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Whether on board or ashore, guests will reconnect with what matters most—themselves, their loved ones, and the world around them. With 461 oceanfront suites, every guest will enjoy sweeping sea views and a private terrace, while being spoilt for choice with nine distinct culinary experiences, four pools, private cabanas, spa, and redefined entertainment.
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Telegraph
a day ago
- Telegraph
The 11 best beaches in Sri Lanka
Wild Indian Ocean-washed beaches define Sri Lanka's 830-mile coastline. Southern beaches tend to be livelier and more surf-oriented, backed by vibrant restaurants and bars; meanwhile, the butter-coloured beaches of the less developed central and north-east coasts exude calm. The beaches in Sri Lanka wax and wane seasonally, particularly on the south-west coast during unsettled monsoon months, when sea currents strengthen and change. Very few beaches have lifeguards, so you must always be vigilant by the water's edge. Endangered marine turtles come ashore throughout the year to nest, and many coastal stretches are wildlife hotspots. All our recommendations below have been hand-selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best beaches in Sri Lanka. Find out more below, or for more Sri Lanka inspiration, see our guides to the best hotels, restaurants, bars and things to do. West coast Ventura Beach, Bentota Bentota is a well-established family-friendly resort town on the west coast, with large hotels (some of which have lifeguard lookouts), soft champagne-coloured sand, blushing sunsets and an adjacent river for windsurfing, jet-skiing and boat rides into mangrove caves. The majority of the restaurants and bars in the area are hotel-based. Insider tip: Boutique hotel The Villa Bentota by KK Collection is positioned on Bentota's quieter, southern shore. How to get there: There are trains to Bentota or the nearby Ahangama station. Sawukku Beach, Alankuda Northwesterly Kalpitiya is an arid 20-mile-long peninsula flanked by the vast Puttalam Lagoon. Around mid-way up is Alankuda's unspoilt, under-the-radar, fir-fringed Sawukku beach, dotted with low-key eco resorts. In winter, you can swim, snorkel and kayak; in summer, the offshore wind creates the perfect conditions for kite surfing. Insider tip: Book kayaks, paddleboards and dolphin-watching trips from Bar Reef Resort. Return to index South coast Kabalana Beach Kabalana is part of the south coast's fast-growing surf scene. Between late November and April, this 500-metre-long sandy bay, backed by guesthouses and boutique hotels (including The Sandhya and Mosvold Villa), attracts surfers to its two main breaks and bodyboarders to its sandy shallows. Sunsets are epic, and there are a variety of restaurants nearby. Insider tip: Book high-quality surfboards in advance from The Board Shop, a travelling rental company currently based in the neighbouring town Ahanghama. How to get there: The beach is next to the main Galle-Matara road. Weligama Beach Weligama's deep bay is synonymous with southern surfing as the rolling sandy-bottomed breaks are gentle for those looking to learn. Little shacks offering boards for hire and lessons line a strip between the beach and main road, alongside open-air fish markets and catamarans. The water is calmer further west, beyond Taprobane Island. Insider tip: Take a tuk tuk (five minutes' drive) to secluded Jungle Beach (or Walliwala), a lovely quiet cove for seasonal paddling below the luxury hotel Cape Weligama. Mawella Beach Mawella's one-and-a-half-mile-long sandy beach is secreted well away from the busy southern coastal road and has seen mercifully little development. Private villas and small boutique hotels, like The Last House, share this hallowed space with fisherfolk and nesting marine turtles. There are rolling waves (fun for bodyboarding), but you can usually swim year-round. How to get there: It's five miles from Tangalle, and the closest train station is Beliatta. Hiriketiya Beach Hiriketiya's sandy beach curves deeply between two prominent headlands near the southern fishing town of Tangalle, and is a favourite with surf-loving digital nomads. It's a popular (often busy) yet easygoing year-round swimming spot, known for its two surf breaks, profusion of boho-chic coffee shops, vegan cafes, guesthouses and yoga studios. Insider tip: Watch the surfing action unfold from sunset-facing cocktail bar Raa. How to get there: Turn off at Dodampahala Junction, between Dickwella and Tangalle. Dalawella The translucent lagoon protected by an offshore reef in front of Wijeya Beach restaurant is a rare seasonal swimming spot popular with paddlers, with the bonus of resident green turtles and sunsets silhouetted by 'The Frog Rock'. It's very popular, though the beach slims significantly during the summer months. Insider tip: Wijeya Beach is an iconic spot for wood-fired pizzas and sundowners. How to get there: It's less than two miles southeast of Unawatuna. Return to index. East coast Kalkudah Beach Karpaha Sands is just one of two high-end places to stay along this staggeringly pristine 11-mile beach with swimming on Sri Lanka's quieter east coast, far from the main road, beyond palm and cashew nut plantations. It's pin-drop peaceful and totally secluded. Insider tip: Watch the daily ritual of 'madella' fishing, where giant nets are cast into the sea every morning and pulled out later by a cooperative of sarong-clad fishermen. Pasikuda Beach Powdery blonde sand, azure water and very calm waves make this crescent-shaped east coast beach one of Sri Lanka's finest and best for swimming. Families are drawn to the large resorts lining the bay, including Uga Bay, and the variety of water-focused activities, such as jet