Hiriketiya Bay is a lively surfing spot renowned for its beautiful horse-shoe shape and light, turquoise water which attracts a healthy number of young (or young at heart!) travelers, particularly from December to March when the surfing season is at its best. Other water-sports are on offer, and nextdoor are the quieter beaches of Dikwella and Nilwella which offer a more peaceful coastal escape for those looking to avoid the crowds.

 Villas in Hiriketiya are few and far between, with most of the accommodation being in the form of hostels and guesthouses, but there are a couple of gems just a short drive from Hiriketiya Bay where you can completely switch off and find peace and privacy away from the crowds. Our current favourites are Shaka House, a small, modern villa on a hilltop between Hiriketiya and Dikwella, and Nilwella Palms, a six-bedroom villa just a five-minute drive from Hiriketiya Bay which boasts a beautiful design that blends indoor and outdoor spaces to embrace the laidback rhythms of the area.