Overview
Karin and Manfred established Palm Paradise with one eye on Sri Lanka's best beaches and another on fending off concrete predator hotels. Scattered sympathetically around a beach side palm grove, the cabanas are set on stilts in10 acres of woodland on one of Tangalle's private bays. "Eco-warriors" will relish the simple design of the wooden huts. Guests can socialise at their discretion.
Tangalle is a sleepy town but adventurists can seek out wildlife at Yala, Uda Walawe and Bundala National Parks, which are all close by. You can sunbathe by day on the wide sandy beach and then head back at night to see the baby turtles being released by conservationists.
The estate is naturally planted and many rare and vivid flowers can be found around the central rockery. You can relax and treat yourself to an Ayurvedic Spa from head to toe.
This is a laid back and natural resort for travellers and families looking to chill out and make their own fun. To encourage your relaxation extra comforts are available for the asking; hammocks, beach umbrellas, beach towels and deck chairs. Bicycles and motor cycles are available for rent. Just provide your own knotted handkerchief!
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Rooms
There are a total of 22 Cabanas spread out to offer seclusion and quiet. Hexagonal wooden huts are built on stilts to avoid any unwanted land monitors which also has the bonus of constant cool sea breezes providing natural air conditioning. Furnishings are simple and all made from natural products of the area, carved chairs, teak bed frames and driftwood clothes pegs.
The bijou ensuite shower rooms all have modern fittings with hot showers. Linen and towels are replenished every 2 days and fans and mosquito nets come as standard. There is also the thoughtful provision of beach mats and garden lilos with cushions. Hammocks, beach umbrellas and towels, deck chairs, bicycles and motor cycles are available on request.
All the cabanas have a private balcony looking out to sea and the beach area appears exclusive to guests, should you wish to take a midnight stroll under the stars. The lounge and bar offer TV and music in the evenings. Many families gather in the games pavilion where there is a host of local and worldwide board games, from Carom to Connect 4 and table tennis, darts and outdoor chess.
An Ayerveda hut offers rooms for spa treatments at reasonable prices ( 1hr. ayurvedic herbal oil massage costs Rs 750 )
Dining
Palm Paradise works on a half board basis in peak season as there are no other restaurants in this quiet corner of the island. Daily menus are chalked up on the board to give guests the opportunity to speak up if the choice is really not to their taste and Chef will probably be able to rustle up a simple alternative.
Breakfast offers a choice of Sri Lankan or western food each morning.
The Restaurant menus feature dishes from the many nations of the guests at Palm Paradise; Sri Lankan, Indian, Thai and Chinese for the eastern influence, or a variety of European styles such as Italian but is primarily Sri Lankan in style. Fresh fish and sea food from the morning's catch is delivered daily. To avoid "furry friends" it's best not to eat in the cabanas but to make a choice from the three open octagonal dining rooms or join the buffet/barbeque in the garden. Dessert is often fresh fruit or the traditional curd and treacle.
Beers and a large variety of spirits are available also a list featuring 12 selected wines to be purchased by the bottle and several local wines available by the glass. For something more exotic you should try any of the 12 different Caribbean and international cocktails on offer. "Il Cameno" is an excellent Italian restaurant just 5 minutes out of town should you desire a change of scene.
Things to do & local tips
- Tangalle is a non-commercial town with no sophisticated shops, cafes or Internet stops.
- Uda Walawe, Yala and Bundala Bird Sanctuary are all excellent safari day trips. All will require an early start or a potential overnight stay.
- Kateragama is a centre for all religions and has pilgrims visiting the temples and Boa Tree year round. It also plays host to an annual Perahera (July) is when Carnival is the important game in town and hotels are full to bursting.
- Tangalle's beaches are the best in southern Sri Lanka and offer the best sunsets. The sea is fine for swimming Nov-Mar
- Tangalle has a PADI dive centre and equivalent certified divers.
- There is no reef for snorkelling.
- Turtle Farms are plentiful and make great day and night venues as the young hatchers come out to play.
- Villagers are generally friendly, but do be careful if trekking out of the villages. There can be rough drunks who are a menace
- Fishing trips can be arranged through the staff as local harbour boat owners are willing take passengers. Prepare for an early start!
- Aragum Bay is two and half hours around the East corner of the island, a tough journey but it offers fantastic surf April- Sept. (venue of the British Surfing Championships)
- Palm Paradise Ayurvedic treatments range from a 40 minute face massage to one and a half hours top to toe. A 1 hour massage is a set Rs 500.
For recommendations on places of interest, activities, restaurants and local transport on the South coast, click here.