About Talpe

Conjuring images of golden beaches and salty sea spray, Talpe is a small town near Sri Lanka’s south-western tip. With historic Galle Fort to one side and popular surf spots on the other, this tranquil haven offers visitors an idyllic tropical escape. There is a broad range of accommodation options here, including family-run guesthouses and B&Bs to suit all budgets. Our pick of the best places to stay in Talpe are a collection of small characterful hotels and converted boutique villas ensuring plenty of privacy. Most overlook the Indian Ocean, and all have beautiful swimming pools. Whether you’re eager to sip cocktails at a lively bar within sight of the sea, to socialise in a gorgeous leafy garden or simply to amble from the infinity pool to the sand and back, there’s lots here to attract tropical travellers.

Part of Talpe’s appeal lies in its location: just over two hours from the airport on the expressway. This quiet stretch is also within easy reach of popular surf spots, with Kabalana and Ahangama a mere six miles away. Nearby Unawatuna brims with buzzing bars and cafés, whilst the Dutch-built fort in Galle, filled with boutiques and restaurants, is a quick six miles in the other direction. Cycle through villages and alongside paddy fields on a guided bike tour, try jungle yoga at a nearby shala, or stroll along the shore as the sun sets over the sea.

Most of the best places to stay in Talpe are set between the coast road and the ocean, whilst one of our favourite family hotels is hidden away just a few minutes from the beach. Make sure to book well in advance if you plan to travel during the high season, as these superb small hotels have limited rooms and book up swiftly!

The Best Places to Stay in Talpe

For Beachfront Bliss

  • The Frangipani Tree has nine elegant, contemporary rooms in a fabulous beachfront setting. Relax in big four-poster beds, lounge around in hammocks strung between coconut palms, and sink into outdoor bathtubs for romantic starlit nights. Smart, spacious and stylish.
  • Era Beach by Jetwing is an enormous beachside villa run by one of Sri Lanka’s leading hotel groups. Unwind by the generous swimming pool or get chatting to fellow guests in the hotel bar — with just eight rooms, there’s a wonderfully convivial feel. Great for couples or solo travellers.
  • Apa Villa Thalpe is a charming tile-roofed bungalow offering lovely sea views. Each of the seven spacious suites boasts its own sitting area and polished concrete bathrooms are huge. Pick this spot for maximum privacy: the hotel’s delicious food is served to your terrace table for alfresco dining in seclusion.

For Quirky Chic

  • The Owl and the Pussycat is a bright, bold seaside spot offering striking views of crashing waves and traditional stilt fishermen at work. Individually decorated rooms and suites reflect the hotel’s funky feel, inspired by Edward Lear’s whimsical poem. Think laid-back days, sunset cocktails and terrific seafood. Especially good for couples.

For Families or Groups

  • Why House lies inland in the village of Mihiripenna and boasts a superb sociable vibe, with lush gardens, a big swimming pool and wonderful chill out areas for the whole family. Attentive staff are very flexible if you're travelling with little ones. Ten beautifully appointed rooms are available in different configurations to suit couples, families and groups.
  • Satin Doll's five bedrooms are decorated with Indian antiques and monochromatic artwork. Much of the appeal of the house lies in its airy open spaces, leading to a swimming pool, and superb ocean views. The property can be rented in its entirety for a group trip, and the natural division of rooms into two wings makes it ideal for families travelling together. One room has twin beds, and the family suite features bunk beds for little ones. An intimate beachfront villa-hotel.
  • Sielen Diva is a hip, modernist hotel facing the Indian Ocean. Pick this place for the dramatic, minimalist architecture and 180° floor-to-ceiling sea views from the seven rooms and suites. There's a big pool, open-sided restaurant and excellent games room, well-suited to families with older children or groups of friends. Book the whole place as a generous villa for an extended family or group getaway.

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

  • Talpe 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 (20 minutes from Talpe) or to Talpe 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 often too rough for children to swim. Do ask hotel staff for advice on safe spots for a dip. Dalawella Beach, a short walk away, is a great family swimming spot.

