Habaraduwa, a 2km curve of golden sand, is amongst the south coast’s most underrated beaches. Its vast size makes it feel very private – particularly as KK Beach is its only boutique hotel.
Unassuming from the roadside, KK invites guests to step past beautifully tended orchids and into an airy sitting area overlooking the dazzling Indian Ocean framed by swaying palms. A sparkling 20-metre swimming pool sits enticingly at the centre of the garden, with two big steps at either end for wallowing in the water whilst chatting or reading. The sea takes centre stage, with superb views from all 10 rooms and suites – which also have floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies – as well as the Bamboo restaurant. George Cooper, the hotel’s owner, is an acclaimed interior designer whose elegant style feels fresh and contemporary – and whose experience in making guests feel comfortable is abundantly clear. Expect blue and white fabrics, a modern art collection – all by Sri Lankan artists and available for sale – and lovely wooden and concrete pieces. You can pick many of these up at KK’s boutique in Galle Fort; the ideal reminder of a restorative break inspired by the ocean. Sunset over the Indian Ocean, when the sky is stained pink and orange, is stunning. Don’t miss strolling along Habaraduwa beach at golden hour, before returning to sit under the palms in the garden with a cold beer on at least one of your evenings at KK.
Highs
- The ocean views – from your bed and balcony – are breathtaking
- Chic yet comfortable rooms reflect owner and interior designer George Cooper’s impeccable taste
- The delicious fare served up in Bamboo restaurant, breakfasts are particularly good
- You’re invited up to sister hotel Kahanda Kanda, overlooking Koggala Lake, for soothing spa treatments or for meals
- Just ask about private beachfront yoga classes – no better way to start the day!
Lows
- The sea can be rough and isn’t always safe for swimming (the amazing staff will assist you in finding the right spot, and make sure you are safe at all times), but Habaraduwa beach is the best in the area for long walks
- The pool’s 1.5 metre depth means there’s no shallow end for little ones
- A large open space, the restaurant can feel very quiet if other guests go out in the evenings
Best time to go
Sri Lanka’s south coast is in season between November and March, when you can expect sunshine, calmer seas and great surf. April and May can feel very hot before the rains begin, and June and October tend to be quite wet. If you’re happy not to swim in the sea, you’ll find cooler climes and quiet hotels in the months of July and August.
Our top tips
Nearby Koggala Airfield has a fascinating history as the refuelling point for Catalinas soaring between Sydney and London in the 1940s, in what was called ‘the flight of the double sunrise’.
- Boutique Hotel
- 10 rooms
- Restaurant and bar (open daily)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Laundry Service
Rooms
The blue and white theme continues in KK Beach’s 10 rooms and suites, where hugely comfortable beds are topped with crisp white linens and blue bedspreads. Our Ocean Suite had big heart-shaped lamps on each side of the bed, and sensational sea views. We sipped tea on our private balcony in the morning, but our favourite spot was the indigo armchair in the sitting room. There's no more inviting place to curl up in a stylish striped dressing gown – which we were also tempted to bring home with us!
Ocean Penthouses and Penthouse Suites have enormous bathrooms with big sink-into tubs, great for lazy soaks or bath time with little ones. The Penthouse Suites are the biggest, but we liked the Ocean Penthouses best for a couple's holiday – they feel like the right balance of spacious yet cosy.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Bluetooth sound system
- Coffee / tea making
- Cots available
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Safe box
- Terrace/balcony
- Toiletries
- WiFi
Eating
Tuck into Sri Lankan and Western dishes at the relaxed Bamboo restaurant, which faces the pool and grassy garden. We savoured egg hoppers – crispy bowl-shaped rice flour pancakes – after our tropical fruit platters at breakfast. And enjoyed delicious seared tuna, coconut breaded prawns, vegetable noodles and crab curry from the daily-changing chef’s set menu for dinner, leaving no room for chocolate cake with coconut ice cream.
Sink into relaxed sofas backed with patterned blue and white cushions for sundowners, or prop up the bar with a cool glass of white wine in the evening. The bartenders are super speedy, and nothing hits the spot quite like a cold beer as the sun slips over the horizon.
Venture into Kabalana and Ahangama for hip, surf-focused cafes and lively beach bars, or dress up for an evening in Galle Fort. You can also take a shuttle up to sister hotel Kahanda Kanda for a romantic dinner – we’ve heard great things about their rice and curry!
Features include:
- Bar
- Coffee maker
- Restaurant
- Room service
Activities
- Amble along the golden sands of Habaraduwa beach, perhaps to Talpe, or borrow the hotel’s body boards to splash around in the morning and late afternoon, when the sea is at its calmest. If you want to swim near the hotel, staff will make sure you enter the water at the right place and keep an eye out at all times
- Hone your surf skills with a private lesson or board hire on gorgeous Kabalana beach (6km away)
- Historic Galle Fort (12km along the coast) is brilliant for wanders along the centuries-old ramparts, shopping – at KK’s own boutique, amongst other clothing and jewellery stores – and fabulous food
- Swim with turtles in the sheltered lagoon at Dalawella beach before a refreshing sunset beer at Wijaya, a popular beach bar; there's a turtle hatchery in Habaraduwa itself
- Boat rides on scenic Koggala Lake are very special, with birds flitting overhead and little islands to visit – including one on which families will take you through the cinnamon harvesting process
- Hop in a free shuttle up to KK’s sister hotel – Kahanda Kanda – for rejuvenating massages at the tranquil spa pavilion
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Birdwatching
- Boat trips
- Cooking classes
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Safaris
- Scuba diving
- Snorkelling
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Tea plantation tours
- Traditional cultures
- Turtle hatching
- Whale watching
- Wildlife
- Yoga
Kids
KK’s easygoing beach club feel and intimate setting are very appealing for families. The grassy lawn is lovely for little ones to play, and the wide beach is great for cricket or beach games with older kids. Just a short three-wheeler ride away, Kabalana and Ahangama are famed for their surf breaks – a sure-fire hit with teens! You’ll find kids’ options at Bamboo, too.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
Sofas in Ocean Suites and Ocean Penthouses can be converted into cosy beds for little ones – just ask in advance if you’d like a cot. If you’re travelling with two children, choose a Penthouse Suite, as there’s space for two single beds in the central sitting room.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
KK Beach sits on the edge of the small seaside town of Habaraduwa, about 12km from Galle. Perched right on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, it’s just over 2 hours from Colombo on the expressway.
By Air:
Bandaranaike International Airport is 2.5 hours’ drive away.
From the Airport
The hotel can organise airport transfers, or you can hop on the slow but striking coastal train from Colombo to Galle, travelling by road from there. Alternatively, take a short flight to Koggala Lake with Sri Lankan Airlines; the airfield is only minutes from the hotel.
By Car:
It you want to hire a car and driver for your entire trip, enquire through our Tailormade Tour Operator. Otherwise, drivers and tuk-tuks can be arranged for day trips and local journeys.
Detailed directions will be provided when you confirm a booking through i-escape.
Airports:
- Colombo International Airport 117.0 km
Other:
- Beach 0.1 km
- Shops 0.8 km
- Restaurant 1.5 km
Our guests' ratings...
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