Are you planning to stay in Ahangama? Wondering what’s the best hotel for your budget, which part of the town you’d like, or how early you should book? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Welcome to our guide to the best hotels in Ahangama, we hope you find your perfect stay!
Have you ever been catfished? Like when you’re talking to someone online and you’re not quite sure if they’re real, or you turn up to a Tinder date and they’re slightly different from their profile picture. Booking hotels in Sri Lanka is that kind of vibe.
Actually, the entire reason we found Ahangama all those years ago was a particularly bad catfishing experience at a hotel in Mirissa. We booked a deluxe double beachfront room with a balcony and ocean views. The pictures looked great, reality was a bit different.
We’re thankful for the experience. We never really vibed with Mirissa and it forced us to move on and explore the rest of the South Coast where we found our favourite town on the island, Ahangama.
Here, we fell in love with the great surf, hipster bars, casual parties, range of restaurants, friendly people, and the laidback easy-going vibes of the town. The quality of hotels also helped… much better.
You can still get catfished. We’ve had a good few ‘beachfront rooms’ accidentally face the road and be half the size of the pictures. But on average, the quality is much higher and you won’t regret staying at any recommendation in this article, and you definitely won’t regret staying in Ahangama.
If it’s your first time in Sri Lanka or you have never been to Ahangama then be prepared to look at a huge range of options dotted all over the map. Luckily for you, we’ve been visiting the town for years and stayed everywhere from the good, the bad, to the ugly. And the cheap, the luxurious, and everything in between.
If you’re looking to find the best accommodation for your budget, to know which is the coolest area of town, or to find those unique stays to make your trip special – then look no further. We’ve scoped out the top places for every kind of traveller to make your visit unforgettable.
*PS If you want tips on how to avoid the Sri Lankan hotel catfish experience we’ve added some tips at the end of this article
Which area of Ahangama to stay in
Ahangama is a long town stretching 4km along the main road from Kabalana Beach to the borders of Midigama. There are many hotel and accommodation options along this stretch of coastline and three distinct areas to stay in:
- Kabalana – the beach and jungle part of the town, ideal for those looking to spend most of their time on the beach or surfing The Rock. It’s quieter here, with fewer dining options, perfect if you plan to mostly relax.
- Ahangama Town – where the hustle and bustle happens, this is the vibrant heart of the area buzzing with cafes, markets, and local life. Stay here if you love being in the action – just be ready for a bit more noise and a lively street scene.
- Sion – For those seeking tranquility or a touch of luxury, this quieter stretch is home to many boutique hotels, it’s great if you want a nice quiet stay and to be out of the action. Just expect to travel more.
In all of these areas you have the choice to stay beachfront, roadside, or in the jungle.
The beachfront is amazing being able to wave check daily and having everything around you, but it comes with a higher cost. The roadside is cheaper but still close to everything, and the jungle is where you get cheap quiet stays or unique accommodation – and the opportunity to see lots of monkeys!
Where you should stay is a personal preference depending on what you’re looking for. If you want to spend most of your time on the beach Kabalana is for you, if you want to sit by the pool in your hotel then Sion is probably the best, and if you want to hit up the bars every night then you have to stay in town!
Our personal preference is to stay in Ahangama Town or the beachfront at Kabalana – both never disappoint.
When looking at hotels online be sure to check the map. Some claim they are in Ahangama when they’re 4-5km in land or based somewhere random like Koggola Lake.
If you want to immerse yourself in the town’s vibes we suggest staying within 1km from the shoreline unless you have a moped or a Tuk Tuk.
Top 6 high-end stays
High-end stays typically cost between $100-200 per night in Ahangama. There are lots of great options in this price range where you have the opportunity for a really special stay. If you’re looking for luxury options we have them at the end of this article.
Lihinya Beach Villa
Lihinya Beach Villa is without a doubt our favourite place to stay in Ahangama and we think it’s the best value upmarket hotel in town. If you can afford it, you’ll love staying here!
The accommodation only has 4 rooms which all have sea views and balconies looking out over one of the biggest surf spots in town, Animals. Every morning was just perfect opening the curtains to see the conditions, being first out hitting the waves, and then eating the best breakfast from their private chef.
The rooms were amazing with giant comfy beds, proper duvets, powerful warm showers, refillable water, giant balconies with nice seats, and high-quality furnishing. Style and comfort are the essence of Lihinya.
