Once voted by the Discovery Channel as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Unawatuna has a charm that’s mesmerizing. The soft white sand of this intimate bay is washed by a gentle azure ocean that’s safe for swimming all year round. Characterised by a white dagoba-topped headland, palms lean sharply over the sand and provide sun seekers with shade for when the heat of the day gets a little too much. Rustic beach restaurants line the swathe of sand that ebbs and flows depending upon the time of year, whilst a multitude of souvenir shops fringe the sleepy lane into the village. Sun loungers are scattered on the beach and there’s always somewhere to get a refreshing drink, a tasty snack or a full-on seafood meal, all at reasonable prices. At weekends there’s usually a beach party and most of the restaurants close only when the last customer leaves. In the bay you can snorkel over the reef, learn to surf, go out fishing or even submerge yourself completely on a diving adventure. In the village itself you can try your hand at Sri Lankan cooking, have a restorative massage or indulge in a yoga class or two. Families, groups and couples will all enjoy themselves here. You’ll find supermarkets, money changing facilities, post offices and banks in historic Galle, which is less than seven kilometres away.