7 Nights / 8 Days
A week is long enough to stop checking the time. This package gives you seven nights at a good-value four-star hotel on the beach, breakfast and dinner every day, and a driver to collect you from the airport and take you back.
Where you stay
The hotels sit on the golden sands of the south-west coast around Bentota, Beruwala, Kalutara and Hikkaduwa. We usually book Turyaa Kalutara, Ekho Surf Bentota or Resort Taprobana, or similar. All are directly on the beach.
From the airport, or your address in Colombo, the drive takes up to about two and a half hours with an English-speaking chauffeur.
Six days to fill, or not
Most guests spend the days between the sea, the pool and a sun lounger. If you want a change:
- Try water sports on the Bentota river or at Kalutara.
- Snorkel or dive at Hikkaduwa, or take a beginner's surf lesson there.
- Take a day trip to Galle Fort, within about an hour and a half by road.
- Take a boat through the mangroves of the Madu River.
- See Lunuganga, the country garden of architect Geoffrey Bawa near Bentota.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast you are driven to the airport or anywhere within Colombo city limits.
Best time
November to April is the dry season on this coast. From May to September the south-west monsoon brings rough seas and showers.
Make it your own
Add or remove nights, upgrade the hotel, add excursions and transport days, or put a round trip in front of the beach week. Our Highlights of Sri Lanka tour fits well.
Beach safety
Currents on this coast can be strong. Swim where your hotel says it is safe, and watch for red flags, especially at the start and end of the monsoon.
Day 1: Airport to the south west coast (up to 140 km, about 2.5 hours by road)
Your chauffeur meets you at the airport or your address in Colombo and drives you to a four star beachfront hotel on the south west coast. Settle in and enjoy the first evening by the sea.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Turyaa Kalutara, EKHO Surf, Taprobana Wadduwa or similar
Entrance tickets and excursions included: None
Other inclusions: Airport pickup in an air conditioned private vehicle with an English speaking chauffeur
Days 2 to 7: South west coast at leisure
Six free days. Most people divide them between the sea, the pool and a sun lounger. For something more active there are water sports at Bentota and Kalutara, and diving and snorkelling at Hikkaduwa, which is also good for beginner surfers.
Galle Fort is within about an hour and a half by road from all of our hotels. From November to March you can go whale watching from Mirissa. See our Hikkaduwa and Bentota pages for more.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: EKHO Surf, Turyaa Kalutara, Taprobana Wadduwa or similar
Entrance tickets and excursions included: None
Other inclusions: None
Day 8: South west coast to the airport (up to 140 km, about 2.5 hours by road)
After breakfast you are driven to the airport or anywhere within Colombo city limits. A short Colombo city tour is included if your flight time allows.
Hotels are as listed, or a similar class if one is not available.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
Entrance tickets and excursions included: Short Colombo city tour, if time allows
Other inclusions: Return transfer in an air conditioned private vehicle with an English speaking chauffeur, meet and assist on arrival, a 500 ml bottle of water per person per day in the vehicle and two in each room, 24 hour emergency support