the sea turtle conservatory in Kosgoda, among other destinations.