At a glance:
- Location – Ahangama Town beachfront
- Rooms – Double rooms, AC, sea view, balcony
- Price – $140 – $160 per night
- Amenities – pool, kitchen, private chef, wifi (fast)
- Includes – breakfast, water, coffee
Beyond the rooms, Lihinya is the perfect place to chill. The property has a stunning pool overlooking the beach and a quiet garden which is perfect for lounging. We normally like to explore when visiting Ahangama but we spent so much time just relaxing at the hotel – it was awesome.
Lihinya is located a short 2-minute walk from Ahangama Beach and the town center so it’s great for hopping into the restaurants or having a drink in the bars. But it’s also far enough from the main road so it’s out of the chaos and nice and quiet. You can’t get much better in Ahangama!
Lihinya has limited rooms and is always fully booked so if you want to stay here it’s best to book as early as possible.
Best place to book: booking.com
Timeless Villa
If you’re looking for the best high-end beachfront hotel at Kabalana then you have to stay at Timeless Villa.
This 20-room hotel is located right on Kabalana Beach and has stunning rooms with giant balconies, a pool, a restaurant, a nice chillout garden, and beachfront access.
We loved waking up early and stepping out onto the balcony to wave-check The Rock surf spot every morning.
It was perfect knowing whether I should rush to get out or have a few more minutes in bed… which normally resulted in heading straight to the waves.
At a glance:
- Location – Kabalana beachfront
- Rooms – Double rooms, twin rooms, family rooms, AC, seaview, balcony, fibre wifi
- Price – $100 – $120 per night
- Amenities – pool, restaurant, bar, wifi (fast)
- Includes – breakfast
The vibe at this hotel is a mix of holidaygoers, upmarket surfers, and families with kids. It’s got a nice buzz about it but if you’re looking for a quiet stay this isn’t the best place.
The social aspect of the hotel really matches the beach. Every day groups from the hotel will play volleyball and you’ll often meet your neighbours out on the breaks.
Timeless Villa is a professionally run hotel with a high level of service, your room will be cleaned daily and you can bar service from the beach. It’s a nice change from many of the smaller hotels.
If you stay here, we recommend eating elsewhere as the restaurant isn’t great and there are much better options nearby.
Best place to book: booking.com
Dreamsea
Dreamsea is a stunning shorefront hotel on Ahangama Beach with a real boho and chic style. This accommodation wouldn’t look out of place in the hipster corners of Tulum, and it definitely brings a vibe to Ahangama.
The property is stunning with a beautiful jungle entrance, crisp white walls, hanging chairs on the balconies, an amazing pool in their well-kept garden, and direct access to the beach.
This place is all about the chilled vibes, it’s so easy to lounge around in the garden all day, take a dip in the ocean, and explore the nearby rockpools at sunset. They’ve also got the famous rope swing hanging from their beachfront palm tree where you can get those head back, feet to the air photos you’ve all been dreaming about.
At a glance:
- Location – Ahangama town beachfront
- Rooms – Double rooms, mixed dorms, AC, seaview, balcony, soaps
- Price – $110 – $150 per night
- Amenities – pool, restaurant, bar, wifi (fast)
- Includes – breakfast
Dreamseas rooms have some of the best decor in town with all the small details considered to give a comfortable stay. It’s definitely up there as one of the most Instagramable hotels in Ahangama.
The people who stay here tend to be a little older and keep themselves to themselves. It feels like a little hideaway holiday vibe. Dreamsea only has 8 rooms and is typically fully booked so it’s best to book early if you want to stay here.
Best place to book: booking.com
Casa Tikiri
Casa Tikiri is a complete oasis in Ahangama. Stefano and Alice have poured their heart and soul into this little boutique hotel and it really shows.
The garden is what makes this place so special. Tucked away in the Kabalana jungle area they’ve created an awesome chillout spot with a beautiful pool surrounded by perfectly cut grass and tall palm trees. It’s the kind of place where you want to lie down, grab a cocktail, and never leave.
At a glance:
- Location – Kabalana Jungle
- Rooms – Private rooms, outdoor showers, AC, garden space
- Price – $130 – $160 per night
- Amenities – pool, restaurant, bar, wifi (ok)
- Includes – breakfast, water
The aesthetics of this hotel are unbelievable. Everywhere you look is a new Instagram reel or a postcard waiting to be snapped – they’ve thought through every small detail.
The rooms are where it all comes together, every one of them is different with earthy tones, soft drapes, and intricate wicker-wrapped furnishings. And obviously, who doesn’t love an outdoor shower in the tropics?
Casa Tikiri is an adults-only hotel so the crowd is mature, the vibe is chilled, and it’s perfect for those looking to unwind. There are 6 rooms available so it’s best to book early to avoid disappointment – there is a minimum stay of two nights.
