Unawatuna

Photo of Unawatuna
Credit: Image by lapping from Pixabay
Photo of Unawatuna
Credit: Image by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi f
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About Unawatuna

A popular beach destination for decades, Unawatuna’s huge, crescent-shaped bay has long delighted sunbathers, swimmers and sandcastle-builders of all ages. Set just 15 minutes's drive from Galle on Sri Lanka’s golden south coast, the town is abuzz with cafés, bars and eateries — and boasts a whole host of guesthouses, villas and hotels. Whether you’re dreaming of kicking back at the beach or sipping craft cocktails with live music, the best places to stay in Unawatuna have it all.

Water sports enthusiasts will find Unawatuna ideal for swimming, and there are opportunities aplenty for diving and snorkelling at nearby sites. Beach volleyball and padel are also great fun. Walk up to the Japanese Peace Pagoda for a sense of Buddhist culture and dazzling ocean views, or head into Galle Fort to delve further into the region’s fascinating history.

Unawatuna’s long, curving beach road is lined with cafés, small shops, restaurants and bars. You’ll find souvenirs and knickknacks, including clothing and paintings, as well as surf gear in family-owned boutiques. Gather with friends old and new for great coffee and fresh fruit smoothie bowls, taste island-inspired cocktails at trendy bars, or savour everything from pizza and tacos to classic Sri Lankan cuisine. This is a lively beach destination, perfect for those who appreciate having lots of choice within walking distance. That said, some of our favourite places to stay in Unawatuna are just a few moments inland, offering a tranquil retreat from the buzz of the beach.

The Best Places to Stay in Unawatuna

For Ocean Views

  • Villa SPACE, set on a hillside overlooking Unawatuna Bay, has cosy guest rooms with antique four-posters, swish open-air bathrooms and vintage curios. The top-floor dining room offers fantastic fresh fare, craft cocktails and dazzling ocean views. There's also a swimming pool. Adults-only and ideal for couples and friends.  
  • Angel Beach Club, known for its easygoing daytime vibe and brilliant DJ parties, is understandably popular. Facing the ocean just along from Unawatuna, this seaside spot has sun loungers aplenty, great pizzas and cocktails, and modern guest rooms. The pool — with bar — is the hub of the beach club. Very lively. 
  • Agnus Unawatuna boasts superb sea views from its dramatic Rumassala setting. Guest rooms are comfortable and contemporary, with big beds, TVs and balconies, and the rooftop lounge bar with infinity pool is great for striking sunsets. 

For a Rural Retreat

  • Kaju Green Eco Lodges is a verdant sanctuary, surrounded by mangrove-lined waterways and leafy jungle. Airy, minimalist suites feature earthy tones and chic polished concrete. the saltwater pool, rooftop yoga platform, spa and healthy eatery add to the appeal. A quiet spot for romantics and nature lovers.  

For Great Value

  • Green Escape Unawatuna offers affordable guest rooms in a collection of red tile-roofed buildings close to a superb yoga shala. Leafy gardens and a large swimming pool add to the relaxed appeal. Families are welcome, and the eatery serves great Sri Lankan cuisine. 

For an apartment or villa

  • If you’d prefer to stay in a self-catering apartment or private villa we recommend that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

  • Unawatuna is just over two hours’ drive on the modern expressway from Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport. Most hotels will be able to arrange an airport pickup with a reliable driver.
  • If you are travelling from Colombo, regular trains run directly from Fort Station to Galle (15 minutes from Unawatuna) or to Unawatuna Station itself. The train is certainly slower than travelling by car, but tickets are cheap and the coastal route offers enchanting sea views. The journey takes two to three hours.
  • Time your trip to coincide with the south coast’s peak season (from November to March) for sunshine and the best of the year’s surf. Whilst the sea will be too rough to swim or surf during the off-season, hotels are likely to be quieter and offer off-peak rates. Bear in mind that places will book up quickly during the high season!
  • Strong currents mean that the sea is sometimes too rough for children to swim, though Unawatuna Bay is calm for much of the year. Do ask hotel staff for advice on safe spots for a dip. Dalawella Beach, a short drive away, is a great family swimming spot in peak season.

