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The Danish Villa hoTel $$
(%695 7936; http://www.thedanishvilla.dk; r with fan/
air-con from rs 3600/6300; aW) Yes, it’s on
the landside of the beach road but you’ve a
lovely peaceful garden (except when the odd
troop of monkeys whoops by) and incredi-
bly classy, colonial-style ambience to enjoy.
There’s a good choice of rooms, friendly staff
and fine Western and Asian food available.
Bay Vista hoTel $$
(%224 8577; http://www.bayvistahotel.com; r Us$55-
80; aW) Inviting new modern hotel with
a prime beachfront location (you can watch
the fishermen come and go from the sea-
view rooms) and immaculately presented
minimalist accommodation equipped with
quality furnishings and bed linen in a white-
washed interior. The restaurant serves very
tasty local and Italian food.
Hideaway CABANA $$$
(%224 8259; http://www.hideawayarugambay.com; r/
bungalows from Us$50/100; aW) A fine place
with atmospheric, boho accommodation
scattered around a huge, shady garden plot.
Stylistically, think hand-painted window
shutters, tribal textiles and a nod to Elle Dec-
oration. At the rear is a colonial-style villa
draped in bougainvillea with four rooms
(these lack privacy, though) and a restau-
rant. Very tasteful, but, as it’s not beachside,
a bit pricey.
Hideaway’s restaurant offers lovingly pre-
pared meals and has a relaxed vibe.
Kottukal
Beach House BoUTiQUe hoTel $$$
(%011-234 5700; http://www.jetwinghotels.com; r Us$147;
aW) Intimate, secluded new beachfront
villa hotel, 5km north of Arugam Bay, man-
aged by Jetwing, the renowned hotel group.
Perfectly located for sybaritic surfers as it’s
right by the Pottuvil Point break. As there are
just four rooms (all very well-presented and
appointed) it’s perhaps best for couples who
want to get away from it all.
5 ating & DrinkingE
You’ll find a great range of places to eat,
with cosmopolitan menus in many restau-
rants offering everything from Italian to
Indonesian dishes, including lots of seafood.
For inexpensive local grub many guesthouse
owners (including Nice Place) will whip up
a mean rice and curry given a little notice.
Mambo’s, Galaxy Beach and Beach Hut
all organise beach and full-moon parties in
season, and are good spots for a drink on
any night. Beach raves at Whiskey Point’s
SaBaBa Surf Café can be wild in season, with
dancing under the stars.
Most restaurants in Arugam Bay serve
alcohol.
Meena sri lANKAN $
(meals rs 200-500) For a very authentic local
meal, this small place pumps out all the usu-
al faves including string hoppers, rice and
curry, kotthu (rotti chopped up and mixed
with vegies) and fried rice. Sip on a tropical
fruit juice while you savour the flavours.
Perera Restaurant sri lANKAN $
(mains rs 250-400) Simple roadside joint that
works well for a decent rice and curry and
genuine Sri Lankan meals at affordable pric-
es. Also serves some Western food, including
breakfasts.
Samanthi’s Restaurant sri lANKAN $$
(%077 175 9620; Freedom Beach Cabanas; mains
r s 250-675; W) (^) S Samanthi’s, at Freedom
Beach Cabanas, is run by a family of strong,
cheerful local women. Order ahead for rice
and curry (around Rs 350); other dishes
are the standard A-Bay mix of Western and
modified Sri Lankan. Try the fresh fruit with
honey and buffalo curd: the yoghurt is a re-
gional speciality.
Siripala Place
Surf Cafe sri lANKAN, seAFooD $$
(mains rs 400-850) Right next to the spot
where the fish are first hauled out of the
deep blue, so the seafood at this place is surf-
fresh. The views and breezes are the perfect
backdrop.
oHideaway iNTerNATioNAl $$$
(%224 8259; http://www.hideawayarugambay.com;
mains rs 900-1500; W) A delightful environ-
ment for a meal, this classy hotel restaurant
features a menu that changes daily and lots
of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Staff
are professional and welcoming. Many dish-
es feature Mediterranean and East Asian
influences (like jumbo prawn risotto with
lemon grass, lime leaves and fresh coconut
milk). There are also lots of vegetarian, ve-
gan and gluten-free choices.
Check out their garden Hide & Chill bar
(evenings only, in season) for divine cock-
tails (two for one during happy hour, 6pm to
7pm) and also Hideaway Blue cafe for coffee,
panini sandwiches, juices and smoothies.