Coco Tangalla, Tangalle Sri Lanka, The Deep South

Coco Tangalla is an intimate colonial villa situated on Tangalle beach. Decked out in black and white, this old house has been decorated in a fun and contemporary style with splashes of Sri Lankan tradition. It’s chic, compact, and very laid back here. With only six rooms, you can expect personal service, attentive staff and terrific food.

Be warned, Coco Tangalla is on a busy stretch of main road, and getting in and out can be a little dangerous due to the bend in the road. Once you’re inside though, the traffic won’t bother you. You’ll be too busy enjoying the gorgeous sea views from the pavilion, or exploring the terrace, pool and garden. The beach directly in front of the villa is not suitable for bathing, but within a few minutes, you’ll be on a good stretch for swimming. Close by, Yala National Park is a great destination for wildlife safaris, and the Bandula Bird Sanctuary is a highlight in the area. Mirissa is just 45 minutes away and the whale and dolphin watching tours are first-rate.

The six rooms are all air-conditioned and individually decorated with a sense of fun and flair. Though five of the six rooms are more compact, the King Coco room seems to be the pick of the lot: it’s much more spacious, has a private verandah facing the ocean and features a particularly large bathroom with a rain shower.

Coco Tangalla is warm, informal and chilled out: great for couples and small groups wanting to explore the region and come home to a cold beer and great Sri Lankan hospitality. It’s cosy, so don’t book if you need lots of space to spread out. But what it lacks in space, it more than makes up for with charm.