Unakanda

Unakanda Barefoot luxury accomodation overlooking Unawatuna Beach. 3 private villas, all with amazing views.

Unakanda is a boutique resort and natural sanctuary perched on over an acre of lush, hilltop land above Unawatuna beach. Surrounded by palms, fruit trees, and a water-filled stone quarry, it’s a haven for wildlife and a playground for monkeys. Our journey began with the 'White House', a two-bedroom village home transformed into a light-filled retreat in 2015. In 2017, we added a two-level building

with suites, ideal for a couple or for larger groups staying at the 'White House'. In 2023, we introduced 'Mango House' a lovely two level, 3 bedroom home with amazing sea views, perfect for larger groups and families. Our incredible local team provides guests with attentive service. At Unakanda, we blend new ideas, local materials, sustainability, and natural beauty to create a unique experience. We’re committed to making a positive impact on both people and the planet, prioritising eco-friendly practices and community support as we continue our sustainability journey.

Big news from the kanda ... we’ve just welcomed two new team members. 🐾They’re adorable and take their jobs -napping, gr...
07/06/2025

Big news from the kanda ... we’ve just welcomed two new team members. 🐾
They’re adorable and take their jobs -napping, greeting, playtime- very seriously.

Please give a warm Unakanda welcome to former rescues Tiki and Kiya — more photos and fun coming soon!

Dog Care Clinic e.V

When your daughter and your best mate fly across the world to surprise you for your birthday… Lilli (left) brought the c...
22/05/2025

When your daughter and your best mate fly across the world to surprise you for your birthday…

Lilli (left) brought the charm, Vaughan (right) brought the mischief, and Tim (centre) brought the face that says “best birthday ever!”

Let the birthday chaos begin

Just a few snapshots from some favourite moments in an otherwise quiet day at Unakanda.  Happy weekend everyone 🥰       ...
09/05/2025

Just a few snapshots from some favourite moments in an otherwise quiet day at Unakanda. Happy weekend everyone 🥰

Meet Morrie 🧡Our unofficial mascot, security chief, guest greeter, and heart-melter. He wandered into Unakanda many year...
08/05/2025

Meet Morrie 🧡

Our unofficial mascot, security chief, guest greeter, and heart-melter. He wandered into Unakanda many years ago as a scruffy, skinny street dog (swipe to see his day-one glow-down), and decided this was his place. And really, who were we to argue?

From the start, he was gentle, loyal, and a little bit regal. He quickly bonded with our daughter Lilli, claimed the best lounging spots, and made himself at home—one paw at a time.

These days, Morrie’s slowed down a bit. He’s about 12 now (we think), carries a limp from a showdown with the local alpha monkey (he won), and prefers long naps, soft belly rubs, and ear scritches. But don’t let the grey muzzle fool you—he still keeps an eye out for any wildlife that might disturb his guests.

He may have been a throwaway to someone else, but to us—and to every guest who’s fallen for his charm—he’s priceless.

🐾 Here’s to old dogs, big hearts, and second chances.

🌙 Evenings at UnakandaThere’s something magical about this place once the sun goes down — string lights flicker, frogs c...
06/05/2025

🌙 Evenings at Unakanda

There’s something magical about this place once the sun goes down — string lights flicker, frogs chirp, and the villas take on a golden glow. Whether you're floating in the pool or gazing at the ocean-stupa combo next door, night-time is its own kind of wonder here.

14/12/2024

I always have my eyes peeled for one of these little beauties. I'm sure I heard one down by our galwalla! 🤞

When your neighbor is a temple and the sunset views come free with the Mango House patio. Spiritual enlightenment not in...
23/10/2024

When your neighbor is a temple and the sunset views come free with the Mango House patio. Spiritual enlightenment not included, but highly recommended. 🌅✨

🦜 Spotted: The King(fisher) of Unakanda! 👑This little beauty - the White-throated Kingfisher - decided to grace us with ...
11/10/2024

🦜 Spotted: The King(fisher) of Unakanda! 👑

This little beauty - the White-throated Kingfisher - decided to grace us with its presence.

