Where to Stay in Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka: A Local’s Guide to the 12 Best Hotels & Areas

Hikkaduwa isn’t the most popular spot among Western tourists and backpackers, so we thought we’d put together a guide on where to stay, including some of our favorite hotels. We’ll also throw in some great activities and our top restaurant picks for you.

In our opinion, Hikkaduwa has a few things that absolutely make it worth a visit—giant sea turtles hanging out on the beach, incredible boutique hotels, and some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in Sri Lanka.

We spent over three months in Sri Lanka, and Hikkaduwa was one of our final stops before leaving the country. We’re so glad we squeezed it in because there’s a lot to see and do—not to mention some seriously good food.

Let’s jump right into the our ‘Where to Stay in Hikkaduwa’ guide with the best hotels, hostels, and boutique accommodations in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka.

Where is the Best Place to Stay in Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka? (Our Favorite Hotels)

Riff Hikkaduwa // Best Luxury Hotel in Hikkaduwa Beach

I honestly think this might be the best luxury hotel in Hikkaduwa. Riff Hikkaduwa is easily one of the most beautiful and well-known hotels around. It’s modern, thoughtfully designed, and has spacious rooms with amazing views of Hikkaduwa Beach. This beach hotel comes with its own private beach area, a gorgeous outdoor pool, and great amenities, all topped off with outstanding customer service. Plus, it’s in a super convenient spot, not too far from the city center.

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Plantation House // Best Cheap Hotel in Hikkaduwa

We were obsessed with how beautiful the Plantation House is. The outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by palm trees, creates the perfect oasis to relax in all day. This Hikkaduwa Beach hotel features spacious rooms, free private parking, free breakfast, a garden and free WiFi. It also includes free private parking and is incredibly affordable, making it one of the best budget-friendly hotels.

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Dream Time // Best Boutique Hotel in Hikkaduwa

The most beautiful hotel in Hikkaduwa, at least in our opinion, is Dream Time. The design of the entire guest house is unique and modern, featuring spacious rooms with a sleek concrete aesthetic. The rooms include gorgeous outdoor showers, and the outdoor pool is surrounded by lush greenery. It almost feels like this place was made for a cool photoshoot. Definitely one of the best hotels if you’re looking for a unique design!

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Hikkaduwa Area Guide – The Best Places to Stay in Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka

Hikkaduwa isn’t a huge town, but where you stay can make a big difference in your trip. The good thing is that most of the best areas are close to each other, so you’re never too far from the action. It really depends on whether you want to stay on the busy main beach, find a nice boutique hotel right on the beach, or maybe pick one of the peaceful eco jungle retreats.

Hikkaduwa Beach is the best choice for first-time visitors, with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and things to do—plus, this is where you’ll find the famous sea turtles.

Just south, Narigama Beach is a great option if you’re on a budget, with more affordable guesthouses and some of the best surf in the area.

Dodanduwa, a little further along the coast, is where you’ll find beautiful boutique hotels tucked between palm trees. This area is definitely our favorite and feels the most like a small beach town getaway.

If you’re looking for something properly quiet and surrounded by nature, heading inland is a great choice. There you’ll find loads of eco-friendly resorts and jungle villas—perfect to detox from the busy world outside. This area is also great for yoga retreats and nature hikes.

💡Heading to Unawatuna next? There is many different hotels and resorts in Unawatuna, make sure you pick the right one!

Hikkaduwa’s 4 Best Areas to Stay in

Still unsure about the best place to stay in Hikkaduwa? Coming up next, I’ll get into more detail about the different areas and share some hotel recommendations you might like. I’ll also suggest some of my favorite activities, cafes, and eateries in town.

1.Hikkaduwa Beach – Where to Stay in Hikkaduwa for Your First Time

Hikkaduwa Beach is the heart of the town and the best place to stay if it’s your first time here. Here, you’ll find everything: hotels for every budget, beachside restaurants, shops, and plenty of things to do, all within walking distance.

The sand is soft, the water is warm, and the waves are gentle enough for swimming, though some areas can get a bit rough depending on the season.

The giant sea turtles that casually hang out near the shore are probably the coolest part of the area. It’s pretty surreal to be standing in knee-deep water and suddenly see one pop its head up right next to you. Hikkaduwa Beach is also home to some great snorkeling spots, especially around the coral reef.

At night, the beachfront comes alive with bars and restaurants serving fresh seafood and cocktails. It’s not the wildest nightlife scene in Sri Lanka, but you’ll find a good mix of laid-back beach bars and places with live music.

Things to Do in Hikkaduwa Beach

• Watch the giant sea turtles – You can spot them near the shore at dusk or dawn. The best spots for this are Hikka Tranz Beach and Turtle Beach Hikkaduwa.
• Explore the Hikkaduwa Coral Reef – There is fantastic snorkeling in Hikkaduwa. You can reach the reef from the beach, and there are loads of corals and fish. Best free activity in Hikkaduwa!
• Grab seafood at our favorite local spot – It’s called Jungle & Mingle, and they have the best local seafood. Super cheap as well.
• Enjoy sunset drinks at Sunset Coffee Bar – A chill beach bar with cheap beers and a front-row view of the ocean.
• Visit the turtle hatchery – It seems like they do great conservation work and it’s also a cool place to see baby turtles.

