The Kip

from $126
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Queen Room 2
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Queen Room 2
“A gorgeous hideaway in lively Ahangama, with three guest rooms set in a restored villa, and one garden studio. Thoughtfully curated spaces feature artisanal pottery, rattan lampshades & potted palms, all reflecting the mellow ethos of this charming little hotel, to which guests return again & again.”

Hotel review

Tranquil and intimate, the Kip sits nestled within gardens of banana trees and coconut palms. Opened by Australian-Italian couple Phoebe and Seddy before the beach town of Ahangama became the trendy hotspot that it is now, this little hotel is famed for its laid-back, friendly feel and thoughtful, pared-back interiors.

A carefully restored colonial-era bungalow with white-painted columns, terracotta roof tiles and polished floors, the hotel has four cool, airy guest rooms. Three are within the main house, accessed through painted double doors, whilst the fourth is a newly-built garden studio, tucked away for extra privacy. Cosy queen beds invite lazy lounging, and there is a real focus on natural materials and handmade traditional crafts, with rattan lampshades, cane chairs, terracotta pots and big antique glass vessels. Guests share access to a shaded courtyard, and to a generous terrace which opens onto the garden.

There's always a buzz at the café, which is also open to the public and popular for its veggie brunches and ever-changing menu of seasonal delights — some of which are sourced from the hotel's own vegetable patch. Head out for days of surfing at nearby breaks, amble to the nearby cove for a refreshing sea swim, or join fellow creatives for art workshops. Community-focused events are a Kip signature, too, with supper clubs and yoga classes encouraging connection and reflection. A beautiful, understated boutique bolthole championing authenticity and eco-conscious living on the edge of the Sri Lankan jungle.

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

Recommended for

  • Surfing

    • Hone your surf skills on the beginner breaks of Weligama Bay, or ride the waves at Kabalana, Sticks or Marshmallow surf points

  • Art Classes

    • Get creative with painting, drawing or pottery-making at fabulous artists' workshops held at The Kip throughout the year

  • Hideaway

    • A little slice of calm surrounded by leafy gardens & the scent of sandalwood, all within easy reach of the beach

  • Romantic Break

    • Intimate & romantic, guest rooms invite couples to unwind in blissful tranquility with long garden breakfasts

  • Yoga

    • The Kip sometimes hosts evening yin yoga classes & the team can recommend superb shalas in Ahangama for hatha or vinyasa classes

  • Restaurant

    • The buzzy Kip Cafe is open for breakfast & lunch, and reopens on some evenings for dinner. Pop up supper nights are also held

  • Designer

    • Each piece of furniture or decor has been chosen with care by Phoebe & Seddy, championing local artisans & natural materials

  • Owner managed

    • Friendly owners Phoebe and Seddy are regularly onsite, ready with top tips for exploring their corner of the south coast

  • Artworks

    • A collection of photographic prints, handmade terracotta pots & reflective coffee table books decorates serene spaces

  • Historic

    • A restored heritage bungalow, with a pretty central courtyard, white-painted columns & tiled roofs

  • Great walks

    • Stroll around buzzy Ahangama, or take a long walk along beautiful Habaraduwa Beach

  • Beach nearby

    • A short walk from 'Secret Beach', which is wonderful for refreshing dips

  • Close to nightlife

    • Head into Ahangama for live DJ evenings at popular Soul & Surf or Trax

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Organic food

  • Restrictions on children

  • Learning

  • Barefoot Luxury

  • Hotel Entertainment

  • Full of character

  • House party feel

  • Lively area

  • Local markets

  • Charming

  • Boutique

  • Cycling

  • Chic

  • Retro/Vintage

  • Disabled access

  • Wellbeing

  • Contemporary

  • Luxury

  • Intimate

  • Romantic

  • Eco

  • Quiet

  • Less £

Facilities

  • Rooms

    4 rooms in this hotel

  • Restaurant

    The buzzy Kip Cafe is open for breakfast & lunch, and reopens on some evenings for dinner. Pop up supper nights are also held

  • Garden

    Leafy gardens with banana and avocado trees, plus a well-tended vegetable patch

  • Shops

    The onsite shop showcases clothing, jewellery and homeware by local makers

  • Walking distance restaurants

    Amble towards the beach for cafes and bars aplenty

  • Restrictions on children

  • No pets

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Parking

  • Laundry

  • Adult Only

  • Sitting Room

  • Disabled access

  • Outdoor dining

  • Wifi

  • Air conditioning

  • Communal Dining

  • Airport transfer

Activities

  • Surfing

    • Hone your surf skills on the beginner breaks of Weligama Bay, or ride the waves at Kabalana, Sticks or Marshmallow surf points

  • Art Classes

    • Get creative with painting, drawing or pottery-making at fabulous artists' workshops held at The Kip throughout the year

  • Yoga

    • The Kip sometimes hosts evening yin yoga classes & the team can recommend superb shalas in Ahangama for hatha or vinyasa classes

  • Great walks

    • Stroll around buzzy Ahangama, or take a long walk along beautiful Habaraduwa Beach

  • Close to nightlife

    • Head into Ahangama for live DJ evenings at popular Soul & Surf or Trax

  • Learning

  • Hotel Entertainment

  • Local markets

  • Cycling

Map & Location

Other reviews

Some of the cheapest nicest hotels we love

"As Sri Lanka’s popularity as a surfing destination grows, so too do the number of guest houses and hostels bubbling up along the shoreline between Galle and Weligama, a walk or scooter ride away from the hotly contested breaks at Midigama and Kabalana. At the centre of it all is The Kip, a mellow village-home-turned-bed-and-breakfast. Around a minute’s walk from the coast and surrounded by Ahangama’s fretwork-fringed villas, The Kip’s fresh style and affordability has already grabbed the attention of a steady stream of young, socially conscious travellers."

Originally published by Condé Nast Traveller

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