Sri Lanka’s wild east coast remains a hidden treasure, and Kalkudah its glittering jewel. It is one of the few special beaches where the only footprints in the sand are likely to be yours. An exclusive Boutique resort, Karpaha Sands has been designed to have as little impact on the environment as possible, blending discreetly into the peaceful surroundings. The safari-inspired luxury tents are tucked between palm trees on the beach, and you can fall asleep to the sound of the surf and wake up to the sight of fishermen hauling in their nets. This luxury property is the only one in Kalkudah and perfect for discerning travelers looking for a unique experience in Sri Lanka. Ideal for a romantic holiday with couple’s massages in the spa and the option to book a private barbecue and cinema experience on the beach under a night sky filled with stars. Hop on a bike to explore the many vibrant, intricate and colorful temples and markets in the neighboring villages, snorkel, fish, ride horses and go on excursions to nearby sights and towns. A stay here can be advantageously combined with the cultural triangle, tea plantations in the highlands, a safari in one of the many national parks – we are happy to help you tailor your adventure in Sri Lanka!
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Ecorating: 3.5
This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.
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This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.
Sample Itinerary
The beach is the place’s biggest attraction. 15 kilometers of unparalleled fine sand and turquoise sea in the perfect palm-fringed crescent of Kalkudah Bay. This is one of the most pristine beaches in the country and safe for swimming – one of the many reasons why it was one of Sri Lanka’s favorite pre-war beach destinations.
Here you can enjoy the view without being disturbed by anything other than the sound of the sea hitting the beach.
Watch local Tamil fishermen join forces to slowly pull in their nets for hours on the beach in a daily ritual that hasn’t changed in centuries
The hotel’s 17 tented suites are either right on the beach or hidden in their own private garden. All suites have king-size beds, divan-style sofas, bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs, outdoor showers, private terraces with sunbeds, as well as generous patios. Glamping De-Luxe!
Take a refreshing dip in the infinity pool while enjoying a fantastic view of the sea.
Sri Lankan food is known for its powerful flavors and rich textures. This is a country of delicious spicy dishes, rich coconut sauces and fresh seafood. At Karpaha Sands you get to test and discover the flavors of both Tamil and Sinhalese dishes, mixed with more European cuisine. The kitchen uses the freshest and most organic ingredients, seafood directly sourced from local fishermen – including fish, lobster, crab and prawns – and fruit and vegetables grown here in our own organic garden. The food is enjoyed in the restaurant, which is beautifully situated with a view of the sea.
Leave yourself in the hands of the hotel’s skilled masseuses and enjoy a relaxing massage, a refreshing body scrub or a centuries-old Ayurvedic treatment in one of two private pavilions – alone or with a partner.
A massage designed to create balance between mind, body and spirit, helping the body to heal itself.
Celebrate special occasions or just life with a private seafood BBQ prepared by our chef, directly on the beach or in front of your suite
Take in the day’s catch in the calm waters off the coast on a private motorboat that departs from the coast close to the hotel
Trip details
Ecorating: 3.5
Season: Year round
Airport: Bandaranaike International (CMB)
The price of the tour includes: Overnight stay, activities and meals specified in your tailor-made program
The price of the tour does not include: Flights, travel insurance. You can order travel insurance at Gouda. E-Visa (ETA)
Good to know about Sri Lanka:
Travel Etiquette: When visiting a temple it is customary to take off your shoes and cover your shoulders and knees.
Time zone: GMT + 5.5 hours.
Local Currency: Sri Lanka Rupee.
Weather: Sri Lanka has a tropical and hot climate. The summer monsoon from May to October causes the most precipitation to fall in the west, while the east coast receives the most rain from November to January with the winter monsoon. The average temperature varies from about 16 ºC in the central highlands in winter, where frost can sometimes occur, to 33 ºC in the lowlands during summer. The annual mean temperature is between 28 ºC and 31 ºC. The hottest month is May, at the beginning of the rainy season.
Mobile network: Wifi works well.
Ecorating: 3.5
This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.
Does my trip make a difference?
Read more
This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.
Sustainability and community development have been at the core of Karpaha Sands’ values since its inception and are integrated throughout the hotel.
Sustainability:
Waste
• Recycling bins available for guests and waste is recycled
• The property works to reduce food waste
• Water cooler/dispenser
• Mostly no plastic in the hotel
• We use mainly local ingredients in our kitchen to achieve a shorter cycle and support local communities.
• We reduce the use of imported ingredients to a minimum to offer the best overall local experience to our guests and reduce emissions from transport.
• We recycle our food waste to produce compost which is used as natural fertilizer for our gardening.
• We grow vegetables, fruit, mushrooms, spices and herbs in our own organic garden in addition to our nursery
• Most of our coconuts come from our own coconut trees as Karpaha Sands is located on an old coconut plantation.
Community development
The East Coast, a predominantly Tamil area, suffered from a long-standing civil war that kept it isolated and limited its development, education system and livelihoods for many years. At Karpaha Sands, we are proud to contribute to the transformation of the East Coast by actively employing and training people from nearby villages, giving them the opportunity to find stable employment and train as professional hotel staff despite their lack of formal education. A large part of the team has been involved even before the hotel opened and continues to grow with us. Karpaha Sands is the main employer for the nearby village of Kiran and provides livelihood for many families in the village.
We source a good portion of our produce from small communities and support them by doing so. This includes fresh fish from local fishermen, who bring in their catch right on the beach and which is used in the kitchen. We buy (and sell) woven baskets, sun hats and other handmade woven items made from natural materials from women living in nearby villages, thus helping to sustain their weaving skills. We buy handmade natural soaps and candles from small local not-for-profit cooperatives that support marginalized communities. We regularly sponsor beach clean-ups and support sports teams, community celebrations or the renovation of nearby religious monuments from time to time.
Support new artists
Karpaha Sands also supports the development of Sri Lanka’s art scene, showcasing a range of emerging Sri Lankan (and foreign) artists at the hotel and helping them sell their stunning artwork.