Sea Star Boutique Hotel // Luxury Hotel in Hikkaduwa

During our stay at Sea Star Boutique Hotel, we loved how close it was to Narigama Beach—just a short walk away. The rooms were modern and comfortable, with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. We even had a sea view, which was a nice bonus. After a day at the beach, it was great to relax by the outdoor swimming pool or unwind in the peaceful garden. With its calm atmosphere and well-thought-out amenities, Sea Star Boutique Hotel is definitely one of the best options for a stay in Hikkaduwa.

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Amaroo Hikkaduwa // Best Beachfront Boutique Hotel in Hikkaduwa Beach

Most of the hotels in Hikkaduwa are pretty big, but this one is a small, beautiful boutique spot right on the beach. We loved how cozy and modern it felt! It’s got that classic Sri Lankan boutique vibe with all the modern amenities and spacious rooms. There’s no outdoor pool, but honestly, with the ocean just 20 feet away, who cares?

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Saffron Robes Living // Best Hotel in Hikkaduwa Beach on a Budget

Saffron Robes Living is a one-of-a-kind, budget-friendly hotel just a short walk from Hikkaduwa Beach. With its artistic design, the hotel offers modern rooms that mix contemporary style with Sri Lankan touches. All rooms come with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom, and some even have a balcony.

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2.Narigama Beach – Best Place to Stay in Hikkaduwa on a Budget (Also Great for Surfing)

Just south of Hikkaduwa Beach, Narigama Beach is quite a bit more laid back, fewer tourists, and a much better selection of budget-friendly stays.

This is where you’ll find affordable guesthouses, surf hostels, and small boutique hotels that won’t break the bank. The beach itself is long and open, with golden sand and strong waves, making it one of the best places to surf in Hikkaduwa.

We spent a lot of time here just walking along the shore—since the beach stretches for a couple of kilometers, it never feels too crowded. The sunsets are next-level, and the beachfront cafés are perfect for grabbing a fresh juice or a post-surf beer.

💡Our favorite beach town in Sri Lanka is Hiriketiya. We definitely recommend spending a few days there to surf and relax on the beach. Here are our recommendations on Hotels & Restaurants in Hiriketiya!

Things to Do in Narigama Beach

• Go surfing / take surf lessons – The waves here are some of the best in Hikkaduwa, and there are surf schools for all levels.
• Check out our favorite restaurants in Hikkaduwa – There are a few great food spots all close to each other: Salty Swamis (our #1 favorite food spot), Amaroo Hikkaduwa, and Friends Indeed.
• Enjoy cocktails at Salty Swamis – A popular surf café with great coffee during the day and drinks at night.
• Watch the sunset from a beach bar – Funky de Bar is a great spot for nightlife and enjoying a drink while watching the sunset.
• Take a day trip to Galle – Visit the Galle Lighthouse and the Galle International Cricket Stadium.

BK Beach Boutique Hotel // Best Hikkaduwa Beach Hotel in Narigama Beach

BK Beach Boutique Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Hikkaduwa if you’re after a beachfront experience that won’t break the bank. Just steps from the beautiful Narigama Beach, the hotel offers cozy, stylish rooms at a great price. You’ll love the rooftop restaurant with amazing ocean views, the trendy outdoor pool, and the relaxing wellness center.

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Villa Saffron Hikkaduwa

If you’re after something a bit more exclusive without spending a fortune, Villa Saffron is a great pick. It’s not exactly a hotel—more like a villa with just four super spacious suites. Each suite has amazing views of the Indian Ocean and comes with room service. There’s also an on-site restaurant serving international dishes and a pool that looks right out over the ocean. It’s a favorite with surfers because of the nearby waves, but even if you don’t surf, you’re guaranteed to have an awesome time.

► Click here for more information & bookings

3.Dodanduwa – The Best Place to Stay in Hikkaduwa for Boutique Hotels

If you’re looking for a quieter, more stylish stay, Dodanduwa is our top recommendation. Just a short drive south of Hikkaduwa, this area has some of the best boutique hotels in the region. It’s perfect if you want something a little more secluded but still within easy reach of popular restaurants and beaches.

One of the biggest perks of staying in Dodanduwa is access to the lagoon. It offers a completely different vibe from the beach, with calm waters, mangroves, and plenty of wildlife. You can take a boat ride through the lagoon, spot birds and monitor lizards, or even go kayaking (which we did, and it was so much fun).

We loved how peaceful Dodanduwa felt compared to Hikkaduwa Beach. Mornings here were slower, with fresh fruit breakfasts in the garden, and nights were all about sitting outside under the palm trees with a drink.

