EASE INTO THE EAST
Set on a quiet stretch of Sri Lanka’s east coast, Kalkudah Beach House is a laid-back retreat made for relaxed seaside living. The three-bedroom Main House and two-bedroom Palm Villa sit on either side of a 22-metre swimming pool, surrounded by coconut palms and overlooking the turquoise ocean. Start your day with a sunrise sea swim, enjoy leisurely games in the garden, and savour fresh seafood infused with regional spices – slow days and simple pleasures at their finest.
Accommodation
Each of the five bedrooms embraces the essence of slow, East Coast living. A beautifully restored historic home, the Main House exudes timeless charm. It features a Beachview Bedroom and a Beachview Suite on the ground floor, while the luxurious Kalkudah Suite occupies the upper level. Shared living areas and a first-floor sun terrace offer the perfect setting for relaxation or private dining under the stars.
Designed for light, space, and modern comfort, Palm Villa is a sleek, single-story retreat. It houses two sunlit Beachview Suites, along with an inviting shared living and dining area – ideal for families or friends seeking a private escape by the sea. Both houses seamlessly blend luxury and sustainability, with solar panels generating 100% of the property’s electricity and purified water flowing from every tap.
The Kalkudah Suite
Spend quiet mornings with a cup of tea on a generous sit-out balcony. Located on the upper floor of the Main House, The 72 sqm Kalkudah Suite offers an exceptional blend of privacy, thoughtful design, and luxurious comfort. At its centre is a plush king-size bed dressed in soft linens. The sitting area, complete with a comfy sofa, stylish armchair, and a coffee table, is perfect for unwinding with a book or enjoying a quiet conversation. Your private balcony, equipped with comfortable seating, allows you to soak in breathtaking ocean views. A spacious walk-in wardrobe leads seamlessly into the ensuite bathroom, which features modern fixtures and a rain shower.
Beachview Suite
The 38 sqm Beachview Suites offer the perfect blend of privacy and shared living, making them an ideal choice for couples, friends, and families. The three spacious suites open onto a stylish shared lounge, providing a welcoming space to unwind. Each suite is thoughtfully appointed with a writing desk, a bespoke wardrobe, air conditioning, and an ensuite bathroom featuring a rejuvenating rain shower. Large windows open onto a private veranda, showcasing picturesque views of the lush lawn and pristine beachfront, creating a serene seaside retreat. The luxurious king-size bed can be converted into twin beds for added flexibility.
Beachview Bedroom
Located on the ground floor, the 33sqm Beachview Bedroom offers direct access to the living room of the Main House and its expansive veranda, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living with breathtaking ocean vistas. This bedroom features a plush queen-size bed, an armchair, a bespoke wardrobe, and air conditioning. The ensuite bathroom is complete with a refreshing rain shower and modern amenities. Large windows frame stunning views of the Indian Ocean, allowing you to wake up to the soothing sight and sound of the waves.
Flavours of the coast
Celebrating the vibrant flavours and spices of the east coast, the cuisine highlights fresh seafood, hearty salads, and authentic Sri Lankan curries, all enjoyed in idyllic settings.
From laid-back beachside picnics to candlelit dinners by the pool, dining at Kalkudah Beach House is as much about the setting as it is about the cuisine. Ocean-to-table dining takes centre stage, with much of our seafood coming directly from the fishermen who bring in their daily catch right in front of the hotel. Succulent sea crab and grilled reef fish are prepared with locally sourced ingredients and perfectly paired with fresh salads and aromatic Sri Lankan curries.
À La Carte Dining
Choose from Sri Lankan, International, and healthy dining options.
Low Food Miles
Ingredients are sourced locally or directly from the ocean.
Beachside Setting
Dine under swaying palms, by the ocean’s edge, or around a convivial table with friends.
Location
Kalkudah Beach House is a secluded retreat on Sri Lanka’s untouched east coast, just 35km north of Batticaloa and an hour’s drive from the UNESCO Sacred City of Polonnaruwa. Nestled within a 25-acre coconut estate, this intimate hideaway offers direct access to Kalkudah Bay, a seemingly endless stretch of soft, golden sand, and calm waters that invite you to slow down and unwind.
The best time to visit Kalkudah is between April and October, when clear skies, low humidity, and calm, turquoise waters create perfect conditions for swimming, snorkelling, and other water activities. This period sees minimal rainfall, mirror-still seas, and plenty of sunshine. The rainy season, which begins in early November and lasts until February, brings periodic rains and changing sea conditions, making swimming best approached with caution.
Getting to Kalkudah
Kalkudah is a scenic six-hour drive from Colombo or the International Airport, with a mix of expressways and well-maintained roads passing through lush countryside and forest reserves. A stop in Sigiriya or Polonnaruwa along the way adds a cultural highlight, making the journey enjoyable and comfortable, even for kids.
The East Coast enjoys excellent road connectivity, making travel to the hotel from major cities easy and hassle-free. Polonnaruwa is just 1.5 hours away, Sigiriya around 3 hours, and Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, or Ella approximately 4.5 hours. Alternatively, flights from Colombo to Batticaloa, just 35km away, take approximately 2.5 hours, including transfers.
History of Kalkudah
The ’Main House’ which currently sits on a 25-acre coconut estate, was originally acquired as a family holiday home in the 1980s. During Sri Lanka’s 26-year civil war, the estate was abandoned and intermittently occupied by both the Sri Lankan military and the LTTE. The current owners purchased the property in 2003, a year before a devastating tsunami swept through the region. Remarkably, the house’s Dutch-inspired arched windows and doors withstood the disaster, though the building had fallen into disrepair and required extensive refurbishment.
Map and travel information
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Monday – Friday: 9am – 5:30pm
Saturday: 10am – 4:00pm
1 Market Place Mews, Gardiner Place,
Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2AH