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The best hotels in Talpe

The Frangipani Tree

Talpe (Sri Lanka)

A chic boutique property set on a quiet stretch of beach. Design is traditional throughout with high beamed ceilings and whirring fans set besides cool contemporary touches such as the luxurious open plan bathrooms. A place of rejuvenation to unwind with a drink and a good book.

  • Romantic Break - An intimate boutique hotel with just nine spacious suites, many with private terraces and panoramas overlooking the ocean
  • Cycling - Guided villages cycles with Idle Bikes are great fun, and a wonderful way to discover the paddy fields of the interior
  • Snorkelling - Snorkle in the protected reef by Wijaya Beach Club, where you'll spot enormous turtles gliding in the shallows
  • Beach Life - Located on a secluded stretch of golden sandy beach, perfect for relaxed ambles or sunset drinks with a view
from £139 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Sielen Diva

Talpe (Mihiripenne)

Boasting 180° views of crashing Indian Ocean waves, Sielen Diva is a striking cubist villa, perfectly poised for spectacular sunsets.

  • Romantic Break - A secluded and private beachfront setting that offers romantic experiences such as a massages and private dinners
  • Families - With amazing beach access, games and a pool there are endless opportunities for families
  • Sights nearby - Discover historic Galle Fort, just twenty minutes away by three-wheeler and filled with cafes, boutiques and eateries
  • Restaurant - The chef uses local ingredients to make tasty dishes and there is the option of outdoor BBQ's
from £150 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Satin Doll

Talpe (Mihiripenna)

Bask in the sunshine and salty sea air at Satin Doll, a beautiful villa promising luxurious tropical living and charm aplenty.

  • Romantic Break - An ideal spot for couples who want to relax by the beach and be immersed in a romantic setting
  • Families - Specific family rooms, great beach access and child-friendly menus
  • Restaurant - The hotel's cooks are trained in both local and international cuisine offering a great range of dishes
  • Sights nearby - Explore the boutiques and eateries of historic Galle Fort, just 20 minutes away by three-wheeler
from £160 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Owl and the Pussycat

Talpe (Sri Lanka)

An eclectic small hotel set directly on the beach, full of tantalising colour, quirky touches and fabulous food — all inspired by Edward Lear's whimsical poetry. Luxurious living with an easygoing feel and an extra dollop of mischief!

  • Sights nearby - Explore gorgeous Galle Fort, filled with boutiques, cafés and plenty of history to soak up (20 minutes drive away)
  • Romantic Break - Bright, funky suites are ideal for romantic breaks, with sea-facing balconies, great cocktails & an easygoing feel
  • Beach Life - A cool and contemporary property set on one of the area's most scenic beaches
  • Surfing - Head to the nearby beaches of Kabalana, Ahangama & Dewata for great surf
from £254 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Era Beach

Talpe (Sri Lanka)

A lovely villa with elegant guest rooms featuring capacious four-posters & modern bathrooms. The huge infinity pool, surrounded by sun loungers and sofas, overlooks a stretch of sandy beach. A tasty European and Sri Lanka menu is served and the feel is appealingly relaxed and laid-back.

  • Yoga - Rise early for classes at Sri Yoga Shala, a gorgeous jungle-framed yoga shala just a few minutes inland
  • Groups - Book the whole place for a memorable beach trip with friends and family, complete with infinity pool
  • Great walks - Take guided tours of Galle Fort, a fascinating UNESCO heritage site just 20 minutes' drive away
  • Beach Life - A charming little villa hotel on the beach just 20 minutes' drive from Galle
from £255 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Apa Villa Thalpe

Talpe (Sri Lanka)

An intimate collection of seven suites set in three villas on a stretch of golden sand. Colourful interiors feature handloom fabrics, delicious meals are arranged on request whilst massages can be enjoyed in-room. The sea-facing infinity pool and shaded courtyard are both a delight. Wonderful.

  • Cycling - Book a cycling tour with Idle Bikes, and wind your way along village lanes, between paddy fields, palm trees & houses
  • Families - A friendly family vibe, with generous suites, cots available, babysitting facilities & a refreshing pool
  • Yoga - There are fabulous classes at the beautiful Sri Yoga Shala, just a short three-wheeler ride inland
  • Beach Life - Six of the seven suites face the ocean and the golden sands of Thalpe Beach
from £391 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia