Owl and the Pussycat

On Sri Lanka’s sun-soaked southern coast in Talpe, a short stroll from Mihiripenna and Dalawella beaches. This boutique beach hotel sits at the water’s edge near Unawatuna and the Talpe Natural Pool, on Matara Road in Galle district.

A small luxury boutique with 17 individually decorated suites and private balconies or terraces overlooking the wild Indian Ocean. Rooms are laid out as flexible spaces with handcrafted finishes; public spaces include a yoga platform that flips into an outdoor living area or moonlit dance floor and a seaside therapy hut for no-frills massages.

Stand-out features include an 18m turquoise outdoor pool that spills toward the sea, a spa offering massages and body treatments, a fitness center, bicycles to rent and a diving club. There’s also an arcade/game room, a children’s playroom, free on-site parking and airport shuttle/transfer options so you can wake up to sea-breeze mornings and head straight out.

Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout, a 24-hour front desk and concierge services help with transfers and tours. Free self-parking, laundry/dry cleaning and on-site staff make short work of errands while you work or explore.

The Runcible Spoon on an elegant dining terrace serves local Sri Lankan specialties, light fresh dishes and a curated wine list, with a flamboyant pastry chef on hand. There’s a bar/lounge, cooked-to-order breakfasts (7:00–10:00) for a fee, and limited room service.