Kikili Beach

Romantic, laid-back and happiness-infused beach house with pool and excellent service near Galle (sleeps 2-3)

Pull off the hectic coastal road, step into this Buddhist monk-blessed cross between a Nantucket beach house and a Mexican hacienda, and you feel like you've arrived home to the friendliest hideaway in Sri Lanka.

Where better, after all, to hang your sunhat than at the bohemian seaside retreat of Henri Tatham, long-time manageress of The Dutch House and The Sun House, Galle’s most lauded old-colonial hotels? She and boyfriend Kokis completed this remarkable renovation project in November 2005, and since then it's had nothing but rave reviews from its guests - and we instantly saw why. The space, the quirky colourful decor, the beauty of your setting... it's a remarkable place that rejuves and makes your soul rejoice.

When you tire of whiling away time between the sunbeds, the swing seat, the ambalamba pavilion, the pool, your very own rum-shack bar and the cushioned daybeds, walk 300m along the beach to Wijaya, the beach bar at the epicentre of Galle’s expat community. There you can wallow in the lagoon, surf the surrounding reef breaks or party till sunrise. Return home and sink into another deep, dreamless sleep in the exceptionally comfortable bedroom. Kikili Beach is a wondrous, curative world unto itself.

Highs

• The twinkling rainbow disco lights in the pool at night; a nirvana for fireflies
• Sipping cocktails in the ambalamba pavilion as turtles bob in the waves and the sun sets over the Japanese Peace Temple on the western headland
• Wonderful, fresh banquets from Kumara, the faultless houseboy who has been at Kikili since the beginning
• The staff have it exactly right here: you will never feel intruded upon, yet have every wish cheerfully taken care of (even babysitting)
• The wonderful sea breeze deters the mosquitoes; this is one of the few places in Sri Lanka where you rarely need a net over your bed

Lows

• The sea in front of the house is rarely calm enough for swimming or snorkelling, but there's a pool and the Wijaya lagoon is a 5-minute stroll away
• If you're a minimalist with a penchant for spartan living spaces, this place is not for you; it's a medley of patterns, textiles, prints, paintings, maxims, memorabilia and the owners’ personal touches
• Curious passers-by strolling the beach occasionally peer in, drawn by the welcoming vibe