Kurulu Bay

Deluxe

Overlooking peaceful Koggala Lake on Sri Lanka’s south coast, Kurulu Bay opened in December 2022 on a beautiful private jungle estate, set on a lagoon dotted with small islands. Kurulu Bay means “bird island” in Sinhala and is a boutique retreat for those looking to switch off and take a break from everyday life. At its heart is Kurulu House, home to the property’s yoga shala, where 1960s Florida architecture meets tropical modernism. The newer buildings, all made from wood and concrete, include the Ayurvedic spa, the treehouse-style suites and the lakeside Cottages. Everything has been designed to blend into the surrounding landscape, offering space, privacy and tranquillity.

Life here is slow and simple: start the day with yoga overlooking the lake, enjoy Turkish eggs on the pool terrace, then drift from your sun lounger to the spa before dinner at the restaurant, where the menu ranges from lobster-tail curry to wood-fired pizza. Take part in a range of mindful activities centred on health and wellbeing, designed to help you reconnect with and care for yourself. Daily yoga and meditation classes help you find inner calm and balance. Awaken your senses with a selection of holistic spa treatments. Explore the gardens, perfect for quiet contemplation and connecting with nature. Or simply relax beside one of the two pools and let the gentle sound of the water soothe your soul.

Kurulu Bay is on Sri Lanka’s south coast, just a few kilometres inland from the nearest beaches (around 5 minutes by car/2 km) and the spectacular Ahangama Beach (around 10 minutes by car/5 km). Ahangama is 141 km south of Colombo, in the southern coastal belt halfway between Galle and Matara.

The cuisine at Kurulu Bay offers a culinary experience shaped by a sea-to-table philosophy, with a focus on the quality of the ingredients. Fresh seafood and sustainably harvested local produce are prepared in the open kitchen using organic oils and ingredients, then served as simple, elegant dishes with the chefs’ distinctive touch. The dining experience is framed by spectacular views across Koggala Lake and accompanied by a carefully curated selection of drinks.

The wellness programmes are designed to help you slow down, take care of yourself and nourish both body and mind. Awaken your senses and create your own spa ritual by combining your favourite treatments at Kurulu Bay Spa. Therapists are hand-picked from around the world to deliver treatments that bring together Eastern wellness traditions and Western science. The 3 treatment rooms offer massages, Ayurvedic treatments such as Abhyanga and marma point massage, body wraps, scrubs, manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing and much more.

Explore movement and practice in the yoga shala, a sacred, nurturing space overlooking the lake and surrounded by frangipani trees. Daily yoga sessions take place at sunrise and/or sunset with experienced yoga teachers. Private yoga sessions can be added when booking or on site.

The hotel places great importance on sustainability. It uses renewable energy, heats and cools efficiently, cleans with environmentally friendly products and avoids single-use items. Organic produce is grown on the grounds, with other products sourced from local farms. Vegan menu options are available, food waste is reduced and composted, staff are trained in sustainability and local cultural heritage, and water waste is monitored and reduced.

Excursions to the city and seaport of Galle, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of VOC Galle Dutch Fort. Kosgoda Turtle Beach and turtle hatchery.