Best place to book: booking.com
Medusa
Brand new for 2024, this is one of the coolest high-end stays in Ahangama. Medusa is a pair of two beautifully put-together apartments located right on Ahangama Beach overlooking the Indian Ocean with either a nice private garden or balcony terrace… and an open-air bathtub!
I mean, is there anything better than grabbing a few cold lions and enjoying a bath under the stars with the sound of the waves crashing on the beach? We’re not sure there is.
Medusa has Mexican vibes written all over it with crisp white walls, cactuses everywhere, soft rounded edges, ceramic accents, and palm-covered lampshades. It’s a well put-together space and you’ll love hanging out here.
At a glance:
- Location – Ahangama town beachfront
- Rooms – Apartment, outdoor bath, AC, balcony or garden
- Price – $140 – $175 per night
- Amenities – private kitchen
- Includes – no extras
Medusa is located right on Ahangama Beach which is perfect for those who want to be in the action and close to the bars and restaurants. The area is loud and although the apartments have good-quality doors and windows you should expect it to be noisier than other locations.
Each of the apartments has a small kitchen – a rare find in Sri Lanka. With the local supermarket just across the street, it’s great for grabbing some fruit in the morning and making a little breakfast to eat on the balcony.
There are only two apartments so they will be booked fast. We highly recommend booking in advance if you want to stay here.
Best place to book: booking.com
Terra Resort
If you’re looking for a nice upmarket wellness retreat and resort you can’t get better than Terra in Ahangama.
This is the kind of place to stay if you want everything sorted. The hotel has an onsite restaurant, bar, yoga studio, skatepark, and ice baths. You can bundle many different treatments, workshops, yoga classes, or surf lessons into your stay. Convenience is an understatement.
At a glance:
- Location – Kabalana Jungle
- Rooms – Double rooms, twin rooms, family rooms, AC, garden or balcony
- Price – $110 – $200 per night
- Amenities – pool, restaurant, bar, yoga studio, skatepark, ice baths, wifi (fast)
- Includes – everything add on
The entire property has a clean and sophisticated aesthetic with good mixes of mahogany furniture against black steel fixtures. The vibe is sophisticated too, you can expect a young crowd of early-30s couples all hanging and chilling out.
Terra is in the nice quiet jungle area of Kabalana and a quick 5-minute walk to the beach. They have 12 rooms and tend to get fully booked about a month before the check-in date, so it’s worth booking this hotel ahead of time.
Best place to book: booking.com
Top 7 mid-range stays
Mid-range stays typically cost between $50-100 per night. In Ahangama there are many great hotels in this range with some unbelievable deals if you look hard enough – and for sure you can score a couple of great beachfront rooms.
Ohana Surf House
Ohana might be the best value hotel in Ahangama, everything about this place is great!
This surf house offers big rooms, super comfy beds, private balconies, a shaded pool, a beautiful rooftop, and a great breakfast. For the price, you get top quality and we slept like babies.
Paula and Rodolfo are amazing hosts that really make the difference. They always put you first making sure you have everything you need to have a good time. They’re also very funny and we’ve had many memorable nights on the beers with them – it’s not to be missed!
At a glance:
- Location – Ahangama town roadside
- Rooms – Double rooms, twin rooms, AC, garden or balcony
- Price – $60 – $80 per night
- Amenities – pool, rooftop, wifi (ok)
- Includes – breakfast, water
Rodolfo is a great surf instructor who has been running school in Madeira for years so if you need lessons or to learn about the spots he can tell you everything you need to know.
The crowd at Ohana is a mix of surfer families, young travellers, and people coming for surf school. Whoever’s around it’s always a nice vibe to chill on the rooftop with beers or in the pool to cool down in the midday sun.
We have no doubt that you’ll enjoy your stay at Ohana.
Best place to book: booking.com
Venus Villa
Every season, at some point, we end up staying a week at Venus Villa – it’s just got this vibe we love coming back to.
This collection of 8 private rooms surrounding a swimming pool with a kitchen and a yoga chalet is the perfect jungle hideaway.
Almost every morning you’re greeted with monkeys playing on the rooftops and stealing your breakfast whilst peacocks flash their feathers or monitor lizards crawl by, it’s got a safari-by-the-beach feeling.
At a glance:
- Location – Kabalana jungle
- Rooms – Double rooms, AC, garden and pool area
- Price – $70 – $80 per night
- Amenities – pool, kitchen, yoga studio, fridge, wifi (slow)
- Includes – water
The rooms are all completed to a high standard with comfy beds and clean fixtures but they are a little small. We only ever used the room for sleeping because the pool and chill-out spaces are so inviting.
