The Frangipani Tree by Edwards Collection

Opened in 2007, Unawatuna's Frangipani Tree is an ideal spot to unplug, unwind, and remove yourself from distractions -- while still being within easy distance of restaurants, food, and popular beaches. From the street, Frangipani looks like a large residence, and after entering its gates and entrance the sounds of the road slowly fade to the relaxing sounds of the ocean. Unfortunately, although the property is directly on the coastline, sea views are obstructed by the raised grassy banks on the back edge of the property (most likely built to stop erosion during high tide). 

The small property forgoes an official reception area or lobby and instead does individual check-ins on a terrace overlooking the pool and courtyard. Guests are given a refreshing welcome drink and cool towel before being guided to their suites. Of the nine suites, five are in the main building, leaving the remaining four split between two separate villas. As there is not much public space available for guests to hang around in, many guests spend their time either by the pool (swimming, sunning, or dining) or in their villas. There are also a few sun chairs along the edge of the grassy grounds. The vibe here is very independent, and not particularly social; it seems to draw a crowd that is focused on spending quality time together, or by themselves, in an environment that allows for minimal distractions. 

Outside of the hubbub of the popular Unawatuna Beach strip but close enough to reach it all by car in just over five minutes, Frangipani Tree has an ideal location for anyone looking for an immediate, distraction-free environment. Officially called Talpe, Frangipani's area mostly consists of other hotels and a few restaurants, and is within walking distance of the Talpe Railway Station. While the hotel is located on a stretch of beach, it's recommended to walk 10 minutes to reach a better equipped, more inhabited stretch at Vijaya Beach where you'll also find a protected reef good for snorkeling (waters at Frangipani can be rough). Galle is is 20 minutes north, the whale watching and beaches of Mirissa are 45 minutes south, and the bustling capital city of Colombo is two hours north. 

All nine suites at Frangipani sport chic minimalist style with polished concrete tile floors, built-in sofas and benches with bright cushions, high A-frame ceilings, spacious semi-private terraces, and thoughtful amenities like personal cell phones. For an upper-mid-range property with a hefty price tag by Sri Lankan standards, it's fairly sparse on the toiletries and bathroom amenities -- no bathrobes or slippers, and only pump shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel. The locking and latching of the wooden shutters and doors can quickly become annoying and bothersome, especially if you just need to grab something quickly from your room. Ground-level rooms have their own sets of woven wicker sun beds in the grass just off their personal terraces.

Most rooms have outdoor or partial outdoor bathrooms, and these tend to be the best-looking parts of the rooms. Inside, comfy platform beds are topped with myriad big pillows and surrounded by gauzy mosquito nets. Rooms lack TVs, but guests have free access to strong, high-speed Wi-Fi, as well as pre-loaded local cell phones and fruit plates. There are also plenty of outlets with no need for adapters.

The Olive Ridley Upper Two villa's extra roomy size is most ideal for those traveling as a family because of the extra space for additional beds, though you'll forgo the outdoor bathroom that many rooms have if you choose this one. 

Frangipani Tree is located against a beautiful stretch of beach -- when you can see it. Unfortunately, due to high tides and wild waves, the beach is fairly inaccessible for most of the year, especially during monsoon season when it can all but disappear. When waters are calmer, guests can ride the waves or swim further out, but the biggest treat is spotting a sea turtle swimming in the waters -- or even, in rare instances, laying eggs on the shore. Within a 10 minutes' walk, guests will find Vijaya Beach, popular for snorkeling and beach parties. Nearby surfing beaches include Weligama (25-minute drive), Ahamgama (20-minute drive), and Hikkaduwa (45-minute drive). 

Frangipani Tree's features are bare bones -- but the ones it does have are extraordinarily thoughtful. While there isn't even a dedicated reception area, lobby, or definitive restaurant, the hotel does have a tennis court, pool, and beach access. The center of activity, and at the center of the property, is a sparkling narrow tiled pool that slices the courtyard down the middle, running from shallow to fairly deep. A row of contemporary wooden loungers topped with white cushions and towels lines one of side of the rectangular pool, while the deeper end stretches out toward the ocean (though there is no view of the water). 

The Frangipani's restaurant and bar are less dedicated dining areas and more just terrace spaces with a few tables and chairs outside the library and TV lounge, and one long table by the pool that is set up for groups. There's also an option to dine either in your room or outside on your personal terrace. The kitchen's menu could use some variety and guests with longer stays in particular may feel its limitations. 

There's no dedicated spa on-site but the hotel can arrange for in-room massage treatments or refer guests to a local spa for a fuller experience. Unfortunately, the only indoor public space, the library and TV lounge, feels a bit unfinished in its details and is usually empty. Outside of the pool, the only other active space on the grounds is the sun-bleached tennis court. 

Thoughtful features include same-day laundry service, a personal cell phone for each villa, free high-speed Wi-Fi, a fair list of tuk-tuk prices printed in the room (as well as an unofficial price bargaining service from the staff), and a refreshing welcome drink and cool towel upon arrival.