Words: Tina Edward Gunawardhana
Deep in the unexplored eastern coast of Sri Lanka, an oasis of luxury named Karpaha Sands holds sway with grandeur and finesse. Unreachable for 30 years and once billed as Sri Lanka’s prime beach destination before the civil war, the east coast is re-opening its doors, offering its natural and cultural treasures, including the country’s most wonderful beaches for those in search of adventure and idyllic new vistas.
The owners of Karpaha Sands have created an uber luxury resort to reflect all the luxurious elements they have sampled on their various holidays around the world. Like an oasis in the desert, Karpaha Sands is the only resort on the beautifully curved bay of Kalkudah to offer 17 private luxury tented spacious suites for discerning travellers to indulge in a spot of glamping.
Location
The 17 double and family luxury tents straddle the pristine, peaceful, sandy grounds along with an infinity pool, a garden spa and double storey restaurant and bar, all of which offer superb ocean panoramas. The beach which is the preserve of the local fishermen stretches endlessly and one of the delights is that you can observe them at close quarters or join in if you wish as they haul their nets after casting.
Style and character
The hotel’s architecture is chic and trendy and offers many spaces for relaxing. The tented suites are reminiscent of the luxury glamping tents in the Serengeti. Along with the two storey restaurant and bar the buildings are perfectly situated in beautifully manicured tropical gardens with sandy walkways linking the facilities. Sri Lanka has one of South Asia’s most exciting contemporary art scenes, and Karpaha Sands has been conceived as a spot to showcase and nurture local artists. Their collection of sculptures, paintings, mixed media and other works of art from Sri Lankan and other artists from France and South Africa awaits discovery in hidden corners of the resort, indoors or outdoors. The giant gorilla statue emerging from the foliage along one of the walkways is an arresting sight, while the sculpture fashioned from copper of a man lying on his belly propped up by his elbows gazing at the pool contributes to the cool artistic vibe of the resort.
Travel photographs snapped over years of travel across the globe by one of Karpaha Sand’s co-founders also adorn each suite and the library. Chic furnishings and décor have either been custom designed or sourced from Bali and Thailand and really stand out for their on-trend style.
