Things To Do

If total relaxation is your goal, then you never have to leave Talaramba Reef, but if you're feeling a little energetic, there's plenty to keep you occupied nearby.

At Talaramba Reef

Petanque

In the shade of a spreading cashew tree is the Talaramba Reef petanque court, scene of many an afternoon of intense competition. Work up an appetite with a casual pre-dinner game over a few cocktails.

Cycling

We have four bikes at the house for energetic types who fancy a spin through the paddies. Once off the main roads, you are embraced by the charm of rural Sri Lankan life, and two wheels provide the right pace at which to experience it.

Croquet

A sedate game of croquet on the lawn will allow you to convince yourself you've expended some energy, even if the rest of the day was spent horizontal on a sun lounger with a good book. Another ideal sport for those who prefer their activity accompanied by a long, cold, gin and tonic.

In the area

Surfing

The surfing near Talaramba Reef is fantastic all year round, although good clean breaks are easier to find between November and April. There are good surf spots a couple of kilometers up the road towards Matara, and in Mirissa, as well as Ahangama and Midigama. Beginners and kids can take longboard lessons in nearby Weligama.

Fishing

Game fishing is available with Mirissa Water Sports out of Mirissa harbor, and there's great shore fishing from the beach and rocks.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a system of traditional medicine and holistic wellness native to India and Sri Lanka. Ayurvedic treatments are offered up the road from Talaramba in the Bawana Spa at Weligama Bay Resort.

Massage

The Secret Root Spa in Mirissa offers fabulous massages in a peaceful, simple garden environment, or their masseurs will come to you at the villas if you prefer.

Tea tasting

Our local tea plantation, Handunugoda Tea Estate, produces Virgin White Tipped tea, which costs more than silver and is harvested using a variation of an ancient Chinese tradition developed for the emperor. The original method had virgins cutting the leaves into a bowl with golden scissors so the tea is untouched by human hand. The modern version, more prosaically, has the workers wearing gloves.

Whale watching

Southern Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to see blue whales. Whilst it is an incredible experience seeing these giant mammals up close, we are also very conscious of the effect that unregulated pursuit will have on their annual visits. If you want to go whale watching then please use a government licensed company, such as Mirissa Water Sports. This will also ensure that you return safely.

Temples

With Sri Lanka being predominantly Buddhist, there are temples and stupas everywhere, some large and welcoming of tourists, others small and very local. When visiting a temple or stupa, please dress conservatively, take shoes and hats off before entering, and leave a donation for the monks.

A day trip or more

Turtle Conservation Project

The Turtle Conservation Project in Rekawa beach near Tangalle, is the first of it's kind in Sri Lanka to have established an "in situ" nest protection and research programme. This protection of the nests where they are laid by the female turtle, allows the hatchlings to scramble down to the ocean immediately after they emerge from their egg. www.tcpsrilanka.org

Yala National Park

On the SE coast, Yala National Park covers 979 sq km, and has the world's highest concentration of leopards, although seeing this night time carnivore still takes some luck. There are also good numbers of elephants, crocodiles, wild boar, water buffalo and an amazing array of bird life. Jeep safaris and luxury overnight camping safaris are available.

Guest Book

“Can't wait to come back”

What an amazing place! Talaramba Reef is a beautiful retreat, looking out past swaying palm trees to the surf beyond.

Read more from our guests

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