Riff Hikkaduwa Design Hotel

We had an excellent three-night stay at Riff Hikkaduwa. The staff were very attentive and always greeted us with a smile. The food was exceptional, with a wide variety of options to suit all culinary tastes. The rooftop bar and, in particular, the Japanese restaurant are a feather in the hotel’s cap.

小而精緻！

We had a fantastic four-night stay in a double deluxe room with a sea view. The view of the ocean was amazing, and the room itself was spacious, spotlessly clean, and equipped with comfortable beds. They also provided an extra bed for my 8-year-old son at no additional charge. The minibar had a small fridge, and they offered free water in glass bottles, which were refilled in the morning and evening. There was a tea kettle with a selection of delicious teas from the Basilur brand, which was also complimentary. The friendly owner of the hotel also owns the tea company, which made it even more special. I was particularly impressed by the hotel's plastic-free policy. Even the trash bags were made of paper, which made me feel good about my consumption choices. We opted for full-board, and the food was delicious and varied, served à la carte. I would like to give a big compliment to the chef for consistently meeting all of our special requests. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, providing excellent service throughout our stay. The hotel also features a rooftop bar, which is particularly stunning during sunset hours. The view from up there is breathtaking, making it a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Additionally, at the same location, there’s a Japanese restaurant that serves delicious sushi. We had the chance to try it, and it was a great dining experience—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. A wonderful addition to our stay! The hotel has direct access to the beach, and the loungers by the pool and on the beach were comfortable. There were also plenty of umbrellas for shade. I especially enjoyed sitting by the pool with a natural shade refreshing King Coconut, gazing out at the sea. Trees provided shade, and the cool breeze made it a pleasant place to relax during the hot midday hours. The beach was clean, and compared to the rest of the southern coastline, the water was also quite clear. However, I believe this may change depending on the season. The sea directly in front of the hotel wasn't ideal for swimming due to strong currents, but we had fun jumping in the waves. About 2 km south, there’s a place called Dodanduwa Beach where you can safely enter the water, even with children. It's a great spot for beginner surfers to try standing on the board for the first time. If you're into snorkeling, you should definitely check out Hikkaduwa Beach, about 2 km north of the hotel. You can easily get there with a tuk-tuk for only 500 LKR. The water is crystal clear, and plenty of colorful fish can be admired. The only downside was the occasional boat traffic and the smell of kerosene, which could be a bit bothersome. The beach does offer natural shade, but since it’s public, there didn’t seem to be any regulations on the boats. The only thing that could have made this stay even more perfect would have been a makeup mirror with light in the bathroom, which would have been the cherry on top of an unforgettab