The Frangipani Tree

Inspired by architect Geoffrey Bawa, a modern minimalist hotel that lets the oceanside setting speak for itself

Once upon a time, hippies came to Sri Lanka to tune in and drop out on its gorgeous golden shores. The beaches are as much of a draw as ever, but these days, hosts of hotels vie for attention with flatscreens, DVD players and all sorts of fancy accoutrements. Not so here; at The Frangipani Tree you won't even find a TV in your room, and the desk is for writing postcards rather than plugging in your laptop. The magic of this hotel is simply its setting - the raging waves of the Indian Ocean crash just meters from the Hawksbill, Leatherback and Olive Ridley suites - named after the turtles who head back to this beach every year to lay their eggs.

The keen young team urge you to switch off your phone, kick off your shoes and pick up a book to lounge by the pool. If you need more activity you can do some laps or play a game of tennis, but basically, it's all about downtime. Add to this casual but delicious dining, outdoor bathtubs and beautifully spare interiors courtesy of Bawa protegé Channa Daswatte, and it's no surprise that tuning in and dropping out is fashionable once again.

Highs

• The perfect place to escape and relax - no in-room phones, TVs or DVD players to distract you
• An exciting and eclectic European-influenced menu, which changes regularly according to what's fresh at the market
• A long, thin pool; great for those who actually want to swim on holiday
• The clean, minimalist lines and polished concrete show Geoffrey Bawa's influence, and make a refreshing change from Galle's heritage hotels
• You can see the world famous stilt fishermen from the beach

Lows

• Management has changed since we visited so we can't vouch for them, but feedback is good and staff remain enthusiastic and willing
• Some may find it a little pricey given the lack of mod cons, but for others, that's the attraction
• No minibar or fridge in the rooms - but a cold drink will arrive rapidly if you order one
• You'll need to take a tuk-tuk if you want to dine out