EXPERIENCE

The Neighbourhood

Dickwella, a charming coastal town on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, is full of local character and vibrant energy. It’s home to beautiful beaches such as Pehembiya and the iconic horseshoe-shaped Hiriketiya Bay.
Perfect for surfing, relaxing, café hopping, enjoying fresh seafood, and experiencing warm Sri Lankan hospitality
BEACHES
- Pehembiya Beach – A peaceful stretch of golden sand, perfect for morning walks and quiet swims. Just across the road.
- Hiriketiya Beach – A vibrant horseshoe-shaped bay known for its surf, cafés, and lively beach vibe. Only 5 minutes away.
- Blue Beach – A hidden gem with turquoise waters and scenic cliffs, ideal for photos and snorkeling. Around 10 minutes away.
- Silent Beach – True to its name, a serene and secluded spot for ultimate relaxation. Approximately 23 minutes away.
SURFING
- Hiriketiya Beach is ideal for surfing, offering a sandy beach break perfect for beginners and a left-hand reef break for more experienced surfers. Just 5 minutes away.
- Unakuruwa Beach – A tranquil cove popular with surfers and those seeking an authentic local feel. Approximately 25 minutes away.
L’ Atelier (boutique) – Curated designer clothing & accessories, by appointment.
Le Ketiya (boutique)– Ethical, locally‑designed swimwear, designer clothing & accessories.
Island Luxe (boutique) – Curated beachwear & eco‑accessories.
Kai Merch – Clothing and accessories.
Kosha – Minimalist, ethically-made clothing and accessories.
Village Collective – Artisan goods, handmade décor, and sustainable products.
Slow Days – Locally designed beachwear.
Ayubowan Gifts – Souvenirs, local crafts, and Sri Lankan keepsakes.
TURTLES
Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project – A seasonal turtle nesting site, ideal for families and wildlife enthusiasts
SCUBA DIVING
Ocean Eye Sri Lanka – Offers guided scuba diving tours and PADI Open Water Diver certification courses.
KAYAKING
Kayak Rekawa - Kayak Tours – Enjoy sunrise or sunset kayaking through tranquil mangroves and lagoons.
TEMPLES + WALKS
- Mulkirigala Rock Temple – An ancient Buddhist temple set on a rock outcrop, offering panoramic views. Approximately 20–30 minutes away.
- Dondra Lighthouse – The iconic lighthouse marking Sri Lanka’s southernmost point. Approximately 30 minutes away.
- Hummanaya Blow Hole – A spectacular natural ocean geyser, about 30 minutes away.
SAFARIS
- Udawalawe National Park – About 1.5 hours away; a fantastic day trip destination famous for elephants and water birds.
- Yala National Park – Roughly 2.5 hours away; renowned for its leopards, elephants, bears, and crocodiles.

