Mahawella Beach House

A stylish, new 2-bedroom beach house with laid-back charm, set on a quiet fisherman’s beach near Tangalle (sleeps 2-4)

We were thrilled when we stumbled upon this charming 2-bedroom beach cottage, newly built in 2009 and just emerging onto the rental market now. Its simple, pared-down style is a perfect complement to laid-back Mahawella beach: a peaceful strip of sand which lies a few steps down the grassy garden through a private gate. Here, the ocean is relatively calm, with small waves perfect for keen swimmers and boogie boarders alike.

A few minutes’ drive from the traditional town of Tangalle, the house is one of four small and nearly identical buildings on the site, two of which are for security and housekeepers. The owners of the neighbouring house are rarely there, so you will most likely have the grounds completely to yourself.

The house itself has 2 high-ceilinged, spacious bedrooms, both with ensuite bathrooms and views to the ocean, so you can fall asleep to the sound of breaking waves. French windows open onto a huge veranda running the width of the house, with wicker loungers and a separate dining area. Dotted about the long garden are recliners and a hammock, while a thatched pavilion overlooking the beach is a serene spot for shady reading on plump cushions.

The house comes with two friendly staff who cook and clean for a few hours a day; otherwise, it is all yours. You can use the kitchen at any time, but one of the great luxuries here is tucking into Rupa's superb curries after a strenuous day in the sun - so make the most of their services (you only pay for the ingredients used). This is simple beach life made comfy.

Highs

• It works equally well for an adventurous family, for a honeymooning couple, or for 2 couples who are happy to share the lounge and garden
• We loved the calm, almost monastic bedrooms, and the wonderful sense of space in both garden and veranda
• The 3km-long beach is one of very few that are safe for swimming during high season (Dec-April); and outside these times it is practically empty (we shared it with just a few fishermen on our September visit)
• Unlike many Sri Lankan cottages, this one is really set back from the road, making it extremely quiet and private
• If you want company, it's an hour's drive to the bustling beaches of Unawatuna and the historic town of Galle

Lows

• The house and gardens are prone to insect visitors, particularly mosquitoes and red ants, so take plenty of repellents
• The dogs from next door like to introduce themselves loudly to new guests, and tend to prefer your veranda to their own
• You will need a local tuk tuk to visit shops or towns, or a car with driver (but there's no driver accommodation here)
• The bedrooms have overhead fans, but no air conditioning
• As often in Sri Lanka, you may need to ask staff for things
• The garden and pavilion were a bit unkempt when we visited
• There's no pool