Despite arriving very late, we were greeted with a warm and friendly welcome including delicious fresh passion fruit juice. Our cabana was beautifully presented with ample space and spotlessly clean. Staff were well trained and very attentive. Breakfast was served on the veranda of our cabana each morning with options presented to us the night before. Highlights included the king coconut and kola kenda.
On request, lunch and drinks were served to the cabana with an attention button in case we needed to order more.
The cabanas are located metres away from the beach, a short walk to the right of the hotel which takes you to the giant turtles conservation area. We recommend going in the morning, preferably before breakfast (take 1000 rupees to buy seaweed for the turtles from a local seller) and then hopefully, like us, enjoy some time alone with the turtles. This was a highlight of our week long visit to Sri Lanka. Off season, the water was fairly choppy on the first day (I recommend to take water shoes for the rocks) however much calmer on the second day and an easier walk on the sand.
An alternative walk is heading to the left of the hotel where you can walk for miles along deserted beaches, spotting smaller turtles along the way! There are a few obstacles to climb over but all manageable.
If you do not wish to eat at Rockside, then a bustling area on the beach full of bars and restaurants is just a 10 minute Tuk Tuk ride away. We recommend Samson Seafood Restaurant which delighted us with an exceptional seafood platter and wonderful service.
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