skiing, water skiing, banana boating, kayaking, paddleboarding and sunset sailing trips. Insider tip: Get your snorkelling fix at nearby Kayankerni Marine Sanctuary. Nilaveli You can wade out for a good 50 metres through the calm, clear water from the sandy shore of this laid-back north-easterly beach near Trincomalee, where roaming cows are often seen plodding along the sand. In the distance lies the silhouette of snorkelling hotspot Pigeon Island, a protected marine park. Insider tip: Book whale watching or sunset sails through Sail Lanka Charter. How to get there: Nilaveli is a 25-minute drive north of Trincomalee. Arugam Bay Surfers love rugged 'A Bay' for its peeling right-handers, consistent swell and lively party scene, yet it's still a fishing village at heart – catamarans line the palm-fringed beach while fishermen wrapped in sarongs mend nets under the hot tropical sun. Hostels and guesthouses abound (one standout is Hideaway), and the dining scene is increasingly varied. Insider tip: Rent boards or organise surf lessons from Mambo's Surf School. How to get there: It's south of Pottuvil, and the beach runs parallel to the main road. Return to index How we choose Every beach in this curated list has been expertly chosen by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of areas and styles, from popular city beaches to lesser-known corners, to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up-to-date recommendations. Back to top Emma Boyle A holiday to Sri Lanka turned into an epic 16-year adventure in the country, during which I developed a love for leopard-spotting, coconutty curries and single estate teas.
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
‘Unlimited stay' cruise that people can retire on for £260k launches – with unlimited food, drink & travel all included
THE 'unlimited stay' cruise that people can retire on for £260,000 has launched, offering unlimited food, drink and travel all included in the price tag. The VanDutch 75 is being dubbed one of the sleekest vessels on the water and it's not hard to see why. 6 6 With razor-sharp lines, minimalist interiors and a silhouette that wouldn't look out of place in a sci-fi film, the brand-new luxury yacht is officially turning heads. Made for high-speed cruising, the 75-foot beast is powered by twin 1,800hp engines that help it glide through the sea at a rapid 40 knots, which is over 45mph, in case you're wondering. But it's not just what's under the hood that's getting people talking, the interior is just as impressive. We're talking penthouse-on-water vibes, with open-plan living space, Italian-inspired interiors and designer fittings from bow to stern. Inside, there's a full-beam master suite, two additional guest cabins, and separate crew quarters that sleep two. The below-deck setup includes ambient lighting, custom cabinetry and a fully kitted-out kitchen, or "galley", if you're feeling nautical. And this isn't just for sunbathing and sipping rosé. There's a navigation station, a pop-up TV, and a high-end sound system, so you can cruise in full-blown party mode or total peace and quiet. The brand calls it 'a natural evolution of the VanDutch DNA', but we'd call it a floating bachelor pad with Bond-level energy. Prices for the VanDutch 75 are firmly in seven-figure territory, depending on your chosen setup, but if you've got the cash, it's one hell of a way to sail into retirement. When can I retire? IF you're wondering when you can retire, it's best to speak to your pension providers. Firstly, use the government's tool to check your state pension age. Next check retirement ages on workplace pension schemes - this can massively impact your windfall once you enter your golden years. For advice, you can contact The Pensions Advisory Service for free online or on 0800 011 3797. Luxury yachts And it's not the only mega-yacht making headlines this season. The 390ft superyacht Breakthrough, rumoured to belong to billionaire Bill Gates, is also set to make its grand debut at the Monaco Yacht Show this September. The £476million ship has been billed as the first-ever hydrogen-powered yacht, and comes with jaw-dropping features including a cinema, basketball court, hospital, two offices, and enough staterooms to house an entire football team. If Gates really is behind it, he's got competition from Brooklyn Beckham, who was recently spotted sailing into Saint-Tropez aboard his billionaire in-laws' 80-metre yacht, Project X, worth a cool £85million. Meanwhile, his dad David Beckham was moored nearby on his own £16million vessel Seven, which looks like a dinghy by comparison. From sci-fi style yachts to floating mansions with four-storey townhouses tucked inside, it's clear 2025 is the year of the mega boat flex. And with VanDutch leading the charge in design, tech and speed, it might just be time to trade your retirement home for a vessel spot. 6 6 6 6
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Telegraph
Five essential things to know before you board a Hebridean Island Cruises ship
