Located on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Hiriketiya beach has become a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world. With its stunning scenery, warm water, and consistent waves, it’s no wonder that so many travelers around the world are singing its praises on social media which made me add it to our honeymoon destination list.
One of the most common things that travelers mention when talking about Hiriketiya beach is its laid-back, chilled-out vibe which we were looking for. We didn’t want anything fancy. We wanted to soak up the sun by the beach. Whether you’re looking to surf, swim, sunbathe, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery, this beach has something for everyone. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes in the area serving up delicious Sri Lankan cuisine, as well as international dishes. Some of the restaurants are Mond, Verse Collective which has a co-work space as well as a tattoo shop, and Smoke & Bitters.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Sri Lanka that’s close to the beach and has a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, then Dots Bay House should definitely be on your list. First I want to rave about the friendly staff, who go out of their way to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable. I should mention the sweetest ones among them, Dilina, and Laksitha.
The rooms and common areas are clean and well-maintained, and the decor has a cool, bohemian vibe that adds to the relaxed atmosphere. And we noticed “Rice&Carry” products inside our room which made me happy because it was obvious that they support small fair trade concept businesses and recycling. That’s what really sets Dots Bay House apart, its commitment to sustainability. We found out that the guesthouse is powered by solar energy, and uses natural materials and eco-friendly practices throughout its operations. This means that guests can enjoy their stay knowing that they’re doing their part to minimize their impact on the environment.
Dots Food
Dots Bay House offers a range of dishes that include both Sri Lankan and international cuisine. They have commonly offered dishes like Sri Lankan rice and curry: This is a staple dish in Sri Lanka and typically consists of a variety of curries, served with rice and accompaniments such as poppadoms, chutneys, and sambols. The specific curries may vary depending on the day but can include dishes such as dhal curry, chicken curry, fish curry, and jackfruit curry, Fresh seafood: as beachfront property, offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including grilled fish, prawns, and squid, Pizza: an on-site pizza oven and serves up a range of pizzas, including classic Margherita, vegetarian options, and more creative toppings such as Sri Lankan-inspired curried chicken, Breakfast items: guests can enjoy a variety of breakfast items, including eggs cooked to order, fresh fruit, and homemade granola, Smoothies, and juices: offers a range of smoothies and juices made from fresh, locally sourced fruits and vegetables. It’s worth noting that the specific dishes offered at Dots Bay House may vary depending on the season and availability of ingredients.
The first night we reached Hiri it was the happy hour so we started with mojitos. For dinner, we had slow-cooked beef curry, polsambol, raita with polrotti, and Mahalo pizza which came with spicy pork sausages, bacon, chili flakes, jalapeno, and pineapple. The next day morning we surfed for the first time and celebrated it with a Banana waffle came with caramalised banana, coconut whip, chocolate-avocado mousse, passion, kitul treacle, and cashew crumble, a slow-cooked pork belly ciabatta sandwich, and nice hot coffees. We laid back and enjoyed the rest of the morning. For lunch, we had the Dots burger, sipped off a passionfruit juice, and a mojito from metal straws. And a little later we had two mugs of beer just before hitting the waves for the second time.
Surfing at Hiriketiya
Speaking of surfing, it was the best thing from this entire Honeymoon-ing, yes you heard it right it was the surfing sessions. Hiriketiya beach is known for its consistent, beginner-friendly waves. Many travelers have commented that this is the perfect place to learn how to surf, with plenty of surf schools and rental shops available on the beach also suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. We reached Dots around midday on the first day so we went to the beach the next day early morning. So there were fewer crowds and we were approached by the Hiri Surf School instructors. We’ve felt like we finally graduated from beginner after our sessions with them. Suneth is really good at encouraging you and doesn’t let you give up even though you fell off the board numerous times while coming up with a mouth full of sand and burning eyes. It was harder for me than for my husband. He was quite alright in the end but forgot to capture my attempts since he was celebrating himself. They say video or it didn’t happen.
Do yourself a favor and have the instructors there to help you keep a spot because the bay can be quite packed with lots of more experienced surfers so you have no clue when the wave is coming with all the surfers until the nose of the surfboard hit you hard enough to curse your partner for nothing. It says the best time to surf is during the high season, which is from November to April when the swell is at its peak which we did in November.
But it’s not just the surf that makes Hiriketiya beach special. Travelers have also praised the beach’s beautiful scenery, with coconut trees lining the shore and clear blue water stretching out to the horizon. And we were struck by the Dots’ dog army Lulu, Trigger, and Coco the friendly locals.
Overall, Hiriketiya beach is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Sri Lanka which has everything all at once.
@po0chill Honeymooning at Hiriketiya beach!🏄🏻♀️🏄🏻♂️ #surfing #srilankanbeach #srilanka #honeymoondestinations #travel #fyp #xyzbca #foryou ♬ What a Wonderful World – Hana
