Halcyon Mawella
Mawella Beach
On a stunning stretch of beach, and protected from the onshore winds by a row of sheltering trees, the Halcyon Mawella is a breath of fresh air. It’s a class act, and absolutely one of the finest beach properties we’ve ever stayed in. Thanks to its passionate and charismatic founder, Zander, there’s a liveliness and energy to the place which is both invigorating and restorative. It’s the ideal place to spend a few days experiencing the best of southern Sri Lanka’s rugged coastline, away from the hustle and bustle of the bigger towns.
The local hotel team have got the personal touch spot on, making guests feel welcome and relaxed whilst leaving plenty of space to experience the area at your own pace. All the accommodation is beautifully decorated in uncomplicated, beachside style. We particularly love the upstairs rooms with their airy, open-beamed ceilings and private balconies where you can sit and enjoy the views as the warm sea breezes brush your face…
Location
On Sri Lanka’s picturesque southern coast, about an hour’s drive from Galle and a couple of hours from Yala National Park, the hotel is well positioned for day trips to both.
A little more detail
Beachside location
Outdoor pool & garden
Boat trips
Excellent dining
From a client…
A total delight - we absolutely fell in love with this hotel and can’t wait to return. The staff made us so welcome.
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Why we love it
Discover what to expect from staying at Halcyon Mawella
Location, location, location…
Sri Lanka is blessed with so many beautiful beaches that proclaiming one as the most stunning is all but impossible! However, Mawella beach is an easy finalist. A thick line of sheltering trees leads on to a wide, curving bay of soft, golden sands that slope gradually towards gently-rolling, azure waves. Apart from a handful of lowline hotels and houses scattered along the coast, nothing disturbs the natural horizon. Mawella Lagoon - inland, just south of the beach - is perfect for paddle boarding, and you can head out into the bay itself on small sailboats. Idyllic, in every sense.
The ideal balance
A truly restorative and relaxing hotel stay is all about balance, and the Halcyon has the ideal mix. There’s a genuine warmth from Zander and his local team, who are wholehearted in their commitment to ensuring each guest feels personally welcomed, yet it never feels overbearing. The hotel and grounds are dotted with calm spaces where you can enjoy tranquil relaxation, from sheltered private balconies to sunny spots where the lawns meet the sand. It’s all about equilibrium, and Halcyon gets it spot on.
What can you do there?
Take barefoot walks over the soft sands, and head out onto the water in small sailing boats. Add in a paddleboarding session or two on the nearby lagoon, take day trips to historic Galle and into Yala National Park’s protected wilderness, and perhaps even go whale-watching off the coast at Mirissa. Return to the hotel for delicious meals created with locally-sourced ingredients, perhaps a drink or two, and plenty of good company.
Sustainability at Heart
Admirable sustainability choices have been made throughout the hotel’s design, build and running. Many of the doors and windows, and even some of the columns, have been reclaimed from derelict buildings elsewhere on the island, and there is a strong focus on minimising single-use plastics and keeping the beach and ocean pristine.
