THE SPICE HOUSE MIRISSA, Mirissa

Set among tropical gardens with flowers, ponds and hammocks, The Spice House Mirissa (rated 9.1/10 on Booking.com) is a colonial-style guest house a 2-minute walk from Mirissa Beach. En-suite rooms open onto private balconies overlooking either the spice garden or the Indian Ocean, and are fitted with 4-poster beds and traditional wood-carved furnishings. The property features an outdoor infinity pool with sun loungers and umbrellas, surrounded by lush greenery. Breakfast is served on a large veranda overlooking the jungle, offering a mix of Western and Sri Lankan dishes, including fresh fruit, eggs, and local specialties. Guests can book massages, Ayurvedic treatments, and yoga classes, as well as rent canoeing and snorkelling equipment at The Spice House. Whale and dolphin-watching boat trips depart from Fisheries Harbour, a 5-minute drive away, and Dondra Lighthouse is a 15-minute drive. Galle Fort is a 45-minute drive from the hotel. The family-run guesthouse also provides free Wi-Fi, airport shuttle services, and a tour desk to help plan excursions. The Spice House offers a peaceful atmosphere away from the busy main road, with manicured gardens and wildlife including monkeys and birds.

The owners go above and beyond to help guests with excursions, transportation, and local recommendations.

Breakfast is a highlight, featuring a variety of fresh fruits, eggs, and daily Sri Lankan specialties.

The gardens are meticulously maintained with ponds, fountains, and colorful plants, attracting a variety of wildlife.

The pool area includes an island with sunbeds and plug sockets for charging electronics.

The hotel's separate villa rooms require a walk through dark alleyways and a busy main road to reach the main house.

The property is cash-only, though it accepts multiple currencies and bank transfers.