Balapiyiya, Galle and the South Coast, Sri Lanka

Occupying an elevated, elongated strip of land overlooking boulder-scattered Balapitiya Beach, this contemporary, 10-room, west coast boutique hotel benefits from fabulous Indian Ocean panoramas. Whether wining, dining, swimming, sunbathing or gazing out of the bedroom window from bed, expect to drink in vistas of an indigo sea and swaying coconut palms. The hotel’s stylish design is largely symmetrical, and it opens onto a large grassy garden with 23-metre swimming pool and long timber sun deck. All 10 bedrooms are sea facing, but we recommend paying a little extra for the Ocean View Suites or Bedrooms, which open onto either private balconies or garden terraces.  Guests feast on international cuisine that champions seafood and local produce, and dine from alfresco tables on the outdoor deck, or indoors, in the bar.