First in: Kurulu Bay, Sri Lanka

A new hotel has landed on the southern shores of Koggala Lake, Sri Lanka. Kurulu Bay is a barefoot escape that puts the focus on conscious living, wellbeing and sustainability.

Prepare for all-day lingering, poolside lunches, afternoon naps and cotton candy sunsets at newly opened Kurulu Bay. This secluded boutique hotel - purposely stripped-back and dressed in raw materials and muted tones - is built around an old forest of fruit- and palm trees and invites for taking things a tad slower. A sweet escape with fourteen simple yet stylish guest rooms, casual personalized service, social events and a laid-back atmosphere all around. We’ve checked-in for the weekend and we’re still musing over it. Here’s why.

The location

Kurulu Bay sits on a generous three acres of lakefront land on the southern shores of Koggala Lake - Sri Lanka’s largest lagoon. It’s a serene corner of the island and a place of rich biodiversity, home to mangroves, crocodiles, monkeys and exotic birds like the great hornbill, which can often be spotted around the hotel. Nearby beaches include Kabalana, Ahangama and Weligama. All are just a Tuk Tuk ride away from Kurulu Bay. Get up early and you might even see the stilt fishermen in action on one of the beaches in Ahangama. The bohemian city of Galle, dotted with art galleries and restaurants, is just a 30 min drive northwest from the hotel and makes for a nice day trip - even though chances are real you might not want to leave the hotel grounds once you’ve checked in. Colombo’s international airport is about a two and a half hours drive away from the hotel.

The Design

Kurulu Bay (Sinhalese for ‘Bird Island’) is built around Kurulu House - a former private villa overlooking Koggala Lake. The original structure (now used for retreats and wellness activities) was designed by Channa Daswatte, who was trained by the acclaimed Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. All other structures on the retreat are newly built except for the lakefront cottages that used to be the gardeners homes. While the original Kurulu House still oozes 1960’s modernism, the newly build garden suites and treehouses come with a more brutalist style. Raw materials like battered concrete and sleek wood-paneled sliding doors are complimented with soft interiors in tones of white and beige. All interior designs are done by Colombo-based studio A+, who went for a tropical yet stripped-back feel in the guest rooms and communal areas.

The rooms

The 14 guest rooms and cottages are tucked away in different parts of the hotel, creating sense of privacy and tranquility. Four spacious (34m2) garden suites are located on the lower grounds of the hotel - closest to The Kitchen restaurant and the pool. All are decked-out with parquet floors, air-conditioning, a double bed with mosquito net and a spacious bathroom with rain shower. The smaller (20m2) yet romantic tree houses are located higher up the hills. It’s a bit of a climb but the more private location and romantic views over Koggala Lake make up for it. A second, more quiet pool is located just few steps away from the treehouses. The cottages and villa in between take things up a notch, ranging from high-ceilinged cottages to a spacious two-bedroom villa with private pool.

© Siriwan Champorn

The Spa

Kuruly Bay takes wellbeing serious and brings together some of the best therapists on the islands in the on-site spa - a little sanctuary dressed in scents of lavender and bergamot. Aside the more traditional treatments like body scrubs, full body wraps and massages there is also a professional kinesiologist available. Instead of you picking the treatment you like, she will recommend the treatment your body needs after carefully looking at your body imbalances. A more personal and holistic approach that might come with dietary and lifestyle recommendations too. We particularly liked that all products used in the spa are fully organic and sourced and produced on the island itself.

Food and drinks

The one true reason we didn’t leave the hotel grounds after check-in is the poolside restaurant and bar at Kuruly Bay called ‘The Kitchen’. The Kitchen opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner and serves cocktails too - the margaritas are seriously good. While the all day breakfast and lunch menu is more internationally focused (with fresh croissants, avocado sourdough toast and Turkish cilbir) the dinner goes more local with many Sri Lankan-inspired sea-to-table dishes. Options range from delicious langoustine lobster curries to pan grilled buttered Mahi Mahi. Pizza’s are made in the wood-fired oven (lit by cinnamon wood, making things a bit sweeter) and taste best with a cold Lion beer on the side.

Kurulu Bay, rooms from USD 200 per night