Kumu Beach, Balapitiya

Kumu Beach, a placid 10-room hideout a stone's throw from the golden sand. Set on a raised strip of beachfront on Sri Lanka’s south-west coast, this modern, villa-style property has been designed to encourage a stay of the most serene sort. While the sun sits high in the sky, lounge by the ocean-facing infinity pool or on a day-bed beneath the palms, sampling exotic smoothies and iced Ceylon tea to stay cool. Come evening, dine on coconut-encrusted tiger prawns, seared tuna steaks and Sri Lankan hoppers (bowl-shaped pancakes) at a table on the lawn, watching the sunset give way to an inky sky thick with stars.