Below is your guide to the best Arugam Bay accommodation on offer. From budget, mid-range to luxury options, we’ve got all your options covered...
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When backpacking Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay is the perfect spot to relax, escape and ride some waves. To ensure you get the most out of your stay, you’ll need the perfect Arugam Bay accommodation. Well, you’ve come to the right place! Below we go through the best of the best in Arugam Bay accommodation including top budget, mid-range and luxury options.
Note:For all the accommodation choices listed below, we’ve provided links to Booking.com. The reason for this is because it’s the provider that we only and always use to book, and we believe that they offer the best deals and have the widest selection. The also offer a price guarantee, which means you can’t actually find their deals cheaper elsewhere!
If you’ve never used booking.com before (why not!?) then you can take advantage of our sign up offer. You’ll get 10% off your first booking, and once you become a genius member after a couple of bookings, you’ll regularly get 10% off all hotel prices!
2. Book in advance for peak season
If you are visiting Arugam Bay during its peak season (June-September), then it’s best to book in advance is possible. Hotels at Arugam Bay can be expensive in the high season but the further you book in advance, the less the “high season” charges will affect you.
3. Stay mid-week
This is especially true for luxury hotels. If you want to save some cash, make sure you plan your stay during the weekdays as prices are usually higher for weekends. Or, if you still want part of the weekend, do a Thursday to Saturday instead!
Quick Answer: Our 5 Top Picks For Where To Stay In Arugam Bay
This, for me, is the perfect 5-star hotel in Arugam Bay. It oozes luxury, sophistication and style. Close to Whiskey Point (a top surfing spot for both avid surfers and beginners), this hotel offers chalet accommodation with a surrounding swimming pool and in-water sitting areas. Each cabana is beautifully decorated and includes a seating area which provides the perfect setting for watching the stunning sunsets that Arugam Bay offers.
There is an on-site restaurant and bar and it’s possible to purchase all-inclusive dining options. Small extras include bathrobes and slippers, to help make the experience even more relaxing. When it comes to Arugam Bay beach accommodation, this is a great choice. The property describes itself as an eco-resort, so if you want peaceful surroundings, then this should be go-to option.This is one of the hotels in Arugam Bay pottuvil area which allows you to visit to beautiful areas in one!
If you’re looking for the 5-star experience in Arugam Bay, then this is another nice place to choose. This boutique villa is brilliant for a relaxing getaway. It offers stylish and modern accommodation in idyllic surroundings. The property features a swimming pool which overlooks the beach. It has spa facilities for the ultimate relaxation experience and free WiFi to make your friends and family jealous, back at home. If you opt for the Beach House, you’ll receive a private terrace and sofa area.
All rooms include en-suite bathrooms, as well as free toiletries. The property offers delicious food and BBQ facilities, and it’s located close to the popular Arugam Bay surf beach. The villa is located at the end of a beach, which gives you privacy combined with beautiful surroundings. You can even avail of airport shuttle and laundry services for an additional cost. This is one of the best luxury hotels in Arugam Bay.
Are you on the lookout for authentic Sri Lankan accommodation that will provide beautiful decor in an idyllic and serene setting? Then Surf N Sun is a great choice of Arugam Bay accommodation. This property offers a variety of suite and villa accommodation options. Rooms are large, beautifully decorated, and some even come with a bath. You can indulge in the on-site restaurant which serves local cuisine and alcoholic beverages.
Room service is also available. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property and there is a garden for relaxation. Other facilities include water sports facilities, a tour desk and a shared lounge. You can partake in an array of activities on site or in the surrounding area. Including fishing and cycling. The property is located only 5 minutes from Baby Point, the ideal beginner's spot for surfing!
This is regarded as one of the most popular choices for Arugam Bay accommodation, and it’s really no surprise why. The Spice Trail inArugam Bay is a beautiful, Scandinavian-style resort centred in the heart of Arugam Bay. Just steps away from the beach, shops and restaurants, it’s the perfect place to base yourself on your trip to the bay. Each villa-style room is beautifully designed with a homely feel.
This property is open all year round, but tends to book up quickly ... so reserve a spot well in advance! There is a swimming pool for relaxing and an on-site restaurant for dining. There is even an independent coffee shop & bakery called Bites that offers freshly baked food each morning. Perfection! If you’re looking for a central property with a homely feel, then this is the one for you.
Offering Japanese styled rooms, Green Ocean Bay provides comfortable and stylish accommodation in Arugam Bay. It’s in a brilliant location, just 100 m from the beach. And it’s close to the many restaurants and shops that the bay offers. The property also features a garden and terrace for relaxing and an on-site restaurant for dining.
All rooms come with air conditioning, a desk, free toiletries and a private bathroom with a bath (perfect for soaking in after a day of surfing- trust me!). Every room also features a balcony to enjoy the evenings with a glass of wine or a beer.
When it comes to Arugam Bay Hotels, this is a winner. This three-star property offers six luxurious bungalows with a beautiful swimming pool in the middle. The perfect place for a relaxing escape as you’re surrounded by nature. Each bungalow offers a terrace for chilling in the evening, air conditioning to stay cool and free WiFi to stay connected.
