Halcyon Mawella

Introduction

There are few more restful spots on the Sri Lankan coastline than the attractive little beach retreat of Halcyon Mawella. This is an inviting and, it appears, a purposefully refined, spot for those who want nothing more complicated than to relax in quiet and tasteful surroundings on the edge of a beautiful and often near-deserted stretch of coastline. The hotel is positioned at the centre of Mawella’s mile-long horseshoe bay – one of southern Sri Lanka’s prettiest and least developed coastal locations – and close to the upmarket Taru Villas Mawella. It is well away from the main road which keeps noise to a minimum. The beach is dotted with fishing catamarans and is lightly populated with few bars and restaurants in the vicinity. Consider it for peace, perfect peace, and spend your days strolling on the beach, reading in the shade and cooling off in the pool. To protect that peace, Halcyon Mawella does not offer TVs or music and neither does it house families with babies and infants but sets an age limit of six years old.

Accommodation

Halcyon Mawella has 10 rooms in five blocks of two: four standard rooms on the ground floor with sea view; four deluxe on the first floor with sea view; and two family rooms with the extra sleeping accommodation on high, up a small wooden staircase. Dusky pink or blue-painted antique doors reveal king-sized beds topped with handwoven quilts. Floors have bespoke tiles with a coastal feel. All rooms have a balcony or veranda apart from the family rooms. Rooms have cooler boxes rather than a fridge; a modified bushel, which once measured rice from paddy fields, imaginatively serves this purpose. Little extras are limited. Rooms have traditional rattan furniture. Roofs are dressed in Iluk, a traditional grass which has a tropical feel. Bathrooms are also bright and include rainwater showers. Free wi-fi.

Facilities

Halcyon Mawella is an uncomplicated place. Its greatest facility is Mawella Beach, especially in high season between December and April when the sandy and virtually-deserted beach (hidden only by a single line of trees) is at its broadest and the bay is at its most placid. In low season the beach narrows considerably. It also has an appealing swimming pool alongside the restaurant. The reputation of the food is excellent, unsurprisingly so as the owner began life as a restaurateur and owns restaurants in Galle and Ahangama. Meals are served in a simple pavilion restaurant. On the floor above is an airy fully-licensed bar with bar seats and rattan chairs and sofas which is an excellent spot for a pre or post-dinner drink. An international menu has some North African influences as well as Indian and South-East Asian. The hotel puts a great emphasis on sailing opportunities. Lean to sail with Halcyon Mawella’s in-house sailing instructor or explore nearby Mawella Lagoon which is surrounded by jungle on all sides. You can also request a fishing expedition and Ruhunu Dive Centre offers diving and snorkelling. Surfing is possible nearby.

Why we like it

An atmosphere of utter tranquillity pervades this little slice of boutique heaven

Location

Halcyon Mawella has a prized location on the peaceful curved bay of Mawella on Sri Lanka’s south coast, just west of the trendy settlement of Hiriketiya