Sporting Sri Lanka’s trademark muscovado sugar sands and bordered by the tropical sweep of swaying palm trees, Arugam Bay is a little moon-shaped slice of surfer heaven. Here, trendy beach bars meet cool eateries, the parties are of the “go big or go home” variety and lazing in a hammock seems like the most obvious way to spend your day – what more could you possibly wish for? And despite this in-demand destination definitely being pegged as a new island hotspot, it still retains its small town charm. How refreshing.
With a grand total of 1,340 km worth of tropical coastline under its belt, it would be stating the glaringly obvious to go into why Sri Lanka is one of 2019’s most sought-after beach destinations, but Arugam Bay has managed to shy away from the traction that comes with the likes of the west coast’s Bentota. This southeastern spot is the very definition of up-and-coming, so our advice? Get it whilst it’s hot.
Unlike the majority of the island’s other beach retreats, Arugam Bay isn’t just about the scenery. Colourful fishing boats and vibrant smoothie bowls mean that this destination was practically made for the ‘gram, whilst the kind of healthy lifestyle vibes found here are right up any true millenial’s street – think oceanside yoga classes and thatch-roofed juice bars abound.
Then there are the sunsets, which are obviously not to be missed. Clamber your way up Elephant Rock in time for golden hour and you’ll be justly rewarded – does earth ever fail to wow with its beauty? Set your alarm and drag yourself out of bed for a sunrise, however, and things start to get really special. Not many people have that determination, so if ever there was a moment to feel at one with nature then it would be this one.