Listings

Araliya Beach Resort & Spa Unawatuna – Luxury Beachfront Retreat

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 20:41:00 +0000

About Araliya Beach Resort & Spa Araliya Beach Resort & Spa is a premier five-star resort located directly on Unawatuna Beach. With over 300 rooms and suites offering private balconies and sea views, this resort caters to families, couples, and leisure travellers seeking luxury and convenience. Accommodation Options Choose from Deluxe, Premier, Studio, Family Apartments, and Suites—all featuring Tempur‑Pedic beds, minibars, flat-screen TVs, en-suite bathrooms, and complimentary Wi‑Fi. Explore Rooms & Suites Dining & Bars Dine at one of four on-site restaurants serving international, Sri Lankan, Indian, and Indonesian cuisine. Six bars include beach and lobby lounges, offering meals, cocktails, and round-the-clock in-room service. View Dining & Bars Pools, Beach Club & Spa Relax in one of two outdoor pools—families and adults-only—unwind at the full-service spa, enjoy sports massages, and access the exclusive beach club. A fitness centre and yoga sessions are also available. See Spa, Pools & Recreation Events & Weddings Host memorable beachfront weddings, meetings, or events at the resort’s elegant ballroom and outdoor venues. Customisable setups with ocean views, professional planning, and catering are offered. Discover Events & Weddings Special Offers & Experiences Take advantage of seasonal offers for stays, dining, and spa packages. Explore local experiences such as snorkeling, yoga, excursions to nearby attractions, and beach activities directly arranged by the resort. Browse Offers & Activities Contact & Booking Information Address: Welledewala Road, Yaddehimulla, Unawatuna 80600, Sri Lanka Phone (Reservations & General): +94 91 203 1111 Fax: +94 91 203 1145 Email: info@araliyabeachresort.com Opening Hours: Reception & Reservations: 24/7 Restaurants, pools, spa & gym: Daily 6 AM – 9 PM

Galle Fort – UNESCO World Heritage Seafront Fortress in Sri Lanka

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 08:19:58 +0000

About Galle FortGalle Fort, a historic cornerstone on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, was first built by the Portuguese in 1588 and extensively fortified by the Dutch from 1640 onwards. Spanning a 52 ha rocky peninsula, this UNESCO World Heritage site showcases centuries of Portuguese, Dutch, and British architecture, including thick granite ramparts, bastions, gates, and cobbled streets. Learn more about its heritageTop Attractions— Walk the fort walls at sunset for panoramic Indian Ocean views.— The iconic Galle Lighthouse, rebuilt in 1939, marks the southeast tip. — Galle Clock Tower (1883) stands by the main gate, honoring Dr. Anthonisz. — Religious heritage includes Groote Kerk (1755) and All Saints’ Anglican Church (1871). — The National Museum of Galle preserves Dutch-era artifacts and displays local crafts. — Old Dutch Hospital has been rejuvenated as a stylish shopping and dining precinct. Explore local highlightsCulture & CuisineThe fort doubles as a modern cultural hotspot with boutiques, art galleries, craft stores, and cafés—try Saskia Fernando Gallery or Barefoot Galle. Indulge in fresh seafood, fusion cuisine, artisan ice-cream, and Sri Lankan street food at venues like The Fort Printers, Poonie’s Kitchen, and Isle of Gelato. Find top dining spotsHeritage HotelsStay at restored heritage properties inside the fort, such as the award-winning Galle Fort Hotel, Amangalla, Mango House, Fort Bazaar, and The Fort Printers—all housed in colonial mansions blending authenticity with boutique luxury. Galle Fort Hotel detailsEvents & ActivitiesThe annual Galle Literary Festival and local exhibitions bring dynamic cultural energy. Enjoy marine-themed museums, guided heritage walks, coastal treks, and photo-friendly architecture. Discover fort eventsVisitor InformationAddress: 63 Pedlar Street, Galle 80000, Sri LankaOpen: Public fort precinct: daily, 24/7.Entry: Free (some museums charge separately).Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, visit early or late to avoid heat and crowds. Don’t miss sunset at Flag Rock Bastion and the eastern Gate area. Visitor tips & accessibility

Mirissa Whale Watching with Geeth – Eco-Friendly 3–5 Hour Tours

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 18:41:58 +0000

Mirissa Whale Watching with Geeth offers ethical whale and dolphin tours departing from Mirissa Harbour. Since 2020, their eco-conscious passenger boat follows global wildlife standards—keeping safe distances, reducing noise, and avoiding interference with marine life. Official WebsiteTour Season & ScheduleTours operate from November to April (peak season) with a 98% sighting success rate. Off-season trips (May–October) are weather-dependent and require confirmation. Boats depart daily around 6:00 AM and return by 10:00–11:00 AM. Booking Info & ScheduleExperience & AtmosphereCruises last 3–5 hours, with most lasting 4. Guests receive morning tea, a light breakfast (sandwich, cake, fruit, water), return-time snacks, seasickness tablets, and have access to onboard toilets and safety equipment. What to Expect (Tips & Timing)Wildlife & Success RatesSpecies sightings include blue, sperm, Bryde’s, and fin whales, plus various dolphins, turtles, and flying fish. Though sightings aren’t guaranteed, peak months offer the highest chances. Species You May SeePricing & Boat Types• Adults (12+): US$50 (includes US$18.50 wildlife tax)• Children (5–11): US$35• Infants (<5): Free• Optional upgrades: Speedboat or private charter (~US$600–650) Fare Details & Private OptionsContact & ReservationsWhatsApp / Tel: +94 776 376 714 (Geeth)Advance deposit of US$10 per person required to confirm a seat. Full refunds apply for cancellations made at least 48 hours before departure. View Cancellation Policy