Wondering where to stay in Ahangama, Sri Lanka? I've found the ultimate affordable concept hotel: PALM Hotel, a hidden gem stay that embodies the relaxing atmosphere of the southern coast.

It’s no secret that Sri Lanka’s southern coastline spoils travelers with accommodation options, including everything from budget bunks and beachside bungalows to boutique beds. As tourism continues to swell in this part of Sri Lanka, so do the hotel options. The sheer number of hotel choices can make choosing where to stay overwhelming, which is why I’ve taken it upon myself, over many visits and cumulative months traveling in Sri Lanka, to scope out the best hotels across the country.

Ahangama, one of Sri Lanka’s longstanding surfing destinations, has several design-led stays that embody the beach town’s cool. But none do it better than PALM Hotel.

This is my honest review of PALM Hotel in Ahangama, a hotel as vibe-y as the beachy town it’s situated in.

Responsible travel in Sri Lanka ↴

My travel philosophy centers around responsible, intentional explorations — trips that keep the people and planet at top of mind. Promoting Sri Lanka as a travel destination is complicated due to its increasing environmental issues and rapid gentrification. However, I know that my little blog isn’t going to stop people from visiting Sri Lanka, and that’s not what I would want anyway! Instead, I’m here to promote responsible travel and alternative solutions for bigger problems.

Here are some key tips for more responsible travel in Sri Lanka:

Travel during shoulder season | Traveling outside of peak tourist season is a great way to reduce over-tourism and create sustainable income for local businesses year-round.
Support local businesses | Spending your money at the most grassroots level helps the local economy flourish. Eat at a locally owned restaurant, book a tour led by a resident guide, and buy handcrafted souvenirs from vendors that don’t import cheap dupe products.
Avoid bottled drinks + plastic bags | Sri Lanka’s coastline is one of its many treasures, but it is facing a horrific plastic pollution crisis. Do your part by not purchasing plastic bottles and bags. I recommend packing a reusable bag for your shopping and a refillable bottle to stay hydrated.
Be respectful of wildlife | Sri Lanka is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream! However, irresponsible animal encounters with tourists scare wildlife away from their natural habitats and cause aggressive interactions. Maintain a respectful distance between yourself and wildlife always, whether you’re swimming in sea turtle-infested water or on an elephant safari.

How to get to Ahangama ↴

train

Sri Lanka’s southern coast is super well-connected thanks to the Southern Coast train, which runs along the country’s iconic coastline. Taking the train from Colombo or Galle to Ahangama Station is, without question, the most scenic way to get to Ahangama.

There are seven departures from Colombo per weekday, fewer on the weekends. Regular train times are as follows: 6:55 AM, 8:35 AM, 10:30 AM, 2:25 PM, 3:50 PM, 4:46 PM, 5:30 PM, 5:35 PM, 6:05 PM.

The trip takes around 1.5 hours, but be sure to check that there aren’t any major holidays or elections taking place, as this could result in significant delays to your journey. I have purchased my tickets at the train station on the day without issue, but I would recommend booking them in advance if you can (below).

Book your train ticket here.

BUS

Local buses are another affordable transport option to get to Ahangama. They depart every 15 minutes from Colombo to Galle and take approximately 2.5 hours. Ahangama is roughly 30 minutes from the Galle bus station, and you can get a tuk-tuk to finish the journey.

TAXI / hired driver

The quickest, easiest, and arguably most expensive way to get to Ahangama is via taxi or private car. We have a trusted, certified tour guide and friend, Shihan, who connects us with safe, professional drivers every time we visit Sri Lanka. The best part is that the prices are competitive and arranged beforehand, so there’s no negotiating or hidden fees. You can contact Shihan via email (below), and he will arrange a driver using WhatsApp.

Book a driver through Shihan here.

How to get around Ahangama ↴

PALM is just a quick 10-minute tuk-tuk ride from Ahangama (main town). During our stay, there were tuk-tuks regularly waiting for guests at the property’s gate. On the odd occasion that there aren’t any, the front desk can arrange one for you.

Alternatively, you can use Uber or PickMe rideshare apps, but do so with caution. Local tuk-tuk drivers understandably feel undercut by the app rates, seeing them as a threat to their livelihoods, which can lead to confrontations. We’ve used PickMe relatively frequently across Sri Lanka with no issue, but we’ve heard negative stories from fellow travelers. It’s just a little something to keep in mind. Don’t worry about getting back to PALM— there are plenty of tuk-tuks in the town!

About PALM ↴

In 2019, Miriam and Laurie left their lives in Shoreditch (London) to trace Miriam’s Sri Lankan roots. In the process, they discovered an abandoned coconut plantation and decided to breathe new life into the land by opening a concept hotel. The pair utilized local materials to construct a unique urban-infused space that merges with Sri Lankan minimalism in the heart of the jungle.

Room options + amenities at PALM ↴

Choose to stay in one of the six A-Frame Cabanas, two Deluxe Suites on stilts, or the 4-bedroom villa (the PALM Haus). All room options are spread out across the four-acre site, giving guests a taste of privacy and space to disconnect. Every space includes floor-to-ceiling windows, concrete interiors (for natural cooling), linen bedding, private balconies or patios, and outdoor showers.

Other amenities included in your stay:

King-size beds
Bluetooth speakers
Air-conditioning
Cots available for children
Locally-sourced luxury toiletries
In-room safes
Fully equipped kitchen (PALM Haus)
Fully equipped gym with instructor-led fitness classes
Pool access
In-room masseuse available (must book)
Private yoga sessions (must book)

You don’t have to stay at PALM to reap the benefits. You can book a table at PALM’s restaurant, swing by for a fitness class, or purchase a day pass for the pool.

