Era Beach

Opened in 2009, though only managed by Jetwing since 2010, Era Beach is fairly unassuming from the outside. From the street, this small boutique seems no bigger than a large residence. Made of mostly white walls, stone tile, and wood, this colonial-style building has a real imperial South Asian look and feel which, with the help of singing birds, rolling waves, and nicely landscaped grounds, helps add to an overall relaxing vibe that calls on a bit of historical nostalgia. The two-story main building overlooks a central courtyard and pool, and has views over a patchy grass lawn out to sea. The hotel's land is built up above the beach line (probably due to the increasing erosion caused by high tides), but there are stairs with direct access and a edge-of-the-property sun deck for anyone looking to grab some seaside sunning.  

The property is meticulously landscaped starting with draping greenery along the entrance walls, flowering hibiscus plants, ferns, palms, and other leafier trees all in their plotted positions within the red rock courtyard and patchy grass areas. Indo-Asian sculptures and decor accents mix with fluffy padded sofas, wicker and rattan chairs, saltwater worn loungers, and contemporary art to create a chic but rustic look throughout. Renovations and refurbishments in rooms took place in 2014. 

Located 25 minutes south of Galle's center, Era Beach is a quiet, natural spot with sounds of birds chirping and waves rolling. The location is just far enough away from any action on the nearby strip to feel removed and relaxing, though if you get restless, the main drag's shops, restaurants, and beach parties on public sands are less than a 10-minute walk down the road. Several popular sights are within a reasonable distance by car; Galle Fort can be reached in 15 minutes, whale watching at Mirissa Beach can be found within 45 minutes, and Udawalawe National Park, famous for its dense leopard population, is just over two hours east. The bustling capital city of Colombo and its airport (actually located in Negombo) are around a two-hour drive north. 

All seven of Era Beach's colonial style rooms fall into either the Seaview Suite or Garden View Suite category and have polished natural hardwood floors, stone tiled bathrooms (some with skylights), minimalistic and colonial-style wooden furnishings, and neutral to warm-toned color schemes. All rooms come with air-conditioning, basic tea and coffee facilities, hairdryers, small safes, flat-screen TVs, and tall windows in order to let in as much natural light as possible. Bathrooms have rainfall showers, bathrobes, slippers, handmade soaps, and basic toiletries; some rooms have raised platform four-poster beds. 

Outdoor space and views are what truly differentiate these rooms; Seaview Suites have second-floor ocean views and shared terraces, while Garden View Suites have private outdoor space and are in a garden setting. Baby cots, ironing facilities, and DVD/CD players are available upon request. 

Instead of focusing on features, Era Beach provides just the basics that seem to leave guests to relax -- without the usual distractions -- and get back to nature and quality time together. Basic, but holiday-essential features here include the long, cool infinity pool facing out to the ocean, a stone sun deck platform with loungers and umbrellas, a chic and stylish bar area with polished concrete floors and contemporary decor, and a small, functional restaurant with one long, family-style wooden table inside and a few wicker chairs with wood tables outside. There's also a good amount of casual wicker chairs with thick cushions just outside the bar area -- probably the most lounge-able public place on the property. 

The slate-tiled infinity pool doesn't have any deck or loungers, so few guests use it aside from taking the occasional dip to cool down; sun lounging is reserved for the edge of the raised property line, on the modest stone deck facing out to sea. The beach itself is really only good for walk as it's fairly slim and the waters are rough. The hotel does have a small library nook with a few paperbacks and outdated magazines, as well as an on-call doctor service.

If you get a bit stir crazy or want to take advantage of Era Beach's reciprocal access to its sister property, Jetwing Lighthouse, you'll find a spa, gym, shops, tennis court, more dining and drinking options, and activities just 20 minutes away -- though you'll have to arrange your own transfers. You can also join Lighthouse's excursions. 

Wi-Fi is free and meals are provided on bed-and-breakfast, half-board, and full-board basis.