Venus Villa tends to have a nice balance between privacy and social interaction. Each room has a seating area and the shared kitchen making it easy to have passing chats with other guests. We’ve often had group beers with the people staying – it’s definitely good for those seeking a bit of a communal atmosphere.
Best place to book: booking.com
Nuga House
Owned and run by the same people as Venus Villa, Nuga House is the parent accommodation with a slightly more refined style, an awesome restaurant, and a hotel-level service.
The restaurant is built around an old Banyan tree which is where the name Nuga came from – the Buddhist term for “be a tree”. There has been a lot of care in choosing the name and that care can be felt throughout the property.
Whether it’s the mirrors framing the swimming pool or the carefully placed swings and seating areas, every aspect of the hotel has purpose and you will love the aesthetics.
At a glance:
- Location – Kabalana jungle
- Rooms – Double rooms, family rooms, AC, garden
- Price – $80 – $100 per night
- Amenities – pool, yoga studio, restaurant, wifi (ok)
- Includes – water
Nuga House runs daily yoga classes and camps so the crowd here tends to be a mix of yogis and upmarket surfers. There is a little bit of a social vibe but we find it more forced than at Venus Villa, so expect to have a quieter more isolated time.
Nuga House is a popular spot and it’s regularly fully booked so make sure to grab a room way in advance if you want to stay here.
Best place to book: booking.com
The Jam House
The Jam House is probably our top recommendation if you want to stay in the Sion area – you get a lot for your money.
The rooms are the standout feature of this hotel. The decor has a fresh and comfy European vibe with giant pillowed sofas, snuggly duvets, rustic rugs, and mahogany cabinets – all those home comforts in the tropics.
At a glance:
- Location – Sion roadside
- Rooms – Double rooms, family rooms, balcony, AC, wifi (fast)
- Price – $70 – $95 per night
- Amenities – pool, restaurant, bar, wifi (fast)
- Includes – water, coffee
The area around The Jam House is stunning with lots of little coves to explore, secret surf spots, popup restaurants, and it’s close to the beautiful must-visit secret beach in Ahangama.
The hotel is far from the main town so expect to travel by Tuk Tuk or moped a lot if you want to enjoy the bars and restaurants.
The Jam House has everything you need on-site with a beautiful pool, bar, and restaurant so this hotel is a great option if you’re looking for a lazy laid-back trip where you rarely leave.
Best place to book: booking.com
Marshmallow Beach Rooms
Let’s face it, the majority of us would love to stay beachfront most of the time but it’s often too expensive.
If you look hard enough, there are some gems along Ahangama’s shores and Marshmallow Beach Rooms is one of them.
This pair of rooms sits above the Marshmallow Cafe on Ahangama Beach and has the best views over the ocean. We’ve stayed here a few times and it’s the perfect place to grab a few cheap Lions from the beer shop below and chill on the balcony watching the surfers at sunset.
At a glance:
- Location – Ahangama beachfront
- Rooms – Double rooms, balcony, seaviews, AC
- Price – $60 – $75 per night
- Amenities – wifi (slow)
- Includes – nothing
The rooms at Marshmallow are small but they are nicely put together with comfortable beds – you’ll love falling asleep to the soft sound of the waves. Some nights it can be a little noisy in this accommodation with the bars and parties on the beach.
Marshmallow is all about the location. It’s right in the center of town in a convenient spot. The bars and restaurants are at your doorstep, the supermarket is 1 minute’s walk away, the property has beach access, and there’s a surf spot right outside the window – what more could you want?
There are only two rooms at Marshmallow so if you want to stay here you need to book in advance. If they are fully booked you can also try Pelicanbay, which is another small hotel with a similar vibe and price next door, or Gitano Surf Beachfront, which is a little more expensive with a bit more quality.
Best place to book: booking.com
Lighthouse
If you’re looking for a really hip beachfront boutique hotel with good a social scene, then Lighthouse is a great option.
This crisp white building has 7 rooms and one of the best rooftop bars in town. It’s got a chill-by-day, hangout-all-night feeling.
In the morning you can jump straight into the ocean and onto the surf, after your session you can chill in their beautiful garden and grab some food, and as the sun sets the DJ often comes out and people will be on the rooftop having a few drinks – it’s one of the best vibes in town.
At a glance:
- Location – Sion beachfront
- Rooms – Double rooms, family rooms, balcony, seaviews, AC
- Price – $80 – $100 per night
- Amenities – rooftop bar, restaurant, cafe, wifi (fast)
- Includes – water
Beyond the vibes, Lighthouse has some stunning rooms that remind us of the pastel blue and white hotels from Santorini. The aesthetics are on point and the beds are comfy too. Many of the rooms have nice balconies where it’s easy to relax and admire the stunning views towards Devil’s Rock in the distance.
