Abode Ahangama

from $123
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“A gorgeous 1950s villa framed by swaying palm trees & grassy gardens with a swimming pool in buzzy Ahangama. Four whitewashed bedrooms have wrought-iron four-posters, indoor-outdoor bathrooms & thoughtful touches. Hearty breakfasts are served each morning. A boutique gem.”

Hotel review

Sister hotel to the hugely popular Abode Bombay in Mumbai, Abode Ahangama is a beautifully restored 1950s bungalow. Set in the hip beach town of Ahangama, the south coast's surf-and-yoga hotspot, Abode is a fabulous boutique hotel for couples or groups of friends, who can book out the whole house as a private hideaway.

White-painted walls, a red-tiled roof and Art Deco-inspired touches characterise this very attractive property, which sits in leafy gardens within walking distance of the coast. Expect peacocks strutting through the garden, monkeys swinging between the palm trees, and the occasional kingfisher skimming the surface of the swimming pool. Inside, you'll find four bedrooms, each with a draped wrought-iron four-poster, the polished red floors typical of Sri Lanka houses, and carefully chosen antiques and curios. Maps detailing the owner's favourite Ahangama spots are a very nice touch — as are the slippers and bathrobes. Cool off with rain showers in indoor-outdoor bathrooms — the best of which is undoubtedly the semi-circular shower space in Room 4 — or kick back on the terrace with a pot of tea and a good book.

Generous breakfasts of fresh fruit and Sri Lankan specialities — such as fabulous egg hoppers — are served each morning, and lunches or dinners can be arranged on request. The group have recently opened their own seaside eatery, Abode by the Beach, which also has rooms and a more modern vibe. Head across there for sea swims and sunset cocktails after days of surfing, yoga or sunbathing by the pool. A brilliant boutique bolthole.

Saskia Walker
Saskia Walker Review published: 11/09/2024

Recommended for

  • Groups

    • Book all four bedrooms for a great group holiday, with a big swimming pool and gardens for relaxing together

  • Romantic Break

    • Big double bedrooms are perfect for romantic breaks, as are the restorative massages

  • Learning

    • Journey across to historic Galle Fort to delve into Sri Lanka's fascinating past — and the Fort's vibrant modern-day community

  • Close to nightlife

    • Head to nearby Lighthouse for sunset drinks, or across to Trax, a hip railway-side house-turned-bar for late-night dancing

  • Antiques

    • Wooden antique furnishings from Sri Lanka and south India decorate the interior, along with more modern pieces

  • Yoga

    • Take fabulous yoga classes in Ahangama, with everything from challenging vinyasa to reflective post-surf yin

  • Surfing

    • Hire a board and surf at the nearby breaks of Ahangama, Midigama and Kabalana, all just minutes away

  • Cycling

    • Guided cycling tours are a wonderful way to discover the paddy fields of the village's interior

  • Historic

    • A restored 1950s bungalow with lovely original features

  • No restaurant

    • Breakfasts are served in the house's dining room

  • Less £

  • Quiet

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Eco

  • Trekking

  • Birdwatching

  • Barefoot Luxury

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Full of character

  • House party feel

  • Local markets

  • Great walks

  • Boutique

  • Chic

  • Quirky

  • Child friendly

  • Retro/Vintage

  • Safari

  • Beach nearby

  • Disabled access

  • Wellbeing

  • Wildlife Area

  • Contemporary

  • Exclusive use

  • Charming

  • Luxury

  • Intimate

  • Romantic

  • Secluded setting

Facilities

  • Rooms

    4 rooms in this hotel

  • Massage

    Speak to the team about arranging rejuvenating massages

  • No restaurant

    Breakfasts are served in the house's dining room

  • Swimming Pool

    Outdoor pool

  • Communal Dining

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Airport transfer

  • Walking distance restaurants

  • Outdoor dining

  • Parking

  • Cots available

  • No pets

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Laundry

  • Garden

  • Child friendly

  • Sitting Room

  • Disabled access

  • Suites

  • Bath robes

  • Air conditioning

  • Wifi

  • Safe

Activities

  • Learning

    • Journey across to historic Galle Fort to delve into Sri Lanka's fascinating past — and the Fort's vibrant modern-day community

  • Close to nightlife

    • Head to nearby Lighthouse for sunset drinks, or across to Trax, a hip railway-side house-turned-bar for late-night dancing

  • Yoga

    • Take fabulous yoga classes in Ahangama, with everything from challenging vinyasa to reflective post-surf yin

  • Surfing

    • Hire a board and surf at the nearby breaks of Ahangama, Midigama and Kabalana, all just minutes away

  • Cycling

    • Guided cycling tours are a wonderful way to discover the paddy fields of the village's interior

  • Trekking

  • Birdwatching

  • Local markets

  • Great walks

  • Safari

  • Wildlife Area

Map & Location

Other reviews

Abode Ahangama - Hotel Review

"Unlike the well-trodden resort towns farther down the coast, this fishing village east of Galle still feels unhurried, with fruit stands outnumbering souvenir stores and a conspicuous lack of large-scale hotel developments. Over the past five years, surfers and yogis from Colombo and abroad have trickled in, transforming the area's terra-cotta-roofed villas into wellness retreats and cool-kid hangouts... Abode Ahangama occupies a 1950s Art Deco villa with four quirky bedrooms and a shaded pool."

Originally published by Condé Nast Traveler

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