The idyllic seclusion of a quiet bay by the ocean is a haven of tranquillity. But what if you can have twice as much of it? Ahu Bay is a tropical sanctuary nestled between two secluded bays on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, less than 2 hours drive from Colombo. Perched on the Ahungalla Point, it treats you to unspoilt beaches fringed by coconut trees and sweeping panoramic views. We are mad about its unique location and intimate connection to nature. So, come along to find out why Vanity Fair calls it one of the best new hotels to book for 2023.
Luxury meets the ocean
Slip into a reverie, staring at the cobalt blue waters of the Indian Ocean by the shimmery infinity pool. The double coastal bay affords unrivalled 180-degree views of the ocean. Earthy, cosy, and contemporary, the resort offers soulful elegance with neutral sand tones, rustic interiors, rattan furniture, and recycled wood accents.
Here, hospitality is bespoke. Pamper yourself with a personal concierge service. Indulge in holistic wellness rituals, incorporating traditional healing therapies infused with hyper-local herbs and spices. The soothing ocean sounds enrich the experience. The rooms and villas offer serene privacy, marked by the sounds of the Ocean, rustling palm leaves, and tranquillity.
Accommodation
Experience luxurious privacy with four Bay View rooms and three beach villas set in a restorative atmosphere. Each room and villa has a plush king-sized bed, free WiFi, outdoor table and chairs, RFID door locks, minibar with Espresso machine, and a selection of Dilmah teas. You can also request a rollaway bed or a crib.
Bayview Rooms (45m2)
The upper floor west-facing Bay View rooms offer sweeping ocean vistas, spectacular sunsets and serene seclusion. You can relax in the outdoor verandahs and enjoy the bathroom’s twin vanities & rain shower. The sumptuous king-sized beds will put you to sleep in no time.
Bayview Suite (115m2)
The vast Bay View Suite on the ground floor is just a few steps away from the beach, offering views that extend over a lush tropical garden to the sea. It has a king-sized bed, spacious living room, a private courtyard and an outdoor timber deck. Adjoining the courtyard, a smaller room with a bunk bed and en suite provides more sleeping space.
Bayview Pool Suite (115m2)
The Bay View Suite’s ground floor location provides easy access to the beach. It comes with a plunge pool and garden. Views stretch all the way to the ocean. It features a generously sized living area and a private courtyard with an outdoor wooden deck. The adjacent room to the courtyard has a bunk bed and an en suite.
Bayview Pool Residence (200m2)
The Bay View Pool Residence is a self-sufficient villa comprising a Bay View Pool Suite on the lower level and two Bay View rooms on the upper level. It is an ideal option for families or a group of friends as it can comfortably accommodate up to six adults. The villa features three spacious king bedrooms and a smaller room with a bunk bed.
Dining
You can request candlelight gourmet dinners at a location of your choice on the resort or afternoon high teas on the tropical lawn. Seasonal, local, and fresh is Ahu Bay’s food philosophy. Menus get crafted mindfully and respectfully to nourish and nurture your senses. Customised menus accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions.
The wholesome hyperlocal cuisine experience doesn’t end there. You can discover every classic Sri Lankan dish with cooking classes, and kids can have their own interactive culinary experience tailored to every age level.
What else to know about the resort?
- Children under the age of 12 are only allowed during buyouts. During regular operations, they only accommodate children aged 12 and above.
- Accommodation facilities for drivers are not available at the hotel. However, there are guest houses in the area you can book directly.
- Check-in time – 14:00 Check-out time – 11:00
Attractions in the area
Whales, dolphins, and turtles
Mirissa is only an hour away, a hotspot for whale watching. Blue and Sperm whales are aplenty here as they migrate around the island’s southern tip from November to April. Pods of dolphins also come to play. Along the southwest and southern coasts there are several turtle nesting sites.
Lunuganga and Brief Gardens
Geoffrey Bawa is a Sri Lankan icon and the country’s most influential architect. His works are toured and admired by travellers to the island, especially the south. Lunuganga, on the banks of Dedduwa Lake in Bentota, is his country estate, and Brief Gardens in Beruwala is his younger brother Bevis Bawa’s landscaped private garden. Considered gems of architecture and landscaping, they exude timeless elegance.
Ambalangoda
It is the home of devil masks and rukada. Deeply rooted in ancient folklore, these masks and marionettes tell transcendental stories. Rukada natya, or string puppet drama, is one of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritages. Take one of the intricately carved and elaborately painted wooden masks home, and you can entertain guests at dinner parties.
Galle Fort
First built in 1589 by the Portuguese and extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th Century, the Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Everything from its lighthouse to the abandoned gunpowder mills takes you back to an illustrious colonial past.
The Crying Waterfall
Located a mere 45-minute drive from the Ahungalla beaches is the Beraliya Jungle, a unique combination of rainforest and marshland. This jungle is home to the stunning ‘Crying Waterfall’, well worth a visit. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also climb to the upper level of the falls, where there’s a natural pool perfect for a refreshing dip.
Madu River expedition
The Madu River runs through a wetland ecosystem near the small town of Balapitiya, and its estuary and numerous mangrove islets form a complex coastal wetland. The river and estuary are home to about 64 islands, and you can even find an ancient monastery on one island. Additionally, the islets produce peeled cinnamon and cinnamon oil.
Conclusion
The topographically varied tropical beaches of Sri Lanka welcome sun-seekers from around the globe to laze, surf, and rejuvenate. The dramatic coves and bays add to the beauty and serenity. If you are longing for a tranquil escape where the ocean takes centre stage, we cannot recommend Ahu Bay enough. Blue Lanka Tours can tailor-make your Sri Lankan holiday with hospitality by Ahu Bay. Our choice of hospitality partners features some of the best hotels in Asia. How do you want to spend your beach break in the tropics?