Sri Gemunu Beach Resort, Unawatuna: A must visit

An instant sense of calm settles on you as you step in through the gates of Sri Gemunu Beach Resort, Unawatuna and it’s not just the sea sprayed air that does it; but the welcoming faces of the hotel’s staff coupled with the breath-taking view of manicured lawns and giant rocks beyond scattered carefree on the sea shore.

The Resort, luckily, located in Dalawella, Unawatuna is undefiled by the recent catastrophe of soil erosion distressing most other resort owners by the main Unawatuna beach and the sight of many tourists lazily lying on the beach chairs reading books or listening to music seemed like a testament to the popularity of this safely hidden haven.

We were eagerly welcomed by the authentic Sri Lankan hospitality which, to me, caps off all other amenities that come with a vacation and were ensured of excellent service and personalised care throughout our stay.

The Resort, which is ranked number 1 in Unawatuna and the Travelers' Choice 2014 Winner on Trip Adivsor, comprises two buildings and offers 20 comfortable, well-furnished rooms complete with a shower/toilet and terrace. It also houses one holiday flat which can accommodate 4 – 5 people.

The pleasant surprise for most guests, it would seem, is the fact that all rooms (with or without air-conditioning, mini-bar and SAT/TV and priced accordingly), offer a view of the Resort’s beautiful green lawn and sweeping ocean beyond. Simply step out of your room and onto your terrace to be reminded of the quietening effect of the ocean.

The Resort itself is secured by an off-shore coral reef and offers a secure swimming location. Secluded walks along an undisturbed beach are a must if you stay here. A few kms up the beach, you’ll find the perfect location for safe swimming where a natural reef keeps giant waves safely at bay. Early mornings and late afternoons seemed the best times for guests to visit this spot for some swimming, snorkelling or just plain floating on unruffled waters.

Another popular sport at the Resort seemed to be the shaded bank just near the ocean, furnished with comfortable beach chairs, offering a relaxing view of the ocean. Visitors were seen lounging there on any given time of the day, just listening to the soothing roar of the waves beyond.

The Resort’s restaurant offers a range of Asian and international specialities. Breakfast promises to be an interesting affair with exotic fruits and exquisite curries and lunch and dinner live up to the place’s reputation for great food – Sri Lanka or otherwise.

Sights to see close to the Resort include the Yatagala-Temple (walking distance from the Resort), the Galle Dutch Fort (the most popular attraction of the town), Ambalangoda, Hikkaduwa, Matara and Dikwella.

Soon it was time to say goodbye and so we did, with heavy hearts, promising to be back at the next opportune moment!

For undisputed levels of service, a truly magical holiday by the sea in Unawatuna – all for a reasonable price, Sri Gemunu Beach Resort should definitely be your pick!

For more information visit www.sri-lanka-resort.com

Text and pics by Jennifer Rodrigo