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Kumu Beach
Balapitiya

Kumu Beach is an intimate and contemporary beachfront hideaway, tucked behind the palm-fringed shores of Balapitiya on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast. With just 10 sleek ocean-facing rooms, this boutique hotel offers a quiet, design-led escape where modern luxury meets barefoot coastal charm. The open-air living and dining spaces invite in sea breezes and sunset views, while the palm-lined pool provides a serene focal point, just steps from the Indian Ocean.

Each guestroom features custom-designed furniture, crisp linens, curated artwork and oversized showers, blending minimalist style with a distinct Sri Lankan soul. Four rooms open onto a private garden terrace, while the upstairs suites boast expansive balconies and uninterrupted views across the Indian Ocean.

Dining at Kumu Beach is relaxed and meals are typically served al fresco. The menu celebrates seasonal ingredients and the island’s coastal bounty with line-caught seafood, grilled lobster, fragrant Sri Lankan curries and tropical fruit platters on offer.

When it comes to exploring, Kumu is superbly located for cultural adventures and natural wonders alike. The nearby town of Ambalangoda, just a 15-minute drive away, is famed for its balsa wood mask carving, with mask museums and performances of ritual Kolam dance. A short journey inland takes you to the former estates of Geoffrey Bawa (Lunuganga) and his brother Bevis (Brief Garden), two icons of Sri Lankan design and landscape architecture. Nearby Bentota’s lagoon offers jet-skiing and kayaking, while Hikkaduwa beckons with surf breaks and beach bars. Or head south to Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where cobbled streets brim with boutique shops, galleries and history.

Kumu Beach is part of the Teardrop Hotels collection, known for transforming historic and characterful buildings into stylish, boutique stays. Guests can combine a stay at Kumu Beach with Fort Bazaar in the heart of Galle Fort, Nine Skies in the tea-draped hills of Ella or Goatfell near Nuwara Eliya. There’s also the atmospheric Wallawwa in Negombo and the idyllic Camellia Hills bungalow in the Hill Country.

Whether you want to dive into local culture or simply sink into a sun lounger with a book and a fresh king coconut, Kumu Beach delivers elegant simplicity every time.

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The traveller sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.
G. K. Chesterton

Client Testimonials

We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines

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