Karpaha Sands

Indulgent & barefoot ▪️ Passekudah
Sri Lanka
Everything we do is custom made by real Asia experts...
Karpaha Sands Aerial View

Laid back, chic and stylish, this is a resort that we receive consistently glowing feedback on.

Ever since it first opened, we’ve been arranging stays at the excellent Karpaha Sands. A hybrid blend of permanently-structured tented bungalows dot the sands, offering secluded accommodation. There are palm trees swaying everywhere, reminding you at every turn that you’re in an Indian Ocean paradise.

Big canopies, vast sun-shaded areas, low stone walls, art sculptures, day beds, and neutral furnishings all work well to give a sense of relaxation and languid pace to your days. The beach dominates but the tropical gardens add splashes of vibrant colour. A stunning infinity pool completes the picture. The character of the resort is an eclectic mix of styles and cultures, and the selection of suites available has something to suit everyone from couples through to families.

Start planning your journey here...

Give us a call 9am-5pm UK time Monday to Friday, or make an enquiry online at any time.

Location & Highlights

All alone on a stretch of coast just south of Passekudah. Like a lot of hotels on the east coast, it’s wonderfully isolated. Don’t expect to be leaving the resort for dinner!
  • Beachfront restaurant
  • Spa
  • Private beach
a swimming pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas

Why we love it

“Bliss! The staff at Karpaha Sands really made an effort on our honeymoon and we can’t think how it could possibly be better. Thanks again.”

Time out by the coast

Karpaha Sands private beach

By the time you get to Sri Lanka’s east coast, you may have already been in the country for a number of days enjoying safaris and rock scrambles and being stunned into silence by beautiful temples and cultural immersion, so few days on the sand fits in very nicely. Karpaha Sands, perhaps more than anywhere, encourages days at leisure with its relaxed feel, sunny sea breeze, beautiful food, and inviting pool.

The rooms are gorgeous, the food great and the service is getting slicker all the time as the resort finds its niche and confidence. The full-board options also offer particular value for money, and it’s a relaxing change to not have to think about extra in-trip spending.

Karpaha Sands private beach

What can you do there?

a group of men on a boat

We would argue that doing very little is the charm of a stay here, or at least just swimming, eating, chatting and reflecting on your travels. If you’re desperate for more excitement, there are a few local experiences that we can arrange, including cycling and fishing, but honestly, this place is all about the R&R…

a group of men on a boat
Karpaha Sands Aerial View
Karpaha Sands
Karpaha Suites Lounge
Lounge at Karpaha Sands
Beach at Karpaha Sands
Beach at Karpaha Sands
a bed with pillows and a picture on the wall
Bedroom at Karpaha Sands
a pool with palm trees and a building
Pool at Karpaha Sands

Highly Recommend Selective Asia

Have been to Asia with Selective Asia twice now, and we can't fault them. We had the most amazing holiday staying in 6 different locations throughout Thailand. Selective Asia did us proud by giving us a well thought out itinerary. The accommodations were first class. Our private guide called James was very knowledgable and made our holiday very memorable.

Susan Bartlett, Thailand

Personalised and spot on journey

Personalised service all the way up to departure and then throughout via on the ground help and advice in country as well. Ideal.

Ann B, India

Another fantastic trip with Selective Asia

We’ve been on 5 trips to the Far East with Selective Asia over 17 years with the same consultant (Lionel). They take the time to tailor the holiday individually with invaluable local knowledge and once again got it spot on. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.

Rob Clarkson, Vietnam

Our trip to Japan was outstanding

We had had several discussions with Andrew, our agent, before booking the trip and he incorporated all the activities we were interested in plus recommending other activities that he knew we would be interested in. Much of our trip was self guided and SA provide an excellent app to help with this. It was intuitive, easy to use and had the option to be able to contact someone locally if necessary. The whole trip was seamless and managed at a thoroughly professional yet friendly level. I would travel with this company again (we have travelled with them before.)

Heather, Japan

Fantastic holiday

Using Selective Asia took all the stress out of booking and organising the trip ourselves as we were travelling around the country. Selective Asia were really responsive to our needs and created our perfect honeymoon holiday. They were available whenever we had questions or needed some help. I would highly recommend using their service!

Alice, Sri Lanka

Great planning and organisation, coupled with an amazing experience with the local guide and driver. Everything about the holiday was magical.

Trusted Customer, Bhutan trip, 2024 (Feefo)

Inspiring experiences and places to stay

Lean into the details of your bespoke Asia trip to discover rare experiences, exceptional hotels, local connections, inspiring conservation and much more…

Start planning your journey here...

Give us a call 9am-5pm UK time Monday to Friday, or make an enquiry online at any time.

Talk to our expert team...

Every Asia trip we build is finely tuned to fit you, and that all starts with a chat. Let us know what you're hoping to see, feel and experience on your travels, and the places you're dreaming of, and your Asia Specialist will craft a route that includes everything you want and more.

The Selective Asia difference

  • Bespoke journeys tailored just for you
  • Unparalleled local knowledge and expertise
  • Award-winning, nose-to-tail service
  • Responsible travel
  • 24 hour local support
  • Our flexi-booking promise and financial clarity

No ordinary Travel Company

Personally designed, exceptional journeys across Asia that champion a passion for travel with care for community connections and the planet.
Unfollow the herd.

Fully protected and flexible bookings

Selective Asia is a fully ATOL licensed and bonded tour operator, and our flexi-booking promise offers increased protection & peace of mind.,

a yellow badge with white text
a white background with gold text
a gold square with black text
a yellow square with a black star in it