Karpaha Sands

Indulgent & barefoot
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.

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With every detail finely tuned by our Asia Specialists.

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

Brilliant! Selective Asia covered every detail.

Travel, hotels, guides, and excursions all flawlessly executed. Selective Asia listened to our requirements and worked with us to refine a great holiday.

Tim Goodman, Thailand

Holiday of a lifetime

The planning of the holiday and the ongoing support was excellent. The organisation on the ground when we got there was perfect and the local guides were knowledgeable and very personable. We would definitely go with Selective Asia again.

Gillian Baker, Komodo & Borneo

Selective Asia is more than a booking agency...

When a museum sent its exhibits overseas on tour, they learned about this before our departure and steered another to another site. When a hotel that we had booked scheduled a noisy wedding for the period of our occupancy, they were able to identify a fantastic hotel without noise before our arrival. I am not sure that any other tour operator would provide such detail in follow up, even after the tour was booked and paid for.

David Kosh, Vietnam

Our trip was outstanding...

We had had several discussions with Andrew 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. The whole trip was seamless and managed at a thoroughly professional yet friendly level. I would travel with this company again.

Heather, Japan

A great trip

We had an excellent holiday with an itinerary carefully arranged by Dave to suit our preferences. This is the third time we've travelled with Selective Asia and we will happily do so again in the future. We like the fact that they are a small company, passionate about what they do and committed to responsible travel.

Sarah Wilkie, Sri Lanka

A magical trip

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

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...

With every detail finely tuned by our Asia Specialists.

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.,

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