Kumu Beach is a stylish boutique hotel fronting the Balapitiya beach on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast between Bentota and Galle. Simple and unassuming with slopping terracotta tiled roofs and symmetrical architecture, it enjoys a beautiful sea-front. Inside, the interiors are elegant, designed by Annika Fernando, a recognised Sri Lankan designer, who brings in her distinct style of living that has become synonymous with a modern Sri Lankan aesthetic.
There are just 10 bedrooms, set on two floors at the Kumu Beach. All are amply spacious, sea facing and some with terraces or balconies for enhanced views. Each has beautifully crafted furnishings and brought alive by contemporary colour-splashed batik cushions by Colombo-based designer. Public spaces showcase greenish-hued copper globe sculptures by another of Sri Lankan artists. In addition to golden beaches, there is a slim 23-metre swimming pool and a small spa room.
Dining here is a relaxed affair with most meals prepared and served according to guests liking. Kumu Beach enjoys a primary location; Ambalangoda, a centre for arts and crafts, is a five-minute drive away, as is the launch pad for Madu Ganga wetlands boat trips. Galle’s fascinating 17th-century fort can be reached in 50 minutes, while you can get to Bentota in about half an hour. Also, of interest in the region are the enviable estates of Bawa brothers, Sri Lanka’s famed architects.
Amenities
Bar/PubConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableFamily RoomGardenLibraryMultilingual StaffOutdoor PoolPrivate BeachRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesWi-Fi Available
Stay Kumu Beach features just 10 rooms and suites. These include four Ocean View Suites, four Ocean View Double Rooms and two twin Kumu Bedrooms, which are the smallest. All rooms are elegantly decorated with plush beds, off-white terrazzo floors and come with individual balconies or terraces offering ocean views. Rooms are spacious with an open plan layout, decorated with local art, wood furnishings and splashes of colour to create a contemporary and stylish space to relax.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at Kumu Beach. There are no interconnecting rooms but an extra bed can be easily accommodated in an Oceanview Suite. Alternatively, parents can choose to stay in Ocean View Double Rooms and elder children in twin Kumu Bedrooms.
Dine Dining at Kumu Beach is an informal and relaxed affair. Expect fresh, contemporary and creative dishes; breakfast include tropical fruit platters, berry smoothies and homemade granola. The all-day dining menu features predominantly international dishes, and the à la carte dinner menu includes a fusion of Sri Lankan and Western dishes, mostly focussed on seafood. As the sister property of The Wallawwa and The Fort Bazaar, you can expect great food here.
Relax There is a slim 23-metre swimming pool at the Kumu Beach with sunken bench seating and jets. Inside, there are ample spaces to relax including a living room with plush sofas. There is also one spa room for two people. Guests can take leisurely stroll along the beach are relax on sun loungers with a book.
Experience Balapitiya is a small, picturesque village with golden soft beaches on which Kumu Beach is located. Still untouched by mass tourism, it is a great destination for those who are looking for the ‘real Sri Lanka’ experience. Nature lovers and bird watchers will love the sweet water lagoons and the Maadu river for its amazing flora and fauna. Culture vultures can drive to Ambalangoda, famous for its mask carving and further to Hikkaduwa Beach, lined with restaurants and bars.
Location Kumu Beach is located in Balapitiya which sits between Bentota and Hikkaduwa. Balapitiya is on Sri Lanka's south west coast, an hour from Galle and two hours thirty minutes from Colombo.
Getting there Fly into Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport. From there Kumu Beach is a two hour thirty minute drive. Alternatively, Cinnamon Air run flights to nearby Bentota, just 18km away.
When to go Sri Lanka is a year-round destination with consistently warm temperatures and lots of sunshine. There are two monsoon seasons but they only bring rain to the west and south-west coasts from May to September; and the east coast and northern region between October and February. The rest of the year is sunny and dry but the months of December to April are probably the best time to visit. Colombo and the low-lying coastal regions have an average temperature of 27°C.
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