Lighthouse is based in the Sion area so you will need to travel a lot if you want to hang out in Ahangama Town. The hotel and local area has everything you need to have a good time though and everyone loves staying at this place.
Best place to book: agoda.com
Sea Breeze Villa
Sea Breeze Villa is one of those accommodations that is easy to overlook. But you shouldn’t. For the price you get good quality and it’s in one of the best locations.
This property is based on the edge of Ahangama Town and it’s only a short 3-minute walk to the bars and restaurants – so it’s easy to get in but still far enough away to be quiet and relaxing.
And peace and quiet are exactly why you stay here. Sea Breeze has a beautiful garden with an almost private beach. It’s the perfect spot for spending those lazy afternoons and cooling off in nearby rockpools. We absolutely love staying here.
At a glance:
- Location – Ahangama town beachfront
- Rooms – Double rooms, terrace, seaviews, AC
- Price – $55 – $65 per night
- Amenities – private beach, wifi (ok)
- Includes – breakfast
The rooms are big, always clean, and they have everything you need. They do have a traditional Sri Lankan style so don’t expect any modern comforts, but that’s what makes this place special.
The hotel is locally owned and one of the few left in Ahangama, the staff are friendly and helpful and you get a massive breakfast, this is a great value hidden gem.
Best place to book: booking.com
Top 6 budget stays
We’ll be honest, Ahangama isn’t the cheapest town on the South Coast and you’ll struggle to find the sub $10 stays you can get in Midigama or Weligama. But if you’re on a budget there are a few gems in Ahangama. Budget hotels tend to range from $15-50.
Tharanga Surfing Villa
If you’re looking for the cheapest beachfront accommodation in Ahangama then you have to stay at Tharanga.
This locally run hotel is definitely budget – the rooms are basic, the showers are cold, and the furniture is a little old. But for the price, you can’t complain when you can stay beachfront for $20 a night with AC, a comfy mattress, a balcony, and a great breakfast.
At a glance:
- Location – Kabalana Beachfront
- Rooms – Double rooms, quadruple room, seaviews, AC
- Price – $20 – $30 per night
- Amenities – garden, wifi (slow)
- Includes – breakfast
We’ve stayed here multiple times when we’ve wanted to save some money and we’ve loved it every time. There’s nothing better than waking up early and being first out surfing at The Rock, then chilling in Tharanga’s stunning garden and eating a great local breakfast.
Tharanga only has 5 rooms and they are often fully booked… we’re not surprised at the price – so if you want to stay here make sure to book early.
Best place to book: booking.com
Mellow Hostel
Ahangama doesn’t have many hostels but the available options are great – and Mellow is a contender for the best in town.
This place has a great social vibe with many travellers staying here who are always up for a laugh, a surf, or a party.
At a glance:
- Location – Kabalana roadside
- Rooms – Double rooms, dorms, AC
- Price – $12 – $35 per night
- Amenities – garden, restaurant, kitchen, wifi (fast)
- Includes – nothing
The hostel is very clean and the dorms are big so there is enough space to live whilst sharing with others. They also have some private rooms that are pretty cheap and the quality is good.
Mellow Hostel is just over the road from Kabalana Beach. It’s a perfect location to hang out with new friends or hit the surf first thing in the morning.
If you’re solo traveling and want to meet people, Mellow is a great option.
Best place to book: hostelworld
Eco villa
Eco Villa is one of the best budget options for staying close to the main town and being in the action. The property is a short 3-minute walk from all the bars and restaurants, but just far enough that it’s nice and quiet when you decide to sleep or chill.
Most mornings we would wake to find monkeys outside playing on the rooftops and causing some mischief before we would take the short walk to the nearest surf spots. It’s a very convenient location for everything.
At a glance:
- Location – Ahangama town
- Rooms – Double rooms, twin rooms, triple rooms, AC
- Price – $25 – $35 per night
- Amenities – pool, kitchen, wifi (ok)
- Includes – water
Eco Villa is one of the cleanest places we’ve stayed. Every day the staff are making sure the property is in perfect condition. They really make this place special, always having a smile on their face and we’ve had many chats with them – once, when Beth was ill, they went above and beyond to make sure she was ok, thanks guys!
The vibe is laidback and people tend to keep themselves to themselves. Although you will often find people in one of their two pools who will give you the occasional hello, and we’ve had the occasional beers with a couple of the guests.
The rooms are ok, they are a bit basic and have traditional Sri Lankan furniture but you have everything you need including a fridge and AC! For the price, you can’t complain.
