Built to resemble a traditional fishing village, Maalu Maalu means ‘fish fish’, which is also the cry of local fishermen. The resort is a wonderfully rustic looking collection of timber buildings, with rooms separated out into chalets all facing the ocean, and a swathe of pristine white sand and shallow water before it. Whether you want to just chill out on the beach, indulge in a few Ayurvedic massages or embark on a wreck dive, Maalu Maalu can accommodate. You can also rent a bike to explore the local fishing villages, best done in the morning when the fishermen are bringing in their day's catch. If you’re a fan of fresh seafood and dining with your toes in the sand, Maalu Maalu has just the restaurant for you. Open for lunch and dinner, The White Sand is romantic and intimate and it serves wonderful themed meals with ocean views. There's also the main restaurant, Habala and Ruwala, two fishing boats that have been converted into a dining area, and a new dining spot, Madela. This à la carte venue, and the adjacent bar, Madiya, are in the central building, on the floor above the main restaurant. In keeping with the fishing village theme, all the rooms are in little chalets, with two rooms to each chalet. Deluxe Rooms have direct access to the beach while Ocean Rooms and Panoramic Suites share a plunge pool with three other suites. The Ocean Rooms also allow direct access to the beach.
Uga Bay has an enviable position right in the middle of a stunning stretch of sand and it has fantastic views out over the hotel’s palm-fringed garden and the bay. Not only does this make Uga Bay ideal for those looking to relax on a pristine beach, it’s also perfect for watersports enthusiasts, with a selection of activities available seasonally. As the bay is protected, swimming and snorkelling are very popular, and as it is shallow for a long way out it’s great for families too. Deeper into the bay is where divers explore wrecks and reefs. Back on dry land you’ll find a generously sized infinity pool as well as an unusual underground spa which has sea views and provides a selection of Balinese and Swedish style massages. Uga Bay also has a rather good reputation when it comes to food, even though it has just the one restaurant. The chef and their team work hard to create a menu filled with Sri Lankan specialities, as well as international favourites. You can also choose from a range of private dining locations. We recommend choosing a Beach Studio if you love to walk straight out onto the beach. Above these are the Ocean Studios which all have balconies with views out over the palm-lined beach (views of the sea are obstructed by the palm trees). For a real treat, you could upgrade to either a two-bedroom Bay Suite which features a private pool.
The beautiful Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes commands a stretch of practically deserted beach and an equally as tranquil stretch of verdant forest. Together they create an air of seclusion. The main building is set back from the beach, so there’s a short walk from the buildings to the shore, however this only adds to the wonderful sense of privacy that emanates from the property. Jungle Beach was built with as little effect on the surrounding plant life as possible and this eco-friendly theme runs through the whole hotel. Even down on the beach you’ll find plant life and driftwood scattered across the expanse of golden sand. This is a wonderfully natural experience. Whether you’re looking for traditional Sri Lankan, international or Asian cuisine, you’ll be more than happy with the restaurants here. Using the best local produce available as well as fresh seafood, the menu is flexible, making the most of seasonal specialties and the catch of the day. If you are seeking a bit of romance you can also choose to dine privately in your cabin, in the gardens or on the beach. All cabins are surrounded with foliage so solitude is easy to come by. Winding paths lead between the main buildings and the cabins. Lagoon Cabins are the furthest from the beach, but are closest to the lagoon. For more privacy, Jungle Cabins are ideal, while Beach Cabins have direct access to the beach. The Jungle Cluster Villas have a small shared pool and are ideal for groups or families.
The beautiful Anantaya Passikudah (which will become a Constance property in April 2020) is something of a hidden gem on the east coast. The resort is certainly eye-catching. Its distinct architecture has been influenced by Thai and Balinese style, with a dark wood exterior and many of the public areas – including bars, restaurants and a few outdoor spa areas – are located in open-air pavilions and thatched buildings throughout the resort. The grounds are equally beautiful with bridges crossing the large swimming pool and paths taking you through to pretty gardens that lead down towards the beach. From here you can walk along the beautiful bay or enjoy a range of watersports in the generally calm and shallow waters of the bay. We can’t think of a better place for a post-tour wind-down. Days begin with a breakfast at the stylish, yet relaxed main restaurant The Seaboard Deck, which overlooks the pool towards the beach and sea. Lunch and dinner are also served here and this is where all your included meals will be. Alternatively, you can treat yourself to dinner at the signature seafood restaurant Singing Fish. The cuisine here is sourced locally and you can enjoy catch-of-the-day dishes seasoned with spices that the island is famous for. There are two bars including the swim-up Splash, and the beach-side Sands where light meals, snacks and local and international drinks are served. The rooms, suites and villas are very spacious and reflect the Asian design of the resort. Located in three-storey buildings throughout the grounds are the Superior Rooms and Deluxe Rooms with Balcony, the latter of which are on the upper floors. From the ground-floor Pool Suites you can enjoy access to the pool directly from your terrace. If you’re travelling as a family or group, the incredibly expansive villas are an excellent choice. Featuring two or three bedrooms and a stylish living and dining room, the villas also have a terrace and small plunge pool.
Maalu Maalu
Uga Bay by Uga Escapes
Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes
Anantaya Passikudah
