Helios Boutique Villa

Luxe Tropical Modernist “Surf Shack” in Sri Lanka with Boards, Concierge, Pool and Yoga Shala

A refined tropical villa as “surf shack,” this restored coastal retreat for up to five guests is a stone’s throw from Ahangama’s surf breaks, with an abundance of surf schools and instructors serving all levels. The property was transformed from near abandonment by its owners, who were inspired by Geoffrey Bawa’s tropical modernism.

The home has an outdoor living focus, and its “extras” include complimentary surfboards, a private yoga shala that doubles as a pretty breakfast spot, a bright swimming pool, covered terrace and outdoor showers. Additional touches include a restored cast-iron tub, bespoke teak and rattan tropical furniture, hand-carved woodworking and polished concrete.

Two bedroom suites offer sleep spots for five. The primary suite is equipped with both a king-sized, four-poster teak bed and a custom Murphy bed for an extra guest. The second bedroom has a king convertible to a pair of single beds. The guest suite bathroom is the site of the clawfoot tub, and there’s an outdoor shower on the private entrance, too.

The home’s common areas are breezy and bright, with operable walls of windows with a spacious dining area for meals prepared personally or by a private chef-for-hire, and a family room/TV/game area for post-beach downtime.

Experiences

An exclusive concierge/management service is available for excursion planning. Experiences include private safaris to Yala and Udawalawe, in-home services from massage and cooking classes to daily-catch barbecues, ethical whale encounters, karaoke parties, grocery delivery and private surf photography trips, in addition to assistance with booking all things surf-related.

Layout

Indoors: Two bedroom suite (1 king room with an overflow Murphy bed, 1 king convertible to 2 singles), two bathrooms, kitchen, dining/living area, family/TV room

Outdoors: Showers, attached covered terrace, yoga shala, pool, gated private parking, dedicated surfboard storage and complimentary boards

Around

Just outside of the heart of the coastal community of Ahangama, the property is a modern surfers’ delight—with near constant waves, stunning beaches and a relaxed surf community/beach town. Ahangama is home to 11 breaks within five kilometers of the house, and there’s a wealth of surf instruction options, from private instructors to surf schools and guides as well as expert communities. The beachfront features relaxed restaurants and beach bars, and Kabalana Beach offers the convenience of sunbed and umbrella rentals. The villa is only about 200 meters from the town’s main road, offering both serenity and in-community conveniences. The lush tropical gardens come alive with wildlife, including visits from playful grey and purple langur monkeys, curious macaques, graceful peacocks, and even land monitor lizards.

Sri Lanka’s south coast offers golden beaches with a thriving surf and wellness scene. A five-minute walk leads to a hidden cove for secluded sunning, and Ahangama’s town center, packed with wellness studios, hip cafes, surf shops and lively beach bars, is about 10 minutes from the house on foot. The area is also known for its whale-watching migrations, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Fort (30 minutes), and Yala National Park (two hours) where open jeep safaris encounter elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and leopards, in addition to hundreds of bird species. And beyond surfing, watersports in the area include both diving and snorkeling Sri Lanka’s coral reefs and underwater caves.

Location

Ahangama, Sri Lanka. Nearest airport: Koggala (8km)

Best time to visit

November to April is dry season.

Photography: Shakir Jamaldeen