Best place to book: booking.com
Jini House
Jini House is our top budget recommendation if you want to stay in the Kabalana area. It’s top quality and great value.
The rooms set this place apart. They have a cool funky loft style with concrete platforms for the beds, low seating areas, industrial lightbulbs, plants, and stone floor bathrooms. They’ve done a great job of the little things to make this place stand out and create a comfy homely stay.
At a glance:
- Location – Kabalana jungle
- Rooms – Double rooms, AC
- Price – $35 – $40 per night
- Amenities – pool, restaurant, wifi (fast)
- Includes – breakfast (optional)
Jini House is awesome for chilling. The pool is inviting and the perfect place to cool off in the mid-day heat. We’d jump straight in after our morning surf and let the next few hours drift by with a couple of beers.
This is a local family-run hotel and the owners are the best. They’ll help you with anything you need whether that’s recommendations on where to go, booking a safari, or finding a surf instructor. Beyond the advice, they’re just nice – you can feel the vibe they’ve created when you stay.
Best place to book: booking.com
Maria Bonita
Our good friend Christina owns Maria Bonita, a lovely little boutique hotel close to the beach in Ahangama town with some beautiful rooms and chilled-out vibes.
The location is perfect, it has beachfront access through a nice overgrown jungle pathway and the hotel is a short walk from all the bars and restaurants. It’s also located between Gas Stations, Dreamsea Left, and Animal’s surf spots – so it’s great for getting out early, checking which spot is working, and getting straight on the waves.
At a glance:
- Location – Ahangama town beachfront
- Rooms – Double rooms, AC (optional)
- Price – $40 – $60 per night
- Amenities – restaurant, beach access, wifi (ok)
- Includes – nothing
This place oozes tropical style. The rooms have a fresh design with driftwood clothes hangers, long white drapes, palm tree plant pots, and wicker furniture. You’ll love hanging out in the garden covered with handcrafted sun shades or grabbing a coffee in the bohemian cafe.
Christina is great. You’ll love having a chat with her in the morning over a coffee and maybe one of her tasty treats. She’s so knowledgeable about Ahangama and you’ll get all the tips to have a great visit. We have no doubt you’ll love staying here.
Best place to book: booking.com
Samba
Samba is all about atmosphere, and it’s our top recommendation for solo travellers in Ahangama. This part hostel, part hotel has got the social vibes down – the rooms are close to Samba’s bar and restaurant where most of the guests hang out in the evening.
Every night there will be people chatting, music will be playing, and often the drinks will be flowing. It’s probably the easiest accomodation to meet other travellers in Ahangama.
The location makes it easy to get up and go for a morning surf or yoga session, Sion Surf Spot is a short 2-minute walk away and the owners organise yoga sessions nearby. If you end up having a late evening then it’s all good, Samba does the best breakfast in town included in the room until 3pm – lie-ins are welcome here.
At a glance:
- Location – Sion roadside
- Rooms – Double rooms, dorms, AC
- Price – $9- $35 per night
- Amenities – cafe, restaurant, bar, workspace, wifi (ok)
- Includes – water
Samba is located in the Sion area so it’s a 15-minute walk to town or a 3-minute Tuk Tuk ride. They have everything you need on site and there are a few local bars and restaurants nearby. But if you stay here, you should expect to travel to town often.
The dorm rooms here are the best in town. They are all air-conditioned, clean, and they’re modern – most importantly the bathrooms are cleaned daily and are spotless!
The private rooms are also nicely decorated and they’re good value. If you are remote working, Samba is a great place to stay with a dedicated coworking space that’s quiet and hidden away. This is a top-budget place to stay in Ahangama.
Best place to book: hostelworld
Top 4 luxury hotels
If you’re looking for a bit of luxury there are great places to stay in Ahangama. They’ll typically cost you over $200 a night, but if you’re looking for outstanding service in one of the coolest Bohemian towns in Sri Lanka, you can’t go wrong with these options.
Mosvold Villa
Mosvold Villa is one of the most outstanding properties in Ahangama. The entrance is grand. From the moment you walk in you know you’ve entered somewhere special as you stroll through the elegant walkways past the fish pond and giant plant pots that leads out into their stunning garden.
Once you’re in the garden, you’ll never want to leave. This is the perfect place to get a frozen daiquiri and chill by the white stone-lined pool whilst you watch the sunset past Kabalana Beach.
This place is perfect for relaxing with the choice of canopy beds, hammocks, or sunbeds you can drag to wherever you please. There’s no where better to rack up those cocktail bills!