Kingfishers are known for their incredible eyesight and lightning-fast dives, but we think ours also enjoys posing for the camera. 📸 What do you think?

These beauties are common across Sri Lanka, but we like to think this one feels extra at home here at Unakanda. Keep your eyes peeled on your next visit – you’re bound to spot a kingfisher or two, resting after a fish dinner at our gawala!

🍽️ **The Heart of Mango House** 🍽️  Welcome to the Mango House kitchen, where your mornings begin with the aroma of a fr...
29/09/2024

🍽️ **The Heart of Mango House** 🍽️

Welcome to the Mango House kitchen, where your mornings begin with the aroma of a freshly prepared breakfast by our team. Whether you’re after a simple tropical spread or a hearty start to your day, it all happens here. And if you’re in the mood for a laid-back lunch, we’ve got that covered too.

But if you love to cook, this kitchen has plenty of space for you to whip up your own creations. So, whether you feel like taking a break, diving into some culinary fun or getting a cooking lesson, the choice is yours!

🌸 Torch Ginger in Bloom! 🌸Check out this beauty in the garden! The gorgeous Torch Ginger is definitely not shy with its ...
26/09/2024

🌸 Torch Ginger in Bloom! 🌸

Check out this beauty in the garden! The gorgeous Torch Ginger is definitely not shy with its burst of colour—bold, vibrant, and totally tropical.

🌸 Discover Sri Lanka’s Textile Arts 🌸Sri Lanka's textile heritage is a vibrant blend of handloom weaving, batik, and sil...
25/09/2024

🌸 Discover Sri Lanka’s Textile Arts 🌸
Sri Lanka's textile heritage is a vibrant blend of handloom weaving, batik, and silk-making, each with its own unique cultural roots. These crafts are created by skilled artisans, many of whom you can visit to see their work in action, offering a deeper connection to the tradition behind these textiles.

From handwoven fabrics to intricate batik designs, these creations are available in artisan shops across the island, allowing you to take home a piece of Sri Lankan craftsmanship. Visiting these artisans not only supports local communities but also keeps alive the centuries-old traditions that define Sri Lanka’s artistic soul. 🌿🧶

🌿 Exciting Wildlife Sighting at Unakanda! 🌿Spotted: A rare and elusive Mini Black Leopard in the jungle around Unakanda!...
22/09/2024

🌿 Exciting Wildlife Sighting at Unakanda! 🌿

Spotted: A rare and elusive Mini Black Leopard in the jungle around Unakanda! 😱🐆

Guests, keep your eyes peeled – this mysterious feline blends in purrfectly with the greenery! 👀

(Disclaimer: It may or may not just be our local black cat, but since Sri Lanka is home to the world’s tiniest feline – the rusty-spotted cat – who’s to say you won’t spot the world’s smallest leopard too!?)

Address

Temple Road, Unawatuna Kanda
Unawatuna

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Our Story

Unakanda is a boutique resort, natural sanctuary, and creative passion. It is located on over an acre of lush land atop the hill, a few minutes' walk above Unawatuna beach. Views are spectacular. The sloping site is studded with mature palms and fruit trees and wraps around an old stone quarry, now full of water, fish, turtles. It is a magnet for bird life and playground for monkeys. Since the beginning of 2013, in collaboration with our fabulous local team, we have been designing and building a jungle garden with gorgeous accommodation options. First phase opened July 2015, a village home converted into the "White House" containing two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Modifications were extensive to open the space to views, light, breeze and gardens. In September 2017 we added a contemporary two level building that nestles into a slope beside our infinity pool. It has a roof terrace amongst the tree canopy, upper level balcony, and lower level terrace with plunge pool overlooking our organic veggie garden. The new building adds two suites which may be rented independently or in together with the house for larger groups. The property is staffed by Manoj, Chi and Sujeeva, who have been delighting guests with gentle attention and beautiful food. With the design of every element, we attempt to combine a passion for new ideas, local materials, local skills, sustainability, functionality and a sense of delight. We hope design, eclecticism and natural beauty interweave throughout the property to create a unique and beautiful setting for visitors' experiences.