The Sandhya
Casual luxe, minimalist Scandinavian-meets-mid-century modern. Quiet, adults-only, design-forward. No surf-shack chaos, no colonial villa fussiness — just clean lines, good food, and the ocean everywhere.
Book the Director's Suite on the top floor for the best sunset angle — the owner personally designed it based on his favorite hotels worldwide
Why It Matters
Michelin Guide-listed and featured in Wallpaper* Magazine. One of the few properties on Sri Lanka's south coast that genuinely breaks from the colonial villa template. The pool was originally built from a repurposed shipping container, and a full 30-meter lap pool was later added out front. The farm-to-table restaurant has become a local destination in its own right.
The Sandhya is a nine-room, adults-only beachfront boutique hotel sitting directly on Kabalana Surf Beach on Sri Lanka's south coast. A Singaporean owner's passion project, the low-slung two-story structure is wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass so the Indian Ocean is your constant backdrop — whether you're in your room, the double-height lobby lounge, or the 30-meter pool. Interiors blend mid-century modern furniture with mod-chinoiserie details, designed by Sebastian Conran-trained Linden Davis of Only & Co., and the whole place feels more like a very well-designed private beach house than a hotel.
Where You'll Stay
4 room types available
Director's Suite
The best room in the house, period. Top floor, 76 sqm, personally designed by the owner based on his favorite stays around the world. Open-plan living and sleeping with access to ocean-view balconies. The bathroom is a full production: walk-in wardrobe, deep standalone soaking tub, 2-person rain shower, dual basins. Entertainment on a 55-inch 4K screen with Apple TV and Netflix. 500 thread count linens and soft natural tones throughout.
Super King · 76 sqm
Studio King
The entry-level room, and it's still 38 sqm with unobstructed ocean views. Open-plan layout with 3.5-meter floor-to-ceiling glass doors that slide open to a private balcony or patio. Muted contemporary palette, bespoke designer furniture, and 500 thread count pillow-top bed. Bathroom features an oversized two-person rain shower and Spa Ceylon toiletries. No bathtub in this category.
King · 38 sqmStudio Twin
Same 38 sqm footprint as the Studio King but configured with twin beds — useful for two people who want separate sleeping arrangements without giving up any of the ocean view or design quality. Same full-glass ocean-facing aspect and private outdoor space.
Twin · 38 sqmStudio+ King
Five extra sqm over the Studio King, and the key upgrade is a standalone soaking tub and dual sinks alongside the oversized rain shower. Available on upper or ground floor, each with balcony or patio. Same bespoke furniture and muted palette. The bathtub is a real differentiator if you want a proper soak after a surf session.
King · 43 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A brand new 30-meter pool positioned directly between the hotel and the beach. The original pool was built from a repurposed shipping container — a signature design feature that drew early press attention. The new pool extends the swim-up experience right to the edge of the surf break.
The entire hotel can be booked as a private beach house. The nine rooms, all staff, dining, and the beach setting work for intimate weddings, birthdays, family reunions, or wellness retreats. Sunset is the natural backdrop. From US$3,500++ per night for exclusive use.
Air-conditioned media/game room with arcade-style entertainment. A good refuge during afternoon heat or rainy-season downpours.
Run on-site at The Dining Room. Learn the fundamentals of Sri Lankan rice & curry cooking with the hotel team. A good way to take a real piece of the cuisine home.
The hotel sits directly on Kabalana Surf Beach, one of the south coast's most consistent breaks. Walk out the door and you're in the water. The beach has both beginner-friendly and more advanced sections. The hotel doesn't run its own surf school but the local surf scene has plenty of instructors nearby.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
The hotel sits directly on the white sands of Kabalana Surf Beach — no road to cross.
Complimentary daily continental breakfast for all guests at The Dining Room. Includes banana roti pancakes, fresh fruit, and homemade jams.
Thousands of digital newspapers and magazines worldwide, available via PressReader in all rooms.
Air-conditioned indoor media lounge and arcade/game room.
Strictly no guests under 16. The hotel will turn away guests with children at check-in with no refund.
Beachfront 30-meter outdoor pool with direct views of the surf break. Originally the property featured a pool repurposed from a shipping container; this larger lap pool is a recent addition.
Rooms are made up twice daily according to guest reviews.
Roundtrip airport transfer available at additional charge, available 24 hours. Arrange in advance.
BUILD YOUR THE SANDHYA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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