When arriving in Sri Lanka, Negombo Beach is the closest destination to spend the first night. It is only a 20-minute ride from the airport. Exiting the arrival hall, I walked 200 meters beyond the airport gate, without any hassles, and bargained 500 Rs for a tuk-tuk to Negombo Beach.
A very recommendable place to stay is the "Icebear Guesthouse" at Lewis Place. Despite the chilly name, it is a very warm-hearted and truly magic place. When you enter from the street