Palm Hotel in Sri Lanka

A modern hotel that immerses guests into a lush landscape.

Nestled among palm trees in Ahangama, southern Sri Lanka, this new hotel offers a laid-back but refined retreat experience in a jungle landscape. The recently opened Palm Hotel welcomes guests into a serene space where contemporary design meets rustic influences. Made with subtle brutalist design cues as well as industrial touches, the hotel features a large pavilion where black metal containers and steel frames appear alongside rattan furniture, bamboo roll curtains, and traditional patterns.

Guests can stay in 2-room suites elevated on stilts or in A-frame cabanas. Stepping inside, they discover cool concrete flooring and poured concrete bed bases with king size mattresses and soft linen sheets. White bamboo wall coverings add more texture to the minimal décor, while chrome and brass accents add more glamour. Large openings frame the views of the jungle and rice paddies, letting plenty of sunlight inside at the same time. Open-air bathrooms and rainfall showers provide the perfect solution to cool off from the heat under the open sky.

Private patios with hammocks take relaxation to the next level, while the 14 meter pool and the outdoor lounge chairs offer more options to unwind in style. The hotel also has a gym and a yoga studio, for those who like to keep up with their workouts. Finally, the hotel’s all-day restaurant serves some delicious food. The menu delights with dishes that celebrate the island’s cuisine, signature cocktails, fresh smoothies, and Sri Lankan coffee. Photographs© Holly Farrier.