Recently, Sri Lanka‘s Southern Province has become a favored destination for neophyte surfers—a laid-back alternative to the less forgiving waters of the eastern coast—and a lively hospitality scene has risen in tandem. It is centered in the Galle district, famous for its monumental Galle Fort, a 16th-century Portuguese stronghold where shops and sleek stays like the Fort Printers hotel now buzz behind the ramparts. But follow Matara Road to the town of Ahangama and the surfing hot spot of Weligama Bay, and you’ll start to see the bigger picture: a growing Sri Lankan design movement informed by heritage crafts, spiritual traditions, Dutch colonial roots, and the easy-breezy vibes of the wave riders who are driving change—in the water and on dry land.
Going dutch
In Galle Fort, Exotic Roots taps into the site’s history as an outpost of the Dutch East India Company by selling porcelain wares from the 17th and 18th centuries and curiosities like traditional Jaipur blue pottery and antique bells. Founder Catherine Hewapathirana opened the store in 1996 to support local artists by stocking souvenir-friendly prints of their works. Nearby, Barefoot offers a well-curated selection of woven placemats, painted bowls, books, and children’s toys.
Suit yourself
Founded by Ukrainian designer Lucy Konstantynova in Galle Fort, Pako Studio is a waste-conscious label whose goal is to reduce the need to buy more outfits by creating pieces, from beach clothes to eveningwear, that work in varied settings. There are loose kimono blouses, silk sarong skirts, backless trapeze dresses, and mix-and-match shirting. The highlight is the swimwear, including bikinis that can be styled in multiple ways and a one-piece that can be worn beneath a jacket.
Spiritual gems
In the coastal town of Ahangama, Olive Yu Jewellery, cofounded by Kate Becker, creates handcrafted accessories with natural gemstones like Sri Lankan sapphires and tourmalines. The pieces, all made at the on-site workshop, are informed by spirituality; the Navaratna collection, for example, takes inspiration from the nine sacred gems of Vedic astrology. Jewelry-making workshops are held regularly, accompanied by the sound of ocean waves crashing nearby.
Yarns for yoga
At Mukti Studio, launched in 2023 by yoga teacher Evy Ferraro, you’ll find a collection of traditional and contemporary Sri Lankan clothing made from pure linen and hand-loomed organic cotton (ideal for yoga in hot climates), as well as locally made swimwear, organic skin-care products, serpent rings, and home goods. The shop alone is worth a visit: Sunlight illuminates the polished concrete, and an alleyway leads directly to Ahangama’s shore.
Land of nod
Just off Ahangama’s main coastal thoroughfare is The Kip, a café, yoga venue, and three-bedroom villa (with additional studio rooms). In the garden, guests sit for communal dinners of ceviche, fresh juices, and jamu, an Indonesian herbal drink. There is also a store selling homegrown, ethically made finds, from batik garments designed on-site to ceramics and delicate lacework. Many pieces in the villa, including wrought-iron candlesticks and miniature sculptures, can be purchased.
Surf and turf
Ceylon Sliders, facing Weligama Bay, is an airy, multifunctional space made of breeze blocks that houses an art gallery, restaurant, music venue, beach club, and surf shop. Swimwear from Sri Lankan brands Cruise Culture and Wave Vision sit next to international favorites such as California’s Bing Surfboards and the Paris-based sunglasses brand Izipizi. Visitors can rent surfboards and equipment and book lessons certified by the International Surfing Association.
This article appeared in the March 2025 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here.