On-site dining options at PALM ↴

You won’t go hungry at PALM thanks to their all-day on-site dining options, including traditional thali, western brunch, and snack-y bites perfect for lounging poolside. Our booking included breakfast daily, and we tried everything from coconut milk rice (a delicious coconut milk porridge topped with fruit) to Sri Lankan string hoppers and poached eggs on sourdough.

We’d spend our afternoons by the pool, scarfing down plates of curry fries and washing them down with fresh watermelon juices.

Nearby dining options ↴

Because of PALM’s location, you’ll either have to eat on-site or be prepared to take a tuk-tuk to one of the many nearby restaurants, cafés, and cocktail bars. Here are some of our favorites from our stay in Ahangama:

Abode by the Beach | Abode serves a menu focused on fresh produce, seafood, and small bites. They also make out-of-this-world cocktails. The best part? It overlooks Sion surf break.
Sisters Away | Sisters Away is one of the best brunch spots in Ahangama. The Turkish sisters who own Sisters Away bake the bread fresh daily.
The Kip | If you’re not staying at The Kip, you can still partake in its fabulous brunch.
Dreamsea | You’ll hear lots of Aussie accents enjoying Bali-style smoothie bowls and Antipodean avo-toast here.
Black Honey Cafe | Black Honey is a gorgeous café in Kabalana that serves incredible coffee. There’s a
Hotel de Uncles | We spent one of Ahangama’s golden hours at Uncle’s, the little sister of one of Colombo’s best bars. It’s a funky little beach bar that serves banging cocktails and delicious dhal.
Crust Pizza | Crust is a surfer bar and restaurant with unadulterated views of the coastline. Watch beachgoers while you enjoy pizza and a cold beer.
Wild + The Sage | Wild + The Sage is part bookshop, part garden café.
Manori's Kitchen | If you’re looking for home-cooked Sri Lankan food, I recommend Manori’s. We had an incredible meal here, made with love by the family who runs this alleyway establishment. The sambol is especially out of this world, and there are plenty of vegan options!

Things to do in Ahangama ↴

While you may very well want to spend the entirety of your days lounging at PALM’s pool, there are plenty of things to do in Ahangama should you choose to explore. Here are, in my opinion, the best things to do in Ahangama.

Bike Tours

Since most tourists spend their days along the coastline, surfing or lying beachside, they forget that Ahangama is best discovered by cycling its backroads. I recommend renting a bicycle from Jungle Rides By Aja. Idle Bikes in Unawantuna is also popular with travelers.

White Tea Plantation

PALM is only 15 minutes from the Handunugoda Tea Estate. You can tour the tea plantation and its factory for just USD $2 per person.

Galle

Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the Portuguese and Dutch colonial era. It’s an easy day trip from Ahangama, and an important historical addition to your Sri Lanka itinerary. Take in the views, catch a cricket game, and check out the tiny shops that dot Galle’s laneways.

safari

Sri Lankan safaris are on a level all their own, and lucky for you, Yala and Udawalawe can be done in a day trip from PALM. You can see elephants at both national parks, but only Yala is home to the elusive leopards. The downside is that Yala gets extremely overcrowded during peak season. The park fills with jeeps, often outnumbering animals and making it even harder to see wildlife. PALM’s staff are happy to arrange a Udawalawe safari should you be interested.

Ahangama lighthouse

The most popular sunset spot in Ahangama is its lighthouse— but be ready to climb four flights of stairs for the ocean views.

Hiriketya

Another fantastic day trip from Ahangama is Hiriketya, an idyllic palm-fringed bay frequented by surfers and swimmers. There is no shortage of restaurants, cocktail bars, and concept stores to bop into while you discover one of the coolest beach towns on Sri Lanka’s southern coast.

Cooking Classes

Sri Lankan cuisine is one of my favorites, and one of my favorite things to do in Sri Lanka is to take a cooking class. You’ll be able to learn about local ingredients and traditional cooking methods at Sea Waves Restaurant, run by a mother-daughter team in nearby Unawatuna.

Pros + Cons of Staying at PALM ↴

Pros

Quiet, tranquil location
Impeccable design + details
Environmental focus
Private atmosphere for couples or great group setting
Fantastic food on a full dining menu
On-site massage, yoga, and fitness classes
Close to off-site activities and day trips

Cons

Away from Ahangama main town, so you will require a tuk-tuk to bop around
On-site dining isn’t as affordable as other restaurants in Ahangama

Who is PALM best for ↴

PALM’s stay options start at USD $150 per night, making it a great affordable option for:

Couples + honeymooners | The secluded location of PALM lends itself to intimacy, and its A-frame Cabanas with private outdoor showers epitomize romance.
Wellness travelers | Wellness travelers can indulge in PALM’s in-room massages, fitness classes, private yoga sessions, or make use of its full-service gym. It’s an ideal place to focus on wellbeing and relaxation.
Small groups + celebrations | The PALM Haus accommodates up to eight people, making it the perfect spot for families, groups of friends, and those seeking a space to celebrate.

Final Verdict - Would I Stay at PALM Again ↴

When I initially saw PALM Hotel on Instagram, I was itching to book a stay, but I worried that the reality wouldn’t live up to the little square images of its idyllic pool or colorful breakfast platter. After three nights in the gorgeous A-frame villa, I immediately began plotting my return.

Book your stay at PALM Hotel.