Taking a trip to Mirissa is like stepping into another world – a world where being carefree seems like the ordre du jour. We decided to head down to in late July (not really the Mirissa season, but it suited us just fine). The beach didn’t disappoint, the atmosphere was on point and the hospitality definitely amazed us.

Having heard quite a number of rumours about double standards in treatment of locals, as opposed to foreigners, we were wary of our choice of accommodation but we hit the jack-pot with Sira’s Chalets & Tour Operators, a cozy B&B with just 6 rooms, offering a pleasant and comfortable stay.

Owned by Charith Nilanga Siriwardena who’s been in the hoteling industry since 1991, Sira’s comes complete with all you’ll need for a fabulous stay in Mirissa. The rooms - 2 Deluxe, 1 Family and 2 Standard - are modestly furnished but contain everything you’ll need - AC/fan, safety lockers, 32"LED TV, mini fridge, hot/cold water and free tea/coffee making facilities.

Mirissa is all about the sea – bathing in it, body-boarding in it, lounging by it and strolling along it. You’d rarely see any travellers spending long hours in their rooms. Everyone’s on the beach, literally all the time. This culture seems to have propelled most hotels/guest-houses in the beach stretch to focus only on the necessities in their accommodation.

Sira’s Chalets lives up to this culture as well. While offering comfortable accommodation and good breakfasts, the hotel also gives its occupants free body boards, which is a great hit amongst tourists and locals alike. There are plenty of lounging chairs on the beach and inside the premises – on which you’ll see guests spending, pretty much, all hours of the day.

Staff at Sira’s are courteous and around when you need them, while also managing to steer clear of you, when needed, to offer the right amount of privacy. You can lounge under the shade of a coconut tree with a book or lounge on the beach itself (if you’re eager to work on your tan!) and be left to your own thoughts, uninterrupted.

Breakfasts are simple – Continental or Sri Lankan – and are served outside your rooms, in your own private verandah area.

Apart from soaking up the sun and night-life in Mirissa, you can also opt to try out some of these activities, while staying at Sira’s.

Yala & Udawalawe Safaris – Sira’s operates pre-arranged jeep safaris in Yala & Udawalawe. Choices include half a day safaris spanning 3 to 4 hours and full day safaris spanning 10 – 12 hours.

Diving in Weligama – 30 km, east of Galle, you’ll find Weligama, also known as the ‘sandy village’. With an attractive fishing sandy bay, this fishing town is an ideal place for snorkelling and diving. For those who’d like to stay above the surface of the water, there are catamaran rides.

Whale watching – a trip to Mirissa is not complete for most people without whale/dolphin watching. Although tiring, most people find it thrilling to see blue whales, Bryde’s whales, sperm whales, fin whales and sometimes killer whales in the warm Indian ocean.

For more details visit www.siraschaletsmirissa.lk.

By Jennifer Rodrigo