My husband, Luis, and I have travelled to Sri Lanka many times, and each visit brings with it an undeniable charm and joy.
The warmth of the people, the beauty of the landscapes, and the many unexplored gems make this country truly special. And, of course, it’s so close to home.
We have visited Sri Lanka around ten times, and our love for the southwest coast, especially its stunning beaches, keeps drawing us back. Some of our favourite beaches include:
Narigama Beach near Hikkaduwa
Dalawella Beach near Unawatuna
Bentota Beach
Ahangama Beach
… and guess what, there are many more!
Hikkaduwa and Ahangama, in particular, have some of the best beachfront cafes and restaurants.
Places like Cactus, Salty Swamis, Kai, and Amaroo serve up incredible food with unbeatable ocean views. The list is too long to name them all!
Most importantly, we absolutely love the Sri Lankan people. They are some of the kindest and most humble people we have met.
Every time we visit, we make it a point to have local families cook for us during our stay. Not only does this give us a break from hotel food, but it also allows us to support them in a small but meaningful way.
Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been to, and I truly believe everyone should visit Sri Lanka at least once in their lifetime.
Guess what, as I share this with THE WEEK’s readers, I am preparing to return to Sri Lanka in just a few days; because that’s how much I love this place!

The writer, Meghna Naidu, is an actor, best known for featuring in the hit remix music video of ‘Kaliyon Ka Chaman’ in the early 2000s