Cantaloupe Levels

A staggered property with verdant terraces across its three floors, the Cantaloupe Levels is perched on Rumassala hill, making for gorgeous ocean views from most areas. The black-and-white color palette throughout this boutique hotel makes a chic background for the occasional splashes of vibrant hues in the form of pop art and mosaic three-tone pool. With just nine rooms, the property is an intimate retreat, enhanced by its quiet setting overlooking the ocean. As such, it is not a surprise that the hotel is popular with couples, though families and groups of friends also make up the clientele. 

Set on the verdant Rumassala headland between Unawatuna and Galle, Cantaloupe Levels is a 10-minute strenuous walk from Jungle Beach and a 20-minute walk from the Japanese Peace Pagoda. Aside from that, there's little within walking distance. The center of Unawatuna is a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride away, while Galle is 20 minutes. The property is a 90-minute drive from Colombo and just over two hours from Bandaranaike International Airport, which can also be reached in around 90 minutes via the new Southern expressway. The hotel can arrange airport transfers and it offers free on-site parking. 

Cantaloupe Levels features three chic and modern room types, including Superior Silhouettes, Deluxe Silhouettes, and Suite Dreams. Similar in design, they have predominately black-and-white hues, offset by metallic silver or gold headboards, colorful pop art, and occasionally blue bed runners. All have sitting areas, some of which are large and house L-shaped sofas. Guests should note that while the hotel's website advertises balconies, they're actually communal spaces and walkways. Additionally, two of the ground-floor rooms overlook the pool, lacking both ocean views and privacy. Some guests have also reported that they can experience a fair amount of noise from the restaurant and pool. 

All rooms come with air-conditioning, timber flooring, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, blu-ray DVD players and access to a DVD library, minibars, electronic safes, tea- and coffee-making facilities, bathrobes, slippers, and free Wi-Fi. Huge bathrooms come with dual sinks, hairdryers, toiletries, rainfall showers, and jetted tubs -- some that fit two people. 

Cantaloupe Levels offers a good range of leisure facilities considering the small number of rooms, though it's notably missing a gym. The three-colored pool (red, blue, and green) is a centerpiece of the hotel’s small grounds, and comes surrounded by a timber deck peppered with white loungers and umbrellas, as well as spacious fan-cooled daybeds where guests can order cocktails or tapas. The all-day restaurant serves outstanding Asian-fusion dishes like paella and barbecue short ribs, and all rates include a well-reviewed a la carte breakfast. Guests can also opt to dine outdoors on a series of grassy terraces or the rooftop, all with stunning views over the bay. A spiral staircase leads to a small bar that features a striking red chandelier, black-and-white-checkered floors, pop art, and an open-air dining deck. Bliss Spa offers a full range of treatments.