Looking for the perfect luxury stay in Ahungalla, Sri Lanka? I’ve found it in Ahu Bay, a beachside resort that epitomizes the relaxation Sri Lanka’s southern coast is known for.

You’d be forgiven for thinking you were sleeping. Ahungalla is, after all, dreamy. Its coastline feels like every postcard of Sri Lanka you’ve seen. Just north, in nearby Kosgoda, whales frequent the waters, a National Geographic cover come to life. It’s a beach town you likely won’t want to leave, especially if you’re staying at one of Ahungalla’s luxury beach resorts, like Ahu Bay.

It’s no secret that Sri Lanka’s southern coastline spoils travelers with accommodation. As tourism continues to swell in this part of Sri Lanka, so do the hotel options. There’s something for everyone- from budget bunks to beachside bungalows.

With so many choices, it can be overwhelming to decide where to stay and what’s worth your money, which is why I’ve taken it upon myself over many visits and cumulative months traveling Sri Lanka to scope out its best hotels. And, I can wholeheartedly say, Ahu Bay in Ahungalla is among them.

Ahu Bay lathers its guests in luxury, perfecting the blend of private, pristine, and personalized. We were lucky enough to spend three nights sipping watermelon juices, dipping in and out of the pool, and spotting sea turtles emerging from their sandy holes. It was, in a word: magic.

However, its splendor comes with a price tag. So, is Ahu Bay actually worth staying at? I’ve written this honest and comprehensive review to include all the details of my stay and answer all your questions before you book!

About Ahu Bay ↴

Resorts typically aren’t my “thing.” But Ahu Bay is one of those rare properties that doesn’t just focus on sustainability as a sexy principle in their marketing. Ahu Bay and its parent company, Resplendent Ceylon, are part of the Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company. Resplendent Ceylon resorts are located in scenic and environmentally sensitive areas, and they are committed to being good stewards of these pristine locations. which is why the company contributes to several initiatives throughout Sri Lanka, including social empowerment projects at the MJF Centre, leopard conservation at Yala National Park, hospitality training at the Resplendent Academy, and reversing deforestation with the Model Montane Forest Project. You can read more about Dilmah’s conservation efforts here.

Where is Ahu Bay + Ahungalla ↴

Ahungalla is a tiny coastal town in Galle District along the country’s southwestern coast. It sits roughly 50 miles south of Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo, and 25 miles north of Galle, a historic city many travelers have on their Sri Lankan itinerary. Although the southern coast has become a hotspot thanks to popular destinations like Bentota, Mirissa, and Hiriketiya, Ahungalla has maintained its original quiet and quaint charm.

Ahu Bay is located on a public beach along Ahungalla’s beachfront. This means locals can access the waterfront without having to be resort guests, which we love!

How do you get to Ahungalla

We took a Coastal Line train from Colombo to Ahungalla Station. From there, a tuk-tuk drove us to our stay at Ahu Bay. This is a very local train, and it was slower than hiring a driver would have been, but the atmosphere Sri Lankan trains offer is not to be missed. There are some beautiful coastal views along the way.

You can, alternatively, opt for the bus from Colombo or Galle. These run frequently and take a direct path along the A2 coastal highway. Similarly, hired cars or taxis can get you to Ahungalla on the Southern Expressway (E01). From Colombo, the journey is roughly 2.5 hours.

Ahu Bay Room Options ↴

Luke and I were lucky enough to stay in the Bay View Suite, one of the ground-floor suites that open to the ocean and a private plunge pool. On top of the stunning bedroom, the suite includes a separate room with bunk beds for children, a large lounge, and a blue-tiled bathroom with a rainfall showerhead.

I could write a sonnet about the bed’s mattress—like sleeping in a marshmallow. We opted into the turn-down service and came back from dinner every night to tiny chocolates in our ready-to-crawl-into bed.

Since we visited in September, when the waves in Ahungalla are especially temperamental, we were advised not to swim in the ocean. Instead, we walked along the beach in the mornings and cooled off in our private plunge pool as the day got hotter.

The Bay View Suite was plenty large enough for two people and could have easily fit a family of four.

Other Ahu Bay room options include:

Bay View Room | These rooms sit on the upper floor, providing uninterrupted ocean views. All Bay View Rooms are west-facing so you never have to miss a sunset. This is the quaintest option, though still remarkably luxurious.
Bay View Pool Suite |
Bay View Pool Residence | The pool residence is the largest room option at Ahu Bay, ideal for families and groups of up to 6 adults. Bay View Pool Residences are stand-alone villas comprised of a Pool Suite on the ground floor and two Bay View Rooms on the upper floor.