Hebridean Princess is one of cruising's most unusual ships. Under its previous name, Columba, it was commissioned by the Ministry of Defence in 1964 as a floating nuclear bunker for VIPs during the Cold War, then used as a car ferry before being converted to carry overnight passengers. Even then, there was still some vehicle space, so guests could drive around the islands it visited. In its present form, as a cruise ship for 48 passengers, it was chartered twice by the late Queen for royal holidays. The 28 cabins, spread over four of the five decks, are named after Scottish landmarks. There's a brick inglenook fireplace in the lounge and a Welsh dresser with plates in a corridor, enhancing the atmosphere of a laird's country house at sea. As well as the Columba restaurant, the ship has a small library, two bars and a shop. In 2020, Hebridean Island Cruises, headquartered in Yorkshire, acquired Lord of the Glens – now mainly chartered out to groups – followed a year later by Lord of the Highlands. Prices for a week start at £2,670pp and can top £14,000 for the best cabin on Hebridean Princess at the height of the season; however, fares include drinks, tips and excursions. 1. Where does Hebridean Island Cruises sail? From its home port of Oban, just over a three-hour train ride, or 100-mile road journey from Glasgow, Hebridean Princess visits the Inner Hebrides, such as Skye and Mull – with its colourful capital Tobermory – and smaller islands including Rum, Islay and Iona. Other itineraries take it to the Outer Hebrides islands of Lewis, and Harris, or as far as the remote archipelago of St Kilda. Heading north-east the ship also offers calls to Orkney and Shetland or goes down to Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, Wales, the Channel Islands and Isles of Scilly, or the south coast of England and northern France. Some 'surprise' cruises are left to the captain's choice of favourite destinations. Lord of the Glens and Lord of the Highlands are both small enough to head inland to the Caledonian Canal and Great Glen, sailing between Inverness and Fort William. Excursions include the Culloden battlefield and Clava Cairns – the inspiration for the Outlander time travel series – before a cruise along Loch Ness and through the magnificent flight of eight locks known as Neptune's Staircase. However, the two ships also head into open water as far as the Inner Hebrides and the west coast, often passing what is regarded as one of the most picturesque Scottish castles, Eilean Donan. Lord of the Highlands also sails as far as Orkney. On all three ships, expect plenty of excursions to do with history, whisky and Scottish produce, including cheese, oysters and honey. You may get the chance to call into the most remote pub on the British mainland, The Old Forge at Inverie, or enjoy a champagne reception at Duart Castle, the seat of Clan Maclean. Some itineraries include specialist speakers on subjects including gardens, music and the local wildlife, such as red deer, seals and seabirds. 2. Who does Hebridean Island Cruises appeal to? The line's average age is 75, with 95 per cent coming from the UK. The rest are American, Canadian, New Zealanders and Europeans. They are loyal, too, with 70 per cent of passengers having sailed with the line before. This is slow travel, with occasional itinerary changes due to weather, but many customers come along primarily for the journey, the food and the company. They're also the sort of people who think a minimum of £5,340 for a couple on a week-long cruise in or around Scotland is good value for the high standard of service and quality of locally sourced ingredients on board. If you're the kind of cruiser who enjoys a theatre, casino, spa or a laundry service, this definitely isn't for you – although walkers will enjoy the island stops and photographers will revel in the changing scenery and abundant wildlife. Hebridean Princess also has bicycles on board for those wishing to explore on two wheels. People-watching and getting to know your fellow passengers on these small ships is fascinating – organised entertainment is limited to the occasional visit from musicians and country dancers. Children under 12 are not allowed to sail. 3. The fleet Hebridean Princess (48 passengers) This sturdy cruise ship is the only one ever to have received a royal warrant and celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024. Although fitted with 21st-century technology, the vessel still boasts its Manchester-made machinery and preserves an engine order telegraph communications device on it. Tartan furnishings and a small decanter of complimentary whisky in each cabin help preserve the Scottish spirit. Even the porridge is offered 'with a wee dram should you wish'. Sails to Inner and Outer Hebrides, West Coast of Scotland, Orkney and Shetland, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Wales, Channel Isles, Isles of Scilly, south coast of England, Northern France. Lord of the Glens (50 passengers) The royal yacht Britannia, now moored as a tourist attraction at Leith, near Edinburgh, gave the inspiration for the ship's refurbishment from an Aegean Sea ferry when it belonged to the magnificently named Magna Carta Steam Ship Company. Now part of the Hebridean Island Cruises fleet, Lord of the Glens is not often on general sale, but is mainly used for groups and charters. The upper deck is the social hub of the ship, with a bar, lounge and outside terraces. Sails to Caledonian Canal and Great Glen, Inner Hebrides, West Coast of Scotland Lord of the Highlands (38 passengers) This very Scottish-looking ship is a long way from home, having started life in 2012 as a ferry that carried up to 700 passengers between Greece and Turkey. It took three years to convert to its current use. The upper deck has a restaurant, bar and lounge with panoramic windows, and an outdoor bow balcony. Twelve cabins sit on the same level as the bridge below. The lowest deck includes a suite with windows to both port and starboard. Sails to Caledonian Canal and Great Glen, Inner Hebrides, West Coast of Scotland, Orkney 4. Loyalty scheme The line does not run a loyalty scheme, however loyalty savings up to 5 per cent are available for regular guests at certain times of the year. 5. Access for guests with disabilities None of the ships are accessible – there are no lifts and no adapted rooms. Going ashore from Hebridean Princess when the ship itself is unable to dock is by one of the two boats, Shona and Sanda, or a beach landing by zodiac inflatable.