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The best hotels in Unawatuna

Green Escape Unawatuna
Green Escape Unawatuna

Unawatuna (Sri Lanka)

A lush hideaway offering affordable guest rooms in pretty, orange-tiled buildings set within leafy gardens. Simple, spacious options with high ceilings, mezzanines & polished concrete bathrooms suit couples, friends & families. The swimming pool & gardens are fabulous, and yoga is just a walk away.

  • Back to Nature - Surrounded by paddy fields and lush gardens, this is an idyllic retreat within easy reach of the action
  • Value chic - A great value spot with a big swimming pool, friendly team & charming, comfortable rooms
  • Cycling - Book a cycle ride with Idle Bikes to explore Unawatuna and Mihiripenna on two wheels
  • Surfing - The beaches of Dewata, Ahangam and Kabalana await, perfect for keen surfers and eager beginners
from $94 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Agnus Unawatuna
Agnus Unawatuna

Unawatuna (Sri Lanka)

A stylish & affordable hotel on Rumassala, boasting dazzling views of the Indian Ocean towards Galle. Appealingly close to Unawatuna, this modern spot offers spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, a rooftop terrace with lounge & infinity pool, plus a seafood restaurant. Friendly & easy-going.

  • Sights nearby - The Japanese Peace Pagoda is a short walk away, and well worth visiting for beautiful views & an insight into Buddhism
  • Families - Families are welcome, there's a refreshing swimming pool and cots can be added to rooms with double or twin beds
  • Groups - A great choice for groups, who can wander to the beach or sip cocktails on the roof terrace at sunset
  • Great walks - Amble along Unawatuna's bustling beach road, or head into Galle Fort for a stroll along the ramparts
from $140 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Kaju Green Eco Lodges
Kaju Green Eco Lodges

Unawatuna (Sri Lanka)

A lush sanctuary on a little private island surrounded by leafy jungle & mangroves, Kaju Green promises adult-only bliss. Minimalist spaces are clad in earthy tones and frame verdant views. A rooftop yoga shala, saltwater pool, spa & healthy eatery complete the picture at this romantic retreat.

  • Romantic Break - A romantic, adults only spot with a strong wellness focus, including fresh cuisine, yoga classes & rejuvenating massages
  • Yoga - Rise early for energising yoga in the rooftop shala, with beatuiful views over lush gardens or balance on a river board
  • Back to Nature - A tranquil, nature-focused hideaway with a big salt water pool & minimalist design framing verdant views
  • Watersports - Borrow a canoe or stand up paddle board to glide along the area's mangrove-fringed waterways
from $173 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Villa SPACE
Villa SPACE

Unawatuna (Sri Lanka)

An intimate boutique hotel on a hill overlooking Unawatuna Bay, with cosy guest rooms featuring antique four-poster beds & chic open-air bathrooms. The top-floor dining room boasts striking sea views & offers a selection of fantastic fare & cocktails. An inviting swimming pool awaits. Very trendy.

  • City Style - A chic boutique hotel with contemporary wooden & polished concrete interiors, along with well-chosen antiques
  • Sights nearby - The Japanese Peace Pagoda, on the point overlooking Unawatuna Beach, is very striking and well worth visting
  • Romantic Break - Romantics will appreciate the terraces with sea views, cocktails & fantastic fare, plus the tranquil vibe
  • Surfing - Head just along the coast to Kabalana and Ahangama for superb surf breaks, lessons & board hire
from $184 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Angel Beach Club
Angel Beach Club

Unawatuna (Sri Lanka)

A lively beach club known for its easygoing daytime vibe & brilliant parties, complete with DJs & dancing! Rooms are comfortable & contemporary, with big beds, balconies & bathtubs. The pool is a real hub, surrounded by two bars & a restaurant specialising in seafood & pizza. Fun for all ages.

  • Great walks - Leisurely strolls along the golden sands of Unawatuna Beach are lovely - there are stacks of bars & cafes, plus good swimming
  • Groups - A brilliant seaside choice for fun-loving groups of friends, who will love the DJ nights and poolside cocktails
  • Families - Generous guest rooms, a central swimming pool and a laid-back vibe make this an appealing family choice
  • Hotel Entertainment - A buzzy beach club with regular DJ nights, live music, performances and parties — great fun!
from $249 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia