Sri Lanka has been making waves as a must-visit destination over the past few years, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. This little gem of a country has it all—stunning beaches, lush green landscapes, ancient ruins packed with history, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.
Unawatuna, in the southern province, is one of Sri Lanka’s most charming beach towns. it’s the kind of place you’ll want to lose track of time in—whether it’s lounging on the beach, soaking up the local culture, or indulging in way too much delicious food (guilty!).
I just got back from an unforgettable trip to Unawatuna, and I couldn’t wait to put together this guide on “Where to Stay in Unawatuna.” If you’re planning your own adventure, this will help you figure out the best areas and hotels to stay in so you can make the most of your time in this incredible spot.
Where to Stay in Unawatuna – Best Unawatuna Hotels
($$$) Owl and the Pussycat Hotel
This boutique hotel is one of the best luxury hotels in Uluwatu. Owl and the Pussycat Hotel is located right on the Indian Ocean at the beautiful Unawatuna Beach and offers an amazing outdoor swimming pool and spacious rooms.
($$) Green Escape Unawatuna
Green Escape Boutique Hotel located in the jungle of Unawatuna, is the perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of Sri Lanka. The serene outdoor swimming pool area and the wide range of amenities make it an ideal destination for a luxurious getaway.
($) Serenity Boutique Unawatuna
Serenity Boutique Hotel, located just outside of town, is the perfect spot to take a break and relax without breaking the bank. The boutique hotel offers free WiFi, free private parking, and a beautiful outdoor swimming pool.
- Where to Stay in Unawatuna – Best Unawatuna Hotels
- Where to Stay in Unawatuna – Best Areas
- Where to Stay in Unawatuna for the First Time: Unawatuna City Center
- Where to Stay in Unawatuna for the Best Beach: Unawatuna Beach
- Where to Stay in Unawatuna for Relaxation & Seclusion: Unawatuna Jungle Beach
- Where to Stay in Unawatuna – Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best boutique hotel in Unawatuna?
- Is it better to stay in Unawatuna or Galle?
- When is the best time to visit Unawatuna?
- What are the best luxury hotels in Unawatuna?
- What are some budget-friendly accommodations in Unawatuna?
- Are there any unique places to stay
- Where to Stay in Unawatuna – Final Thoughts
Where to Stay in Unawatuna – Best Areas
Unawatuna is a small, charming beach town, like many others in Sri Lanka. If you’re not planning to explore outside of Unawatuna, you won’t even need a scooter since everything is within walking distance.
For first-time visitors, I recommend staying in the city center. It’s essentially one long strip leading down to the beach, where you’ll find most of the hotels and restaurants.
If you’re looking for a true beach vacation with plenty of restaurants and bars nearby, staying right on Unawatuna Beach is the best option.
For a quieter, more relaxing getaway, Jungle Beach offers a peaceful escape, away from all the buzz and action.
Where to Stay in Unawatuna for the First Time: Unawatuna City Center
If it’s your first time in Unawatuna, staying in the city center is the way to go. It’s basically one lively high street packed with everything you could possibly need: amazing restaurants, cute shops, and plenty of hotels, all leading straight to the stunning Unawatuna Beach.
I loved staying here because it’s so convenient and fun—you’re just a short walk from Unawatuna Beach, but staying in the city center is way more budget-friendly. Plus, this area has some of the best boutique hotels and restaurants in town. Trust me, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to great food and cozy spots to unwind. It’s the perfect mix of convenience and charm!
Things to do in Unawatuna City Center:
- Head to one of my favorite spots in town—a charming Mexican restaurant called The Hideout Unawatuna. With authentic Mexican decor, this place is full of character, and the food and drinks are absolutely incredible. Treat yourself to a spicy margarita and some fish tacos—you won’t be disappointed!
- From the city center, it’s easy to grab a taxi or hop on your scooter to explore nearby attractions. You can visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda or take a day trip to Galle to see the historic Galle Fort and fun markets.
- Another fantastic day trip is to the sea turtle hatchery. Normally, I’m quite skeptical about such places, but this one stood out as clean and ethical. They rescue injured sea turtles, breed them, and release the sea turtles back into the ocean.
Best Hotels to Stay in Unawatuna City Center
Dunes Unawatuna Hotel
Dune Unawatuna Hotel is one of the most stylish and aesthetically pleasing hotels in the area—a little jungle retreat away from the hustle and bustle. The design is modern and moody, with unique touches like a serene pond outside the hotel. This boutique hotel offers free WiFi, free private parking, and cleaning services, all within walking distance of Unawatuna Beach and the city center. Their good breakfast, served on the charming sun terrace, is exceptional—better than many of the numerous restaurants and absolutely worth trying.
Click here for more information & bookings
The Lodge Unawatuna
The Lodge in the heart of Unawatuna is a boutique hotel that offers great value without compromising on comfort. The private rooms are spacious and clean, and the hotel also provides apartments, ideal for families or groups. Guests can enjoy a year round outdoor pool, free Wi Fi, free private parking, and very friendly staff. Its prime location puts you just a short walk away from good restaurants, the main road, and the beautiful Unawatuna Beach.
Click here for more information & bookings
Where to Stay in Unawatuna for the Best Beach: Unawatuna Beach
Unawatuna Beach is probably one of the most stunning and spacious beaches in Sri Lanka! Unlike some of the other southern beaches at the Indian Ocean, that seem to disappear when the tide rolls in, Unawatuna Beach stays big and beautiful, so there’s no need to stress about squeezing in a spot to relax.
The beach stretches on and on, lined with tons of amazing restaurants and hotels just steps away from the sand. Many of them even have direct beach access or their own pool. If you’re in the mood for a laid-back vibe where you can spend your days soaking up the sun, swimming, and enjoying delicious food without venturing too far, Unawatuna Beach is the spot.
Things to do in Unawatuna Beach:
- For breakfast, I recommend heading to Skinny Tom’s Deli. In my experience, they serve the best coffee and breakfast items in town. You can enjoy classic options like avocado toast or eggs benedict. The space is also quite roomy, making it a great spot for digital nomads to get some work done.
- Koha Surf Lounge is my go-to lunch spot. They have everything you need to feel a bit healthier, with plenty of vegetarian and raw options, plus some amazing cold-pressed juices.
- For dinner, I absolutely love The Social in Unawatuna. They serve delicious fresh seafood and steak dishes in a super relaxed atmosphere—definitely my top dinner choice. If you’re in the mood for dining right on the beach, Kingfisher Restaurant is the perfect spot for either lunch or dinner.
- From here, you can easily walk up to the Japanese Peace Pagoda, which is absolutely worth a visit!
Best Hotels to Stay in Unawatuna Beach
Araliya Beach Resort Unawatuna Beach
The biggest and most luxurious hotel in Unawatuna is the Araliya Beach Resort. It’s located right on Unawatuna Beach and offers beautiful, spacious rooms with sea views. The hotel features a fitness center, free parking, free internet access, a year-round outdoor pool, and a rooftop swimming pool. It also provides excellent service and a good breakfast. So, if you’re looking for a resort vacation under palm trees, this is the spot for it in Sri Lanka.
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Thaproban Beach House
Thaproban Beach House is a boutique hotel located right on Unawatuna Beach. It has a proper beach house vibe and offers some of the best views over the Indian Ocean. The boutique hotel provides free WiFi, free private parking, a sun terrace, and a restaurant that serves good breakfast and lunch with fresh seafood. The biggest perk of the hotel is its good location, nestled right on the beach between palm trees.
Click here for more information & bookings
Where to Stay in Unawatuna for Relaxation & Seclusion: Unawatuna Jungle Beach
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Unawatuna’s busy city center and main beach, Jungle Beach is the perfect little hideaway. Tucked away in a quiet, secluded spot, this beach is much smaller and surrounded by lush greenery. Getting there isn’t super easy as you’ll need to walk down a jungle path, which does take a bit of time, but trust me, it’s totally worth it.
The area is all about relaxation. Most of the hotels and villas are nestled right in the jungle, with no noisy neighbors in sight. It’s the perfect spot if you’re after a serene, laid-back atmosphere. But don’t worry—if you’re craving some fun or want to explore the lively side of Unawatuna, it’s just a short tuk-tuk ride away.
Just a heads-up, though—there aren’t many restaurants or bars around Jungle Beach. If you’re planning to head out for dinner, drinks, or shopping, you’ll want to grab a scooter or hop in a tuk-tuk to town.
Things to do in Jungle Beach:
- The main attraction in the area is undoubtedly the Japanese Peace Pagoda. It’s worth the short hike for the stunning views and the chance to admire the pagoda up close.
- From here, you can easily visit Galle. Just hop on your scooter, and in no time, you’ll find yourself in the Galle district region, home to the Galle Fort and its historic city center.
- In the opposite direction, you’ll discover Dalawella Beach, a quieter alternative to Uluwatu Beach. It features charming cafes and beach swings, perfect for exploring and enjoying a beautiful sunset.
Best Hotels to Stay in Unawatuna Jungle Beach
Agnus Unawatuna
Agnus Unawatuna is one of the most modern and top-rated hotels in Jungle Beach. Located a short walk from the beach, this hotel offers comfortable and stylish rooms with all the necessary amenities. You can also enjoy their rooftop swimming pool, co-working area, and sun terrace with the most magical views over the ocean. We stayed one night and had a clean room, perfect service, and just an overall fantastic experience.
Click here for more information & bookings
Villa Rumassala
Perfect for some down time after traveling through Sri lanka, villa Rumassala offers a peaceful oasis surrounded by lush nature and the ocean. You’ll find this luxury villa near Jungle Beach, just a short drive away from the Galle Fort. The property includes spacious suites with a luxurious bathroom, living room area, TV, air conditioning, balcony or terrace. Other facilities include a restaurant on site and an outdoor swimming pool.
Click here for more information & bookings
Where to Stay in Unawatuna – Frequently Asked Questions
🏨 What is the best boutique hotel in Unawatuna?
There are several boutique hotels in Unawatuna, but one of the best options is The Thambapanni Retreat. Located just a few minutes away from Unawatuna Beach, this charming hotel offers a peaceful and secluded atmosphere with beautiful views of the surrounding jungle. It also has an on-site spa and restaurant for guests to enjoy.
☀️ Is it better to stay in Unawatuna or Galle?
It depends on your personal preferences. Unawatuna offers a more relaxed and secluded beach experience, while Galle has a larger selection of restaurants, shops, and historical sites. If you prefer a quieter vacation, then staying in Unawatuna would be the better option. However, if you enjoy a bit more hustle and bustle, Galle may be the better choice.
📅 When is the best time to visit Unawatuna?
The best time to visit Unawatuna is from December to March, during the dry season. This is when you can expect sunny and warm weather perfect for lounging on the beach. However, if you don’t mind a little rain, visiting during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-November) can also be enjoyable as it’s less crowded and prices may be lower.
💰 What are the best luxury hotels in Unawatuna?
My favorite hotels here in Unawatuna are, of course, the Owl and the Pussycat Hotel, The Agnus Unawatuna, and the Araliya Resort. All of them offer outstanding service, an outdoor swimming pool, great restaurants, and luxurious rooms and amenities.
Where to Stay in Unawatuna – Final Thoughts
Unawatuna is such a cute little beach town in Sri Lanka’s southern province! Sure, it’s a bit touristy, but honestly, it’s got this charm that’s hard to resist. While the main beach can get a bit busy, especially with day trippers from Galle, don’t let that stop you. Just wander a little further along the coast, and you’ll stumble upon quieter, more peaceful spots that feel like your own little slice of paradise.
I loved how there’s something for everyone here—whether you’re into boutique hotels with all the little luxuries or cozy guesthouses that won’t break the bank. Unawatuna is the perfect place to soak up the sun, relax by the sea, and just enjoy that laid-back Sri Lankan vibe.
I hope my guide on where to stay in Unawatuna helps you plan your trip and find the perfect accommodation for your budget and preferences.
