South Point Abbey

South Point Abbey is a restored colonial-era house with thick coral and limestone walls, standing right on the beach between Koggala and Ahangama on Sri Lanka’s south coast. Galle Fort is within easy reach, and Koggala Lake and Kabalana Beach are close by. With four bedrooms for up to eight guests and a long record of returning visitors, it is a wonderful choice for families and friends who want a characterful, fully staffed beach house.

An infinity pool sits on the lawn at the edge of the sand, with loungers under the trees and the Indian Ocean just beyond. Wide verandahs on both floors look out to the sea and the headland, and the downstairs verandah doubles as an open-air dining room where meals are served looking at the waves. A garden path leads straight onto a long stretch of sand for early-morning walks.

Inside, polished timber, tiled floors and colonial furniture give the house a warm, lived-in feel, with a comfortable living room opening onto the porch and a fully equipped kitchen. The bedrooms have carved four-poster beds hung with mosquito nets, air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms, and two of them have daybeds for afternoon reading. Six staff look after housekeeping, the garden, laundry and security, and a cook prepares meals from a menu at extra cost.