KARPAHA SANDS KALKUDAH
The best kept secret of the East
Being one of the best beach destinations in the world, Sri Lanka still offers some of its best kept secrets to travellers, when it comes to ‘sea sand and the sun'. Just three kilometres south of world famous Passikudah beach and nearly 30 kilometres North of Batticaloa, Kalkudah Bay with breathtaking wide white sandy beach covered with naturally grown coconut grove, is a secret paradise haven for beach lovers. Quite contrast to popular Passikudah bay, Kalkudha is still an unexplored sandy heaven rediscovered by adventure beach travellers to ‘Karpaha Sands Resort', the best kept secret of the East. French owned ‘Karpaha Sands' offers unique experiences and individual spaces to relax and refresh, and to continue with fun and keep busy, as well as the perfect atmosphere for true beach lovers to unwind and simply slow down and soak in the surrounding beauty.
Similar to an oasis in the desert, ‘Karpaha Sands' is the only resort on the beautifully curved Kalkudah Bay with endless fine sand and safe to swim blue waters and offers 17 private luxury tented Villas for discerning travellers to indulge in a spot of Glamping.
‘Named after the unique Palmyrah trees in the vicinity that mixed with the coconut plantation and vast untouched land, our spacious tented Villas, with their intimate gardens, individual terraces and rubble stone open outdoor showers, offer total luxury while having a low environmental impact. It brings the travellers intimacy, seclusion and proximity to nature with all the comforts of a luxury resort and exclusive glamping experience' explained Robert Claesson, the General Manager of the Resort.
With spacious tented Suites (Villas) situated directly on the beach or under the coconut grove in their own private gardens, the Karpaha Sands Resort aims to provide lowdensity living with light footprint in a lush tropical setting. This is reflected in indoor and outdoor space and extensive use of natural materials – wood, stone, fabric- that blend with the environment.
Apart from scattered luxury Suites,
‘Karapaha Sands' on 12 acre Maldives type sandy ground, boasts of having an infinity pool under the palms, a garden spa and main two storey structure with the restaurant on top and the ground level bar lounge, all of which offer superb ocean panoramas. The reception and the Front Office are almost about 100 metres away from the main building area. The beach which is the preserve of the local fisher folk stretches endlessly to south.
The Resort offers three types of Suites – Palam, Kolaya and Seed Suites. ‘Palam Suites', meaning ‘fruit' in Tamil, have direct sea frontage. Set in the shade of Karpaha's old coconut plantation,
Palam Suites are honeymooners' paradise.
‘Kolaya Suites', taking their name after the Sinhala word for ‘leaf', are set in their own lush private gardens, with Palmyra trees, Pandanus and other indigenous plant species typical of the east coast, while ‘Seed Suites', also set in their own private garden that provide plenty of space for children to play around or for friends to sip a 'sundowner' together, offer two full suites designed with families and friendship in mind.
All Karpaha Sands Suites offer bed and living areas, private indoor bathrooms, outdoor showers with all modern amenities and private decks with loungers, as well as generous outdoor space. We use the highest standard South African fabric for our tents and all our accommodation is air-conditioned and fan-cooled' added GM Claesson.
The property houses a restaurant serving a delectable selection of local and international dishes. Sea food plays a major role in the menu while 'table top BBQ' along with ‘hot stone cooking' are unique to Karapaha Sands only. Also the beach barbecue facilities are available on request, while room service options are provided.
‘Our product is different from the rest in the region. I am confident that
‘Karpaha Sands' with its quality service and outstanding culinary experience will be the front runner for the East. Our unique ‘table top BBQ' and ‘hot stone cooking' of prawns and calamari are very original and authentic to Batticaloa. Ranging from authentic Sri Lankan cuisine to international palate, the Resort is geared to meet any kind of culinary request with Chef Jeeva' Robert said.
‘We are specialised in sea food and most of the guests are very keen to experience the fresh sea food straight from the bay. Batticaloa Crab Curry is one of the most popular dishes from the menu' he added.
Karapaha Sand is self-sufficient with all breads and pastry items, ice creams and local fruits and juices, which come from their organic farm.
Karpaha Sands Spa offers one of Sri Lanka's famed Ayurvedic treatments or an expert massage in one of their intimate individual pavilions.
'Cinema under the Stars' and 'Star Gaze' are two popular events with guests. Exclusive private beach cinema, screening under the open sky with your feet in the sand, while 'Star Gaze' offers a perfect window to the wonders above, with a guide and professional grade telescope.
Apart from wind surfing, sailing, snorkelling, deep sea fishing and shallow diving in the Bay, Karpaha Sands located in close proximity to some of the country's most soughtafter wildlife parks, such as Minneriya, Wasgomuwa, Maduru Oya and Gal Oya, which can all be reached within a short driving time of one-and-a-half to two hours, and it is a unique proposition to many holiday makers.
Batticaloa is a top attraction itself. The excursion to Thoppigala is a halfday venture, which is ‘a must' for all Sri Lankan adventure lovers. The famous Somawathiya Temple can also be easily accessed, while the Trincomalee Natural Harbour and the 18 hole Eagle Golf Links are all within the same distance.
The current discounted room rate ranges from Rs. 15,950/- (Bb-kolaya) to Rs 28,000/- (Bb-palam) and Rs 29,950/-Bb-seed)
The current discounted room rate ranges from Rs. 15,950/- (Bbkolaya) to Rs 22,200/- (Bbpalam) and Rs 29,950/-Bbseed)