MALKOHA [Coffee • Breakfast • Lunch • Sunset Spot]
Specialty coffee bar & café — located on the ground floor below ALOE Suites. Perfect for serious coffee lovers and foodies alike. Outdoor seating overlooks Pehembiya Beach, with indoor air-conditioned dining available. Try: Specialty coffee, fresh brunch dishes, and the burger.
SMOKE & BITTERS [ Sunset • Dinner • Cocktails ]
Listed among Asia’s 50 Best Bars. Elevated yet relaxed, Smoke & Bitters sits under the palms overlooking Pehembiya Beach — just one minute from Aloe. Incredible sunsets, craft cocktails, and smoky Sri Lankan-inspired dishes. Tip: Arrive for sunset. Start with a cocktail, share a few podi (small) plates, and move on to mains.
RAA [ Lunch • Dinner • Cocktails ]
Arrack bar and kitchen celebrating Sri Lankan toddy and arrack culture, with inventive cocktails and refined local dishes. The ocean-front setting is perfect for sunset. Try: A toddy-inspired cocktail with whitebait bar snack.
BETAZ [ Breakfast • Brunch • Sunset Drinks ]
Newly renovated and set on rock-side terraces by the water, Betaz brings a relaxed beach-club vibe all day long. Expect brunch classics, Sri Lankan favourites, and great pizzas. Recommended: Signature coffee, hopper breakfast, pizza, and a cold cocktail at golden hour.
MOND [ Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Cocktails ]
A sea-view café and rooftop bar serving excellent coffee, brunch favourites, dinner, and cocktails. Try: Coffee & pain au chocolat.
BACUZZI [ Lunch • Dinner • Aperitivo ]
Authentic Italian food by Italians — pizza and pasta in a warm, social setting. Order: A pizza and an aperitivo at golden hour.
LA PLAYA [ Lunch • Dinner • Poolside Cocktails ]
Beach-club-style lounge bar and pool on Hiriketiya Beach. Fresh seafood, pasta, sourdough pizza, and cocktails by the pool. Recommended: Pizza & poolside drinks or bougie oysters and bubbly.
THE RUIN [ Beach Bar • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Sundowners ]
A rustic-chic beachfront bar on Hiriketiya Beach, known for its lively vibe and stunning views. Sit under the palms or lounge on day beds and enjoy an uninterrupted view of the bay. The menu leans into progressive Latin flavors, serving tacos, tostadas, and empanadas alongside craft cocktails and ice-cold beers. Recommended: Margaritas and fresh ceviche.
MARINDI [ Lunch • Dinner ]
Beachfront in Hiriketiya, this casual local hangout offers sunbeds under the trees and ocean views. Spend the Day: Sip fresh coconuts, enjoy juices, and try the local seafood.
DOTS BAY HOUSE [ Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Party Venue ]
A lively beachside hangout known for good food, music, and events just off the beach in Hiriketiya. Highlights: Garden brunch, dinner & dancing, poolside pizza & drinks.
MAHA SAUNA [ Coffee • Breakfast • Lunch ]
A health-focused café featuring an ice plunge and sauna. Just off the beach in Hiriketiya, sea views from the cafe deck. Recommended: Coffee and house-made treats.
MALU POKE [ Coffee • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner ]
Airy courtyard café opposite Hiriketiya Beach, serving fresh, healthy bowls and plates. Recommended: Coffee, smoothies, and poke bowls.
RAA [ Lunch • Dinner • Cocktails ]
Arrack bar and kitchen celebrating Sri Lankan toddy and arrack culture, with inventive cocktails and refined local dishes. The ocean-front setting is perfect for sunset. Try: A toddy-inspired cocktail with whitebait bar snack.
DUNI’S HOPPERS [ Coffee • Breakfast ]
A relaxed brunch spot known for creative takes on traditional Sri Lankan hoppers — sweet or savoury — plus smoothie bowls and great coffee. A 2 minute walk from Hiriketiya beach. Try: egg hopper with dhal and pol (coconut) sambol
GARLIC CAFÉ [ Lunch • Dinner ]
Traditional Sri Lankan dining in a charming garden setting, offering both buffet and à la carte. A 2 minutes drive from Hiriketiya beach. Recommendation: Dinner buffet — rice & curry and the chicken kottu roti.
BUNCH [ Coffee • Breakfast ]
A vegetarian-friendly café set in a cozy jungle courtyard. A 3 minute drive from Hiriketiya beach. Favourites: Coffee, avo scramble, tofu toast, smoothie bowls, and cold-pressed juices.
SALT HOUSE [ Coffee • Brunch ]
Airy, relaxed café setting — ideal for a late breakfast or lazy brunch. A 1 minute walk from Hiriketiya beach. Try: waffles and fresh juice.
BELIKA BEACH CLUB [ Brunch ]
A quirky café with a poolside setting. An 8 minute drive from Hiriketiya, Try: Poolside crepes and coffee.
RIP ROBANA [ Dinner • Thursday Market Night • Sunday Dance Venue ]
Cafe, shop and tattoo studio and venue with weekly market nights and DJ parties every Sunday.
DOTS BAY HOUSE [ Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Party Venue ]
A lively beachside hangout known for good food, music, and events just off the beach in Hiriketiya. Highlights: Garden brunch, dinner & dancing, poolside pizza & drinks.

Cafes, Restaurants + Bars