Kurulu Bay is a health and wellness retreat nestled within a lush private estate on the shores of Koggala Lake – Sri Lanka’s largest natural lake, next to the southern coast of the island. The resort is a haven for lovers of art, architecture and holistic wellness.
Sinhalese for “Bird Island” – Kurulu Bay is a resort enveloped by lush coastal greenery, just a 12-minute walk from the nearby Kabalana Beach. The resort was conceived around the pre-existing three-bedroom Kurulu House, designed by renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, the Architect credited as the father of Oriental Modernism.
The house merges 1960s Florida architecture style with Bawa’s tropical modernism. It is a private residence featuring traditional materials and elements throughout, and a high-ceilinged living space. The house serves as a venue for wellness and art retreats, solemn ceremonies and private dinners.
Accommodation
Inspired by The Kurulu House, the resort offers 14 contemporary accommodations spread throughout the undulating landscape of the estate, comprising five Cottages, four Garden Suites, four Treehouses and a Two-bedroom villa. Immersed in their natural surrounding, each unit has been designed to offer space, privacy and tranquillity with an emphasis on health and wellbeing.
The resort’s five one-bedroom Cottages are scattered throughout the landscape, nestled amid bamboo and frangipani trees. Each cottage is unique, some featuring a modern, contemporary design while others feature vernacular architecture with tiled roofs. All of them offer direct views of the lake, access to a garden, king-size beds, ensuite bathrooms and outdoor seating areas.
The four one-bedroom Garden Suites are nestled towards the front of the property. Although they are set further away from the lake than the Cottages, they offer the convenience of being closer to the resort’s restaurant and main pool. They were designed to connect the guests with the surrounding nature, and feature large patio doors that open to the lush garden. This concept extends to the en-suite bathroom a swell. Each suite has an indoor lounge and outdoor seating area.
The four Treehouses are perched on a hillside at the back of the property, offering greater privacy. They are raised above the surrounding greenery to offer expansive views that stretch over the resort and Koggala Lake. Natural light generously filters through the floor-to-ceiling windows, while private terraces provide a tranquil vantage to enjoy the views.
The Banyan Villa is a spacious two-bedroom accommodation ideal for families seeking a secluded jungle escape. Nestled amidst lush greenery on a small hillside, the villa offers views that stretch over the lake. The soft neutral touches and floor-to-ceiling windows seamlessly blend the bright interior with the private outdoor pool and the planted garden. The villa features two bedrooms, each with a king-size bed and ensuite bathroom, a living area with a small kitchenette and poolside sun loungers.
Dining
The Kitchen is the resort’s pool-side restaurant with views of the lake. The open kitchen of the all-day venue serves a fusion of contemporary Sri Lankan dishes with Mediterranean influences. Led by its sea-to-table philosophy, the restaurant sources fresh seafood and produce from the local area, and uses organic oils and ingredients. The prawns with poached eggs, Lagoon crab pasta, and the seared yellowfin tuna with balsamic miso are a few of the signature dishes diners can sample daily, accompanied by a fine selection of tropical-inspired beverages.
The Spa
A variety of mindful, health and wellness-led experiences are available at Kurulu Bay that prioritise reconnection and self-care, which include signature ayurvedic treatments at The Spa, along with daily yoga, meditation and Pilates classes at Yoga Shala.
The Spa at Kurulu Bay draws on Eastern wellness and Western Science to offer guests a selection of enriching holistic treatments, from extensive Ayurvedic body therapies to soothing signature massages. Yoga Shala, located within Kurulu House, is the resort’s on-site yoga and meditation centre. It is a nurturing space scented by Frangipani trees, and offering views that overlook the lake.
The wellness packages at Kurulu Bay range from shorter stays of one to four days, and longer ones up to 28 days. Bespoke packages customised to an individual’s needs, and lasting several weeks, are available all year round. All packages offered at the resort are inclusive of daily yoga and meditation sessions with experienced teachers, balanced healthy meals and treatments at the spa.
Experiences
Guests can explore the dense gardens of the resort for quiet contemplation and a deeper connection with nature, or unwind by one of the resort’s two swimming pools, huddled between coconut and jackfruit trees.
Beyond the resort, guests can walk to nearby Kabalana beach to catch the sunset, or catch a surf of the Indian Ocean. At the local spice plantations, guests can learn about Sri Lankan cinnamon production. A short tuk-tuk ride away is the bustling town of Ahangama, where local cafés await. Travellers can choose from a plethora of island experiences that celebrate the rich history and culture of Sri Lanka.
