A lush tropical island off the southern tip of India, the hidden treasures of Sri Lanka shouldn't ever be overlooked. Its stunning natural beauty, fabled riches, and strategic maritime locale have come together to forge a captivating history, while the excellent surfing and limitless serenity spots mean it's quickly becoming one of the insider places to vacation.

Just a 25-minute drive east of the city of Galle lies the quiet town of Ahangama. This tranquil, serene place is excellently located for those looking for peace, with Ayervurdic healing, temples, surfing, and wildlife. All this, plus a smattering of new hotels, bars, and restaurants means this small town is a flourishing vacation destination.

Set on Ahangama’s white sandy beach on the world-renowned South Coast of Sri Lanka, this new boutique hotel is nestled among natural palm groves right on the beach. With just six suites, it's a private hideaway and a surfer’s paradise – with a design-forward luxury twist and direct access to the beach, surf spots, a rooftop terrace, and an inviting pool. We're particular fans of the Signature Ocean Suites, with their water-facing baths, rain showers, and private terraces looking over the sea.

Sri Lanka is renowned for its Ayurvedic practices – “The Science of Life” in Sanskrit. Considered by many scholars to be the oldest healing science, you can spend time with a trained international therapist. You can have a consultation to tailor your treatment to what your body would benefit the most from too, so it's perfectly personalized.

A stay at this boutique hotel is also the ideal opportunity for some private rooftop yoga or meditation sessions – our personal favorite is the singing bowl sound therapy. You can enjoy a private massage on your own balcony overlooking the Indian Ocean too, for a completely luxurious experience.

→ Temples: Sri Lanka has fantastic temples spread across the country. From Ahangama, Kathaluwa Temple is only 3.8km away and is an excellent example of Kandyan style painting.

→ Surfing: Situated between the popular towns of Unawatuna and Mirissa, the heart of Sri Lanka’s surfing scene, the Harding Boutique Hotel is set back from a gorgeous untouched beach – meaning two surf breaks on your doorstep. Kabalana Beach, Midigama, and Weligama Bay are all close by too.

→ Stilt fishermen: The sight of fishermen perched on a “petta” as they fish skilfully during dawn, noon, and dusk; is really quite something.