Out of Focus | Going Coconuts for Sri Lanka
LIFE HACK: We have found the solution to surviving the British winter! You could call it cheating, but all you have to do is join a company that offers a month off in January, and book a flight to the tropics. Easy hey! Luckily, it’s policy in our business… one I am very happy to get on board with. This January I jumped on one of the few direct flights to Sri Lanka in search of tropical waters, affordable luxury hotels and endless coconuts. In hindsight I would recommend flying Emirates and not directly with Sri Lankan airlines, the experience was a little underwhelming and we shall leave it at that. If you were one of the many that stuck it out this January, I salute you, but in case you’re in desperate need for winter sun… here’s a little insight into Sri Lanka.
Dubbed the new Bali; think London priced coffee and a yoga scene to rival the infamous Ubud. Thankfully the local charm has not been lost just yet and there are plenty of pockets of peace and culture to be found. Invigorate your senses with a journey full of spicy rotis and the tuk tuk travel.
There are options for every budget in Sri Lanka and from the moment land, you can affordably explore by using the local trains to the southern beaches (One way tickets on the 3 hour train to Ahangama cost about £1. It is also the best way to see the country as it glides through the jungle and hugs the coastline all the way. That being said having done it a few times already, I took a taxi (50 Dollars).
As surfers, my partner and I typically head to the Midigama / Ahangama area. We spent our first few nights at The lighthouse Ahangama renowned for the rooftop sunsets and front row seats to one of the best surf spots. (FYI if you’re keen to learn to surf, Sri Lanka has some of the friendliest waves on earth for newbies). This time we also splashed out a bit on a few nights just a little more inland at Kurulu for ultimate sanctuary and a more colonial beach front stay at Kayaam House. It was the ultimate switch off time, think monkeys, massages and salt water.
Everytime I visit the country I revisit the mini oasis that is JAMU. With rooms blending Scandinavian simplicity and Sri Lankan heritage, it’s the definition of affordable luxury. The daily yoga classes and convenient cafe are a must (I can’t get enough of the Chockaladbollar balls). If you’re travelling in a group there’s plenty of Surfside luxury villas to rent on Air BnB which tend to come with chefs and house staff to keep stress to a minimum.
Wherever we choose to stay in Sri Lanka a typical day involves waking up (early) to the soundtrack of the jungle pulse and the infamous bread van/tuk tuk song (if you know, you know). We head straight out for a sunrise surf, often accompanied by a handful of turtles and settle into nature at its finest. Post surf we indulge in the obligatory Sri Lankan breakfast of hoppers and coconut sambal before flopping in the sunshine somewhere and disappearing into our books. If you’re a coffee person you’ll want to swing by The Kip for your daily pick me up. In the afternoon we may head back into the sea for a surf or swim, and then hit up a local restaurant for a curry (try Mr M rooftop bar and restaurant) and an early night. Eat, sleep, surf repeat…
I do recommend switching up surfboards for safari trucks to Udawalawe National park. If you want to stay over, Kottowatta village offered us an authentic and affordable experience, staying in glamping tents and embarking on sunrise safari tours to get the best of the wildlife action. Expect an abundance of Elephants by day, and make sure to sit poolside at dusk to watch the thousands of bats migrate over the forest canopy. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful ceremony, against an idyllic tropical backdrop.
It’s no surprise that tourism is booming in Sri Lanka. It might just steal your heart and if you’re anything like me, your annual leave for the rest of your life. I just can't get enough of the coconuts and the island spirit. Highly recommend booking that flight…
Travel - Train from Colombo, if you arrive in the daytime, if not book a taxi through your hotel.
Stay - Too Many to choose from, but if you want to surf try Ebb & Flow
Play - The KIP
Pack - Mosquito repellant!