Ahu Bay Amenities + Services ↴

It’s hard for me to think of an amenity that Ahu Bay doesn’t offer. Room service, a full-service spa, WiFi, beach access, welcome drinks, concierge, turndown service— you name it, they have it.

Dining + Drinks at Ahu Bay ↴

I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again, there is no such thing as bad food in Sri Lanka. And Ahu Bay’s onsite dining is no exception. The Main Restaurant & Bar offers an Indian Ocean view for diners, where you can enjoy fresh, locally inspired dishes that rotate seasonally. For breakfast, we filled up on platters of fresh fruit, baskets of bread, and incredible dishes we selected from a curated menu.

If you don’t feel like getting out of bed or eating at the restaurant, room service is available! We took advantage of the fresh fruit juices being delivered straight to our suite door.

Our stay included full board, meaning all of our meals were included. We also added a personalized dining experience to our stay. This meant we indulged in a five-course gourmet dinner inspired by regional flavors. A table for two was set up at sunset against the ocean as our backdrop. Candles flickered as we ate our way through five impeccable courses of curries, paneer, and decadent desserts. This is a seriously romantic experience

Things to Do in Ahungalla ↴

Booking a stay at Ahu Bay doesn’t mean you’ll be held captive within the resort’s walls. In fact, staying here allows you to take advantage of nearby day trips and wildlife excursions. Here are some of my favorite things to do in the area:

Ambalangoda Mask Museum

Twenty minutes away from Ahu Bay is a small museum that delves into Sri Lanka’s rich history of folklore and hand-carved masks, commonly used in cultural dances and rituals. Ahu Bay’s staff can set up this outing for you, if you like.

Madu Ganga River Safari

Hop on a boat safari to discover the Madu Ganga River’s mangroves and cinnamon plantations. The small islands dotted around the water are rife with monkeys and native birds. Madu Ganga River is only 10 minutes from Ahu Bay, and the hotel staff are happy to set up this excursion for you, if you like.

Explore Galle Fort

Take a day trip to historic Galle, only 1 hour away from Ahungalla. Galle Fort is a UNESCO-listed site filled with colonial buildings, including its iconic lighthouse. Take in the views, catch a cricket game, and check out the tiny shops that dot Galle’s laneways.

Kosgoda Whale Watching

If you happen to time your stay for November, you should absolutely make your way north to Kosgoda for whale watching. As someone who suffers from seasickness, I will say it wasn’t for the faint of heart, but if you can stomach the waters, the whale watching is out-of-this-world. Overall, it’s an unforgettable experience that’s worth adding to your itinerary.

Pros + Cons of Staying at Ahu Bay ↴

Pros

Quiet, tranquil location
Eco ethos
Romantic atmosphere
Fantastic food
Staff our 10/10 helpful
Close to off-site activities and day trips

Cons

Most things to do nearby require transport or pre-planning
The beach is only for strong swimmers at certain times of the year

Who is Ahu Bay Best For ↴

The price tag at Ahu Bay makes it less fiscally accessible than typical Sri Lankan accommodation. Still, it’s worth the investment for:

Couples + honeymooners | Ahu Bay offers intimate beachfront villas with private plunge pools and personalized sunset dining experiences. It is the definition of a romantic getaway.
Wellness travelers | Ahu Bay’s has an on-site spa that offers traditional Sri Lankan healing treatments. The concierge can also curate experiences like whale watching, backwater bicycling, and local craft workshops for sustainably minded travelers.
Small groups + celebrations | As we were checking out, a bachelorette party was checking in. One of the women from the group explained that they had four days of spa treatments and poolside dining booked for the bride to completely decompress from the stresses of wedding planning before her big day. The personalized nature of Ahu Bay and the willingness of the staff to customize activities would make it fantastic for small groups.

It’s not well-suited for those looking interested in rowdy nightlife or lively surroundings. Ahu Bay offers a tranquil place to unwind after a trip filled with Sri Lankan adventures.

Final Verdict - Would I Stay at Ahu Bay Again ↴

Absolutely, 1000%, sign me up! This stay was a partnership with Ahu Bay, but I would pay to stay again. We loved it so much that we contemplated elongating our stay, but ultimately had to keep moving to complete our itinerary (which included work). It remains, for me, the best hotel in Ahungalla, Sri Lanka.

Book your stay at Ahu Bay here.