Galle, Sri LankaHabaraduwa
KK Beach Galle
Modernist beachfront gallery
Habaraduwa Galle, Sri Lanka
Opened
2016
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe LocalOutside the door
The house
KK CollectionModernist beachfront gallery
Modern white architecture doubles as a live-in gallery, displaying original works by Sri Lankan artists right above the beach.
What it’s good at
Notable
Modernist white architecture lined with rotating contemporary paintings from Sri Lankan artists.
Listed
Private balconies facing the ocean, with fresh king coconuts and chilled poolside towels.
Listed
Traditional batik accents and daily breakfast curries served with hoppers and coconut sambol.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
They range from a pair of spacious Deluxe Doubles, with impressive ocean views, to a pair of Penthouse Suites, spanning nearly a hundred square meters.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Uncrowded Habaraduwa Beach sits right outside the garden gate, while historic Galle Fort is a twenty-minute drive along the coast.
The rooms
Full-length sliding glass doors open to private balconies overlooking the Indian Ocean, accented inside with indigo batik blinds.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A 20-metre outdoor pool stretches across the beachfront lawn, shaded by coconut palms and bright orange parasols.
Bamboo Restaurant
The open-air pavilion serves fresh seafood and local curries, with tables looking directly out across the lawn to the sea.
At the table
The Living Room & Bar pours cocktails along a polished concrete counter beneath woven lamps, surrounded by contemporary paintings.
How it began
Interior designer George Cooper opened the property in 2016 as an oceanfront counterpart to his tea-estate retreat, Kahanda Kanda.
Galle
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The app
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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.