At a glance:
- Location – Kabalana beachfront
- Rooms – Double rooms, suites, bath, AC, seaviews, balcony
- Price – $250- $400 per night
- Amenities – cafe, restaurant, bar, beachfront access, pool, wifi (fast)
- Includes – breakfast, water, coffee
This exclusive 17-room hotel is run by the Jetwing group, who are known to have some of the best service in Sri Lanka . The staff are really friendly and always attentive to your needs – whatever you want, the staff will be able to help.
The rooms are unbelievable. The style is a modern luxury twist on the traditional Sri Lankan decor with hardwood beds, drapes, paneled roofs, and twin basins. They really are beautiful and you’ll sleep well to the sound of the waves just beyond your balcony.
Best place to book: booking.com
The Hotel
The Hotel is all about modern chic luxury on the beach. This place is so crisp from the white parasols on the sand to the pillowed concrete sofas looking out across the Indian Ocean in the rooms. Every corner of this place is just cool.
This is the kind of hotel you’ll never want to leave. In the morning you awake to the automatic blinds revealing the best view of Devils Rock and the soft reflections from the waves below. What a perfect time to get a room service coffee and watch the magic of Sri Lanka’s mornings.
At a glance:
- Location – Sion beachfront
- Rooms – Double rooms, suites, bath, AC, seaviews, balcony
- Price – $200- $350 per night
- Amenities – restaurant, bar, beachfront access, pool, wifi (fast)
- Includes – breakfast, water
The outside chill area here is awesome. The Hotel has a beautiful long pool overlooking a private beach. Grab a sunlounger and order a few cocktails from the bar and you’re set for the day. They have one of the best fish restaurants in town.
The vibe feels very Mykonos with a young affluent crowd who switch between being laidback in the morning to a nice social bubbly afternoon. If you enjoy getting the linen shirts out and ordering wine by the bottle, this is the hotel for you.
Best place to book: booking.com
The Sandhya
The Sandhya is all about style, chill, and ease. This place is like living in your own house but with top quality hotel service.
The property is beautiful with flowing curved stairs hanging from the roof, floor-to-sealing windows, Swedish sofas, and one of the best gardens in the Kabalana area. Outside is where this place shines – it’s right on the bustling beach but with it’s raised walls it’s got a very private and exclusive feeling.
At a glance:
- Location – Kabalana beachfront
- Rooms – Double rooms, suites, bath, AC, seaviews, balcony
- Price – $250 – $500 per night
- Amenities – restaurant, bar, beachfront access, pool, wifi (fast)
- Includes – breakfast, water
The rooms are clean with big comfy beds and mahogany furniture in every corner. Every morning is just perfect opening the curtains to the view of the waves. The comfort in this place makes it easy to chill and enjoy those lazy mornings.
The food here is a contender for the best out of all the luxury hotels. Chef Christophe DuBois has a real comfort style with the ingredients coming fresh from the farm to the table. Whether you want to try fine dining rice and curry, Italian pasta, Peking style Asian food, or something bespoke, this al a carte dining experience is something to remember.
The Sandhya is an adults-only hotel and the vibe is very laidback. If you want a special honeymoon, anniversary, or just a fancy getaway – you can’t go wrong with The Sandhya.
Best place to book: agoda
Harding Boutique Hotel
If you want a luxury option close to Ahangama Town then you have to stay at the Harding Boutique Hotel.
This is a little slice of luxury right in the action. The property feels very secluded with a beautiful rooftop where you can get some of the best cocktails in town, a private pool surrounded by plant-covered walls, and access to an empty almost private beach. It’s the perfect place to chill.
But step out onto the road and you’re in the centre of town with all the madness moving around you. It’s so quick and easy to get to the bars and restaurants you’ll love the contrast and transition from complete chill to adventure on your doorstep.
At a glance:
- Location – Ahangama town beachfront
- Rooms – Double rooms, suites, bath, AC, seaviews, balcony
- Price – $200 – $300 per night
- Amenities – restaurant, bar, beachfront access, pool, rooftop, wifi (fast)
- Includes – breakfast, water
The staff here are some of the best in Ahangama. Someone is always waiting to get you a drink, food, new towels, and to make sure you’re comfortable. Here, you’re looked after from the moment you step in, to the moment you leave.
The rooms at Harding are amazing, each one has an awesome outdoor shower where you can cool off while watching the waves – and if you take the penthouse you also get a beachfront bath!
Yep, we think the Harding is a great option for those who want that perfect mix of luxury and adventure.
Best place to book: booking.com
FAQs
Is accommodation in Ahangama expensive?
