Aditya

Luxury contemporary boutique hotel with excellent food and service on a blissfully secluded beach, midway between Galle and Hikkaduwa

Aditya is an impressive addition to the growing number of boutique hotels in and around Galle. Tucked off the main road into town, 3 hours drive south of Colombo, it is one of the those true 'secret gems', hidden up an easily-missed private lane.

Opened in 2006, the emphasis is on chic modern design, airy spaces and bold use of light and colour. The main atrium and dining room has a Conranesque feel to it - contemporary wicker sofas, brightly coloured cushions, polished concrete floors and subtle lighting. All 12 rooms are suites, each with a private plunge pool and Balinese antiques. Six have private gardens, 5 have spectacular ocean views and the last is a stunning penthouse. If you're looking for a small, modern beachfront hotel, with all the trimmings and fine service, Aditya is in a prime position, just 15 minutes from the colonial old town of Galle with its historic Dutch fort, boutiques and restaurants and 5 minutes from the popular surf resort of Hikkaduwa.

Highs

• Meticulous design and modern interiors
• Huge rooms all with private plunge pools
• Lounging by the pool as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean
• Delicious seafood and excellent service that goes the extra mile
• Sunbathing on the private ocean-front balconies (Sagara and Surya Suites)
• Quiet location on a secluded stretch of sandy beach, yet handy for Sri Lanka's most popular coastal attractions

Lows

• The hotel can be quite empty off season, which can make the service excessively attentive
• Insect life in the bedrooms (particularly after bad weather)
• The air-conditioning is noisy and can make the rooms overly chilly
• The sea is more suited to surfing than swimming, but there is a decent sized pool

• The hotel will be closed for renovations from 10th May 2012 to 30th June 2012