5°59’23”N, 80°44’41”E Tangalle I Hideaway, Sri Lanka

In the wake of the 2004 tsunami, the property was brought back to life by owners Nicola and Ewan, an architect who oversaw its rebuilding by local craftsmen, using traditional techniques and materials to deliver a light, airy house. Double doors open wide onto verandahs, bringing in sea breezes and views soaked in green, blue and gold.

Inside, open-plan spaces channel a serene modern simplicity. A monochrome palette of polished white concrete, warm stone and dark tactile hardwood creates a material language that communicates the natural setting without distracting from it. Furniture built by Tangalle tradesmen to Ewan’s designs is complemented by his travel photography and a handful of treasured finds: rustic seaworn fishing oars; vintage decorative vases; brass dishes and earthenware pottery.

In the master bedroom a teak four-poster with net drapes invites to leisurely daydream; in the living room, a pair of low-slung sofas can be made into a large double bed and are perfect for kids or an easy-going couple; both spaces lead onto a covered patio with sea views. A spacious bathroom with shower, an open-plan kitchen where staff can prepare meals and an outdoor dining room shaded by palm thatch complete the floor plan.

This Sri Lankan holiday home has its own private tropical garden with direct beach access and a swimming pool and club house shared with Tangalle II and III. It is a romantic hideaway for two, or the perfect base for small families; bigger tribes can book one or both of the two adjacent hideaways (one-bedroom sea-front Tangalle II Hideaway; or Tangalle III with two bedrooms, set further from the beach and available on request).

How far to the nearest…

• Beach 10m
• Neighbour 50m
• Beach café 200m
• Shop 7km
• Restaurant 7km
• Town 7km
• Airport 215km / 3.5-hour drive

Location Sheltered by palms on a private, lushly planted 2-acre plot on Mawella’s beachfront. Only a handful of working fishing boats come between you and the sea, yet Tangalle town, temples and the coast’s best surf breaks are a short tuk-tuk ride away.

Build Restored to contemporary standards with traditional techniques and materials. Polished plaster, indigenous woods and natural stone used throughout. Shuttered windows are unglazed and clerestory eaves provide natural ventilation; traditional ceiling fans keep temperatures down in the tropical heat.

Energy Gas stove. Electricity and water from local network.

Community Kotamba’s staff all live within a few kilometres – cook Malkanthi makes her daily commute along Mawella Beach; house manager Indika lives on the neighbouring plot; general manager Ruhunu is your go-to for organising day trips and taxis – they know the place and its people inside out: ask for recommendations.

Digital detox No TV, stereo, air-conditioning or hi-tech gadgets.

Creature comforts WiFi, toaster, Italian coffee maker, basic kitchen. Local mobile phone for guest use. Staff on hand to shop, clean and cook, should you wish.

From November to April, the Southern Province’s mild climate and calmer seas draws surfers, whale-watchers and sun-seekers to its shores. Ride out the occasional rains of monsoon season (May–July) and you can have this remote region entirely to yourself.

Go slow

Arrive by thrilling seaplane transfer and splash down among scattering waterbirds on the lagoon. Swim in the sheltered shallows at the western end of Mawella Beach, body-board on the eastern reaches, and stroll its full golden crescent at sunset. Hiriketiya’s horseshoe cove of astonishing blue and perfect surf is 15 minutes away by tuk-tuk. Board a boat in Mirissa for a glimpse of blue whales. Trek up Mulkirigala rock, exploring 2,000 years of history and seven cave temples, or spy wildlife in a national park: Yala and Udawalawe.

Your hosts will happily forage for the pick of the day’s markets and cook for you with ingredients from buffalo curd to tender tuna: breakfast curries and sambols, or spiced stews cooked in Ceylon clay pots are a house speciality.

Rise at dawn to watch the fishermen haul in their silvery treasures and savour the catch of the day at a lantern-lit supper on the verandah.