Coastal headland roost
Resident rescue dogs, wild peacocks, and a painted piano set a relaxed, open-air rhythm along the lagoon and ocean.
What it’s good at
Notable
Features a 33-meter oceanfront lap pool, quiet garden pool, natural rock-pool, and late-evening spa massages.
Notable
A five-acre coastal hideaway with swim-up pool cocktails, a games room, open-air cinema, and canoe outings.
Notable
Set along Rekawa Lagoon with a local village team, resident rescue animals, and Sri Lankan dining.
What they say
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Rest of Asia
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Direct paths lead down to Rekawa Beach, where marine turtles nest along an untamed stretch of southern coastline.
The rooms
Polished cement floors lead to open-air rain showers and private verandas looking out across Rekawa Lagoon or the Indian Ocean.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A 33-meter infinity lap pool stretches toward the ocean, bordered by palms and yellow stepping stones.
Main Restaurant & Mezzanine Lounge
The open-air dining pavilion serves Sri Lankan curries and flexible breakfast beneath high ceilings and a central chandelier.
At the table
Submerged bar stools line the pool for daytime drinks, and a slatted blue pergola shades dining tables on the lawn.
How it began
British founder Nick Buckingham spent eight years developing the five-acre headland before opening the retreat in 2010.
Good to know
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Buckingham Place Hotel & Spa
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.