Things to Do in Dodanduwa

• Take a boat ride on Dodanduwa Lagoon – A great way to explore the mangroves and spot wildlife.
• Go kayaking on the lagoon – The calm waters make it an easy and scenic paddle.
• Join a Safari – Join one of the safaris to Yala National Park or Udawalawe National Park.
• Go Scuba Diving – Poseidon Dive Center is a great scuba diving shop. They’ll take you out to the reefs for some amazing dives. Highly recommended.

Crystal Sands Hikkaduwa // Best Luxury Hotel in Dodanduwa

Crystal Sands is probably the most modern hotel in Hikkaduwa. Staying here feels like a completely new experience because everything looks so fresh and brand new. The place is super luxurious, with a rooftop pool and an on-site restaurant. Some of the suites even come with private plunge pools and amazing ocean views—it’s seriously incredible!

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Aditya Resort // Hikkaduwa Luxury Hotel

Aditya Resort is small but absolutely stunning. It’s a boutique luxury hotel with just a few rooms. We stayed for one night during our trip and loved every moment. The food was probably the best I’ve had in Sri Lanka, and even though it’s a small hotel, they have their own private beach, which was so nice to relax on.

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4.Inland Hikkaduwa – Where to Stay in Hikkaduwa for Eco Retreats

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the beach and take things a little slower, Inland Hikkaduwa is perfect for you. Staying here means waking up to the sound of birds instead of waves, with jungle views and a more off-the-beaten-path location.

We absolutely loved the slower pace of life in the inland areas of Hikkaduwa. The accommodations here are mostly focused on sustainability, with many resorts offering organic food, eco-conscious building materials, and activities like nature walks and meditation. It’s perfect for anyone looking to disconnect and recharge, and it’s definitely one of the most peaceful spots around Hikkaduwa.

💡Do you love eco retreats and luxury hotels? Check out the best luxury hotels in Ella Sri Lanka!

Things to Do in Inland Hikkaduwa

• Take a nature walk – Many eco-resorts offer guided walks through the surrounding jungle or along the lake.
• Try yoga or meditation at an eco-resort – Many resorts offer classes or retreats focused on wellness and sustainability.
• Go birdwatching – The area is home to many tropical birds, and you’ll spot a few on your walks or while enjoying breakfast at your eco-resort.
• Take a cooking class – Chintha’s Cooking Lessons in Hikkaduwa is a great spot where you can learn from the locals how to cook some amazing curries from scratch.

Karawwa Luxury Villas // Eco-Friendly Hikkaduwa Hotel

Located away from the busy beaches, Karawwa Luxury Villas is the perfect spot in Hikkaduwa for anyone looking for a peaceful, eco-friendly getaway. Surrounded by lush greenery and paddy fields, this boutique hotel has such a chill vibe. The super friendly owners are always happy to help with booking tours or sorting out a tuk-tuk. And there’s nothing better than sipping coffee on the balcony while taking in the canopy views.

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33 Lake Terrace // Best Lakeside Hotel in Hikkaduwa

Another unique place to stay in Hikkaduwa is 33 Lake Terrace. It’s not so much about the design or decor, but more about its great location. Surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking a beautiful lake, this guesthouse has incredible views. The property is modern, with just a few rooms and a pool that looks out over the lake. It has the vibe of an old villa turned boutique hotel, making it a cool and unique spot to stay.

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FAQs About Where to Stay in Hikkaduwa

What are the best pet friendly hotels in Hikkaduwa?

Hikkaduwa doesn’t have many pet-friendly hotels, but the best ones we found were the Star Holiday Resort on Hikkaduwa Beach and a small boutique hotel called Bokka Almeida.

What are the best luxury hotels in Hikkaduwa?

If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in Hikkaduwa, we recommend checking out Aditya Boutique Hotel or Riff Hikkaduwa. Both properties are incredibly luxurious and among the best hotels in Hikkaduwa.

Are there any all-inclusive options in Hikkaduwa?

While there aren’t many all-inclusive resorts in Hikkaduwa, some hotels do offer full-board packages that include meals and drinks. The Crystal Sands Hotel is definitely your best option if you’re looking for an all-inclusive experience.

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Hikkaduwa.

Hikkaduwa is one of those beach towns in Sri Lanka that’s probably not on your radar—mostly because it’s way more popular with Russian tourists. For some reason, different nationalities tend to flock to different spots in Sri Lanka, and Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, and Bentota are the go-to places for Russian travelers. It doesn’t really matter to us (why would it?), but we did notice the difference. That said, Hikkaduwa is absolutely worth visiting, even if just for a few days.

There are some incredible restaurants and cafés here, and the hotels and resorts are seriously impressive. Whether you’re into surfing, snorkeling with giant sea turtles, or just chilling at a boutique beachside hotel, Hikkaduwa has a lot to offer. Hopefully, this guide helped you figure out the best area to stay in, so you can plan an amazing trip!

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