The on-site restaurant provides delicious food. Babar Point Hotel is also ideally located to all the local sites, including Whiskey Point for surfing, Kumana National Park for a tuk-tuk safari and Unrani Eco Lagoon Safari. This hotel is a popular choice for couples and it’s no surprise why. It’s in a very romantic spot! Therefore, I think it’s the best hotel for couples in Arugam Bay.
This brilliant resort in Arugam Bay is the perfect spot for sun-seekers who desire a little privacy. There is a large swimming pool that is directly next to a private area of the beach, which makes you feel like you’ve got the whole place to yourself. The property is stylish and rooms offer a balcony (perfect for catching that sunset) and the option of sea or garden views.
Air conditioning and private bathrooms come as standard and Wifi is available throughout the property. This property is highly rated, largely due to its fantastic service and staff. And you can experience that further with the on-site restaurant offering authentic Asian cuisine. This is one of the best beach hotels.
The Bay Visa Hotel in Sri Lanka is one of my favourite spots, and we almost stayed here ourselves! The property offers beachfront accommodation located in the heart of Argaum Bay. You are less than a one minute walk to the surrounding restaurants, surf shops and souvenir shops on offer. It’s a great location. The property offers lots of great amenities, including an on-site restaurant, free rooftop yoga, as well as babysitting services.
Rooms at Bay Vista feature private balconies, air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. Rooms are stylish and comfortable. The rooftop cafe offers lovely views of the Indian Ocean serving vegetarian and vegan food. If you’re wondering why we didn’t stay here, is that it’s located next to the “fishing” area of Arugam Bay. So there can be a fish smell in some areas of the hotel, depending on the time of day and year. But, if that doesn’t bother you, then it’s fine.
This three-star property brings luxurious accommodation and facilities, combined with a great price. The Blue Wave Hotel offers a large swimming pool, garden and terrace, all perfect for relaxing. For those of you hoping to keep in shape whilst on holiday, there is an on-site fitness suite as well.
Rooms are beautifully decorated (in blue of course) and offer en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, in-room fridges, free toiletries and a balcony with garden views. There is an on-site restaurant to suit your dining needs, and there is even the option of going all-inclusive when you book. Table tennis can be enjoyed at the property and free WiFi is available throughout.
This is the property Bradley and I stayed at, and I think it’s the best budget accommodation in Arugam Bay. Lazy Bay Hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Arugam Bay, down a small side street, just off the main road. This is perfect for escaping the noise, but only a short walk to the action. The rooms offer air conditioning, large beds and en-suite bathrooms (with an excellent shower- there were three in ours!). The rooms are spacious, comfortable and the WiFi is excellent.
Breakfast at this property is varied and plentiful. During peak season they also provide lunch and dinner on a variety themed nights. They make brilliant smoothie juices, and offer you one for free on arrival. The highlight of this property is the fantastic, friendly staff. They always ask how you are, and go out of their way to ensure you’re having a great time. I can’t fault this place. I loved it.
Set on the river shore of a jungle in the bay, this Arugam Bay accommodation provides comfortable rooms at a great price. The property offers a swimming pool for relaxing, making it one of the best-valued properties with a swimming pool in the area.
Rooms are simple but stylish and each room features a private bathroom, wooden balcony and towels. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property. There is even an on-site restaurant offering gluten-free and vegan options.
If you’re in search of a hotel that brings along the chance to meet like-minded travellers, then this Arugam Bay accommodation is a great choice. Located just 100 metres to the beach, you’re close to the surfing and swimming action. The hotel offering free WiFi, an on-site restaurant and a 24-hour front desk. Rooms are simply designed, but comfortable and serve their purpose well.
Each room has a private bathroom and towels are provided. Remember, Burj Hut Hotel doesn't include air conditioned rooms, but that’s reflected in the super cheap price on offer. It’s a great spot to meet other travellers with their on-site restaurant. A shared kitchen is also available.
Wanderlust Inn is another great budget property in Arugam Bay for meeting other travellers. This is more like a guest house, and the reviews about those who run it are very high. Making this a homely place to stay. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and there is a 24 hour front desk.
All of the rooms in the guest house have a seating area, private bathroom and garden views. The guest house is in a great location, close to the beach, restaurant and shops. The guest house even offers its own on-site restaurant which focuses on Sri Lankan, Indian and Asian food.
The Beach Hut Arugambay Guesthouse is a well-known budget accommodation. It’s popular due to it’s fantastic atmosphere and cheap price. You literally get to stay in huts on the beach! They’re not luxurious and do not boast amazing decor. However, they are a quaint, comfortable and unique experience. There is WiFi throughout the property and an on-site restaurant serving up a wide range of food.
The property offers a wide range of room types to suit all budgets and comfort preferences, including bungalows and tree houses. But, as this is one of the most popular places in the area, it books up very fast in peak season. My recommendation is to reserve a room as soon as you know you’re going. You are literally steps from the beach, so beach lovers will love this option.
So there you have it! This is my list of the best Arugam Bay accommodation on offer. If you’re looking for inspiration on where to go and what to see whilst in Arugam Bay, then you can check out my guide on what to do in Arugam Bay (it also includes advice on getting from Colombo to Arugam Bay).
As the type 1 diabetic half of Dream Big, Travel Far, I'm passionate about encouraging fellow type 1's to travel the world and not let their diabetes hold them back. I'm proud to now be a full-time digital nomad. Meaning I live my life working and travelling all over the world and am here to help you achieve your dreams as well in any way I can.
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