A few years ago, we’d have said Ahangama was cheap as chips. But as the town has increased in popularity so have the prices. These days, Ahangama is more expensive than many other South Coast surf towns such as Midigama, Hikkaduwa, or Weligama.
Typically you can expect to pay 25-50% more for accommodation. But the quality in Ahangama is higher so we still believe you get good value.
Cost is often relative and we like to compare what you’re getting to stays in Europe or surf towns in South America where Ahangama is much cheaper – and nothing beats the Sri Lankan vibes!
If you are on a budget and still want to visit Ahangama you can find cheap places under $10 a night. These will be local stays with no AC and a hard bed… but if need to save money you still have options.
How early should I book?
This depends on how fixed your plans are and if you want to stay in a specific hotel. Ahangama has become busy the last few years and there are not many last-minute options available – if you want to stay somewhere specific, we suggest booking early.
Typically the high-end hotels, mid-range stays, and the unique small boutique hotels get booked early. We’ve mentioned in this guide which hotels often get fully booked, so if you want to stay in any of them, it’s best to book months in advance.
What is the best time to stay in Ahangama?
You can visit Ahangama year-round, but for the best weather, it’s best to visit in the dry season from November to April. This is when the sea is calmest and the weather is mostly sunny, making it perfect for surfing, snorkeling, and beach lounging.
January and February are the peak months when the surf is cleanest and the weather is almost always beautiful.
May to October is the monsoon season, you can still visit in this period and there will be many nice days, but you should expect a lot of heavy showers, sometimes for days. This period tends to have fewer tourists and a lot of hotels and restaurants will close. It is a great time to find great deals with the best hotels.
How do I avoid the ‘catfish’ experience?
Ahhh this dilemma. Well, first, if you’re looking at luxury, high-end, and even some mid-range stays this is often not a problem. So you’re typically safe to book.
But, we always recommend reading the reviews on both booking platforms and Google. A lot of places delete their reviews yearly because they are bad, so watch out for this behaviour – and obviously, you can trust any option on our blog, we’ve vetted them all.
When you get to your hotel, do not pay straight away. Say you need to get cash out or make sure to check the room first. If you do get catfished, you’ll be able to walk away on the spot… problem solved.
What things can you do in Ahangama?
Ahangama is the perfect town to experience the surf culture and explore the South Coast. Every day you can find something different to do and we’ll sure you’ll leave with great memories.
Here’s a little flavour of what you can get up to:
- Hit the surf – Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, Ahangama is one of the best towns to surf in Sri Lanka, read our guide to learn more
- Party until sunrise – Lamana, Trax, La Bella, Ahangama have some of the best parties on the South Coast.
- Explore the beaches and coves – Ahangama Beach, Kabalana, Secret Beach, and The Cove, there are 6 must-see beaches in Ahangama all with a different vibe to explore.
- Safari at Udawalwe – fancy seeing some Elephants? Ahangama is only 2 hours away from one of the best national parks in Sri Lanka.
- Swim with giant turtles – close to the town you can snorkel with some of the biggest turtles you can find in the world, you don’t want to miss it!
- Climb Devils Rock – fancy a bit of adventure? You can swim out to Devil’s Rock and see why it got its name!
Read more: 12 Amazing Things To Do In Ahangama
What food options are available in Ahangama?
Ahangama is a foodie’s heaven with more restaurant options than anywhere else on the South Coast. Here you can find everything from Local curries, Asian fusion, pizza, Moroccan, Israeli, and much much more.
There is a great mix of cheap local places where you can eat for under $2 and fancy hipster surf cafes that charge around $8 -15 per meal. We think the quality of chefs in the town is high so expect to eat some good food!
Read more: 15 Best Restaurants in Ahangama
How do I get to Ahangama from the airport?
Landing in Colombo, you’ve got a few options to get to Ahangama, which is 150km south of the airport.
The easiest and most convenient way is to pre-book a private taxi that can whip you down the coast in less than 3 hours. A private car typically costs between $60-70 and we always book with Kiwi Taxi who have the best service – if you’re bringing a surfboard just message them before. Book here
The cheapest option is to use the local buses which cost between $5-10 and take between 8-10 hours. This involves getting a bus into the center of Colombo and then changing to another that goes down south, there are several changes along the way. There is a lack of information on this route which does make it a difficult trip and we don’t recommend it if you have big bags or it’s your first time in Sri Lanka.
Another option is to get a bus or taxi into Colombo and then take a train down the South Coast. The train to Ahangama costs between $3-5 and a taxi into Colombo is about $20-25. The trains only run in the morning so if you land in the afternoon it’s better to take a taxi direct from the airport or you often need to spend the night in Colombo.
