South Point Surf House

South Point Surf House sits on the Kathaluwa stretch of Sri Lanka’s south coast near Ahangama, a short stroll across the coast road from the sea. It is a relaxed, tropical home with colonial touches, set in a big walled garden of towering palms, and it suits large families and groups of friends who want space, a pool and a capable team looking after them. The surf breaks of Ahangama and Kabalana are close by, and Galle, Unawatuna, Weligama and Mirissa are all within easy reach for days out.

Life here is lived outdoors. The private pool sits on a flat, manicured lawn lined with sunbeds, with plenty of room for children to run about and kick a ball, and the garden is enclosed, which guests with little ones appreciate. A long, shaded veranda wraps the front of the house, with planters’ chairs for lazy afternoons and an alfresco dining table where breakfast and dinner are served looking out over the garden.

Indoors there is a quiet sitting room for reading, with cable TV and Wi-Fi, and a large, modern kitchen with stainless steel fittings. All five bedrooms have king-size four-poster beds with mosquito nets, air conditioning, big wardrobes and en-suite bathrooms with hot showers. Four sit on the garden level of the main house, set apart from the living spaces, while the fifth is in a separate upper bungalow with its own balcony and views over the surrounding trees. Housekeeping, a gardener and security are on hand, and the staff can cook meals to order.