Kayaam House

Introduction

Kayaam House is one of the finest boutique beach properties in the Deep South. It is in Rekawa, on the long strip of wild, sandy beach between Rekawa Lagoon and Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary. Add the privacy enhanced by light jungle on the land side and this is a lightly-visited, escapist spot which suits the property’s emphasis on a relaxed and restorative lifestyle in a secluded setting, with wellness is much to the fore. Set in a gleaming colonial-style building with white and turquoise blends, terracotta roofs and airy, open arches to welcome in natural light, the sophisticated design combines tropical modernism with traditional Sri Lankan architecture. A quality Sanctuary Spa, infinity pool among frangipani and palm trees, and yoga shala offer ample chance for relaxation. A commitment to excellent international cuisine and quality service adds to the feeling of upmarket exclusivity. To preserve its sense of peace, Kayaam House is generally aimed at over-18s only, unless the property is booked out exclusively. Part of the Reverie brand – whose sister company, Resplendent Ceylon, owns acclaimed properties such as Cape Weligama and Ceylon Tea Trails. Reverie is presented as comparatively a more affordable brand, but the high standards remain unmistakeable.

Accommodation

Kayaam is home to six Ocean Rooms, two Palm Suites, and a two-bedroom Palm Residence. All rooms have elegant tones and warm, wooden fittings. There is complimentary wi-fi, individual a/c, outdoor furniture, king-sized bed, extra rollaway beds on request, minibar with teas and Espresso machine, safe and Bluetooth speaker. Unusually for a colonial-style hotel this size, there is an elevator to upstairs rooms.

Ocean Room (30 sqm): West-facing, the Ocean Rooms provide views of the tropical garden, infinity pool and the Indian Ocean. They are an idyllic space for relaxation with balconies or terraces. Can add one rollaway bed. Four rooms on the upper floor can be interconnected in pairs while two ground floor rooms with private terrace have direct access to the garden and swimming pool. All rooms have a king-sized bed.

Palm Suite (54 sqm): The expansive Palm Suite with king bed provides uninterrupted views. There is a separate living area and a large outdoor terrace. Can add one rollaway bed.

Palm Suite with Jacuzzi (66 sqm): The Palm Suite with Jacuzzi has panoramic views and a separate living area. The imposing outdoor terrace with heated jacuzzi is the perfect spot to sip an arrack cocktail at dusk or enjoy an intimate dinner. Can add two rollaway beds.

Palm Residence with Jacuzzi (74 sqm): The Palm Residence offers maximum privacy. It is on two levels, so very appealing to families with older children, and can accommodate up to six people. It benefits from its own private garden with jacuzzi and has a separate living room. It has a large outdoor terrace and can accommodate four rollaway beds.

Facilities

The long infinity pool is a good size for a hotel of this size and has views towards the largely-deserted beach. The intimate Spa has two treatment rooms and draws on traditional Sri Lankan Ayurveda healing methods, using local herbs and spices in all its oils, creams and scrubs. Choose from Balinese or deep-tissue massages to hot-stone treatments and facials. For those more seriously committed to wellness therapies, Kayaam House is an excellent choice and as well as off-the-cuff daily treatments packages are available ranging from four to 15 nights. There are also daily yoga lessons in a simple beach-facing yoga shala. The moodily-lit restaurant, with black lampshades and rows of Portuguese carafes, blends indoor and outdoor living in Geoffrey Bawa style with open arches and stately pillars. The international menu is highly regarded with a host of intriguing dishes. Those on Ayurveda packages can opt for more specialised meals. Kayaam House purchases buffalo milk from the village to produce homemade mozzarella and grows its own fruit and veg. Take a 10-minute trip, or walk along the coastline, to snorkel in the natural pools of Rekawa where you might see parrotfish, starfish and turtles. Go birdwatching at Kelametiya Bird Sanctuary where you can take a traditional raft on the water. You can also cycle the local lanes, snorkel on the mangrove-fringed lagoon, surf at Blue Point or dive for shipwrecks in Tangalle, and Yala game park is not too far away.

Why we like it

This is a delightfully undeveloped spot where guests can rest refuel in high-class surroundings away from the hum of tourists.

Location

Kayaam House is an upmarket coastal property on a sweeping beach midway between Rekawa Lagoon and Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary.