Ballena Regency sits on Udupila Road in Mirissa City, a five- to seven-minute walk from Mirissa Beach and the whale-watching harbour. It's a relaxed base for travellers who want the coast, cafés and surf spots close at hand, with sea and garden views from many rooms.

Rooms are arranged across Standard, Superior and Deluxe categories, each with air-conditioning, an en-suite bathroom, flat-screen TV, tea/coffee facilities, a minibar, a safe and complimentary bottled water. Stays can be booked on a Room Only, Bed and Breakfast, Half Board or Full Board basis.

Restaurant and rooftop lounge serving international and Sri Lankan dishes, with themed dinners
Outdoor pool, children's pool and an indoor pool with loungers
Poolside and rooftop bars
Spa services and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property
Tour and ticket desk, water-sports options including snorkelling, diving, fishing and surfing, bike rentals, valet parking and an airport shuttle (fee applies)
24-hour reception, lift, laundry, room service and disabled-friendly facilities

From the hotel it's an easy trip out to Mirissa's best-known spots: whale and dolphin watching by boat from the harbour, surfing and snorkelling off the beach, short walks up to Coconut Tree Hill and Secret Beach, and day trips along the coast to Galle Fort.