Turtle Bay

Turtle Bay hotel feels like a private oasis in the wilderness. Unpaved back roads and an isolated location make this hotel difficult to reach, but the secluded feel and quiet atmosphere create an ideal getaway for couples. The first floor of the hotel is largely open-air, with lots of natural light streaming in from above. There’s a beautiful atrium with a water feature, and nature seems to permeate the building, with large stones protruding from tile floors and plants all around. The property takes its name from the fact that endangered turtles come to the adjacent beach to lay their eggs. The seven guest rooms are on the second floor, each named for one of the seven species of sea turtles still in existence. Much of the decor has a light, airy feel with ocean-themed embellishments all around. Staff is consistently praised for excellent service and going the extra mile to make guests happy. 

Turtle Bay is on the coast in Kalametiya, a small village far south in Sri Lanka, about 30 minutes east of Tangalle. It is a quiet spot with residences scattered around the area, but nothing visible from the hotel -- it’s so private, in fact, that it is rare to see anyone else on the beach or in boats near the hotel. The Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary is a 10-minute walk away and is a great spot to see native species in the lagoon. There is nothing else nearby -- it is a 10-minute drive to the nearest restaurants. The Mulkirigala Rock Temple site, a temple with caves shrines and a beautiful view, is a 45-minute drive away. Hummanaya Blow Hole is an hour-drive from the hotel. The capital city of Colombo is a four-hour drive away, as is Bandaranaike International Airport. 

Spacious, contemporary rooms are romantic and comfortable. Featuring a traditional, upscale Sri Lankan design, there is a lot of wood -- floors, trim, doors, furniture, and wall accents -- but it is varied and well-balanced with white walls and a few lovely accents. Red details in pillows and bed runners, along with blues and greens in cushions and wall art add rich touches of color. In the evenings, backlighting in the intricately carved, sun-themed headboard creates a romantic glow in combination with artistic bedside lamps. Overall, the atmosphere is warm and elegant. Every room faces the sea and has a gorgeous view from a small, furnished balcony. All rooms are air-conditioned and have minibars, coffeemakers, and safes, but there are no TVs. Spacious bathrooms have gray concrete (common for the region), as well as large, walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. Hairdryers, scales, robes, slippers, and a range of toiletries are provided.

This hotel has all the expected amenities needed for a relaxing beachfront stay. The quiet, sandy beach is one of the highlights of the hotel. While it is not private, it is in an isolated area, and feels like a deserted tropical island. There are no sunbeds on the beach, just a long, undeveloped stretch of nature. The pool overlooks the beach through a screen of palm trees for a beautiful, peaceful setting. It is a large pool, more than sufficient for the number of rooms, and includes sunbeds and a separate wading pool. At night, underwater lights twinkle and create a pretty, romantic atmosphere. Food is delicious and plentiful at the restaurant, and it is served wherever and whenever guest prefer. Made-to-order meals can be delivered to guest rooms, pool loungers, or in the restaurant as requested. Breakfast of half-board packages are available, and lunch can be purchased separately. Massages and spa treatments are available in a simple space with two tables for couple packages. Services are individualized based on holistic Ayurveda practices. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.