Kumu Beach, Balapitiya

Occupying an elevated, elongated strip of land overlooking boulder-scattered Balapitiya Beach, this contemporary 10-room west coast boutique hotel in Sri Lanka benefits from fabulous Indian Ocean panoramas. Whether wining, dining, swimming, sunbathing or gazing out of the bedroom window from bed, expect to drink in views 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 a 23-metre swimming pool and long timber sun deck.

Sister hotel to The Wallawwa, Fort Bazaar, Camellia Hills, Nine Skies and Goatfell, this Sri Lanka hotel comprises four Ocean View Suites, four Ocean View Bedrooms and two Kumu Bedrooms. All 10 bedrooms have direct ocean views while the Ocean View Suites and Ocean View Bedrooms also open onto either private balconies or garden terraces. The rooms are spacious with a chic open plan layout, and their neutral colour palette is enhanced by colour splash contemporary batik cushions and vibrant works of modern local art.

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.

The hotel works really well for couples and honeymooners, and is also a superb place for intergenerational groups and for private events such as destination weddings.