Bar Reef Resort, Kalpitiya

Nestled along the Alankuda Beach stretch near Kalpitiya, Bar Reef Resort is a nature lover's paradise by the sea. Set within tropical gardens and spacious, village-style grounds, the property creates a serene and relaxed atmosphere that feels a world apart from the bustle of Colombo — yet it lies only approximately 143 kilometres away, roughly a two-hour drive from the airport.

The resort sits on a two-kilometre private beach along Sri Lanka's western coastal belt. Formerly known as the Alankuda Beach Resort, it has since grown into a well-rounded retreat that balances rustic charm with comfortable modern amenities.

Getting There

From Colombo, the route heads north along the airport road, continuing through Negombo and past Chilaw. Just after the 120 km post and before Puttalam, travellers turn left at the Palavi junction, where a signboard marks Kalpitiya as 40 km ahead. Hire vehicles are available from both Colombo and Katunayake airport, and the hotel management is happy to assist guests who have difficulty finding the route.

Accommodation

Bar Reef Resort offers two distinct accommodation types, each set within its own 1,000 square metre garden inside the resort.

• Cabanas — Open-sided wattle and daub houses featuring one king-size double bed. The attached seating area can be converted to hold two single beds, allowing each cabana to sleep up to four guests. Every cabana has its own detached shower and toilet within its fenced garden.
• Villas — Two-bedroom thatched-roof houses with high ceilings and en-suite bathrooms. A large veranda can accommodate six additional single beds, and a separate shower and toilet means each villa can comfortably sleep up to ten guests.

Facilities

The resort's open pavilion restaurant overlooks the Indian Ocean and serves generous helpings of local cuisine prepared by the resort's chefs. A beach bar provides a relaxed spot to enjoy a drink with views of the water. At the heart of the resort is a 40-metre fibre optic-lit pool where guests can swim while taking in the expanse of the ocean beyond.

Excursions and Activities

Wildlife enthusiasts will find the proximity to Wilpattu National Park — considered the largest national park in Sri Lanka — a particular highlight. Morning and evening trips are made to the park, where leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and a wide variety of indigenous and migratory birds may be spotted. Other excursions include snorkelling trips to the Bar Reef's coral gardens, bird watching tours, a lagoon tour in search of pink dolphins, and visits to the cultural triangle encompassing the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, and the Dambulla Cave Temple.

On the water, guests can enjoy wind surfing, sailing on either a laser or a catamaran, kayaking, canoeing, kite surfing, diving, fishing, and snorkelling. All equipment is available at the resort's Boat House. The ocean is calm and welcoming mainly from October to May, making those months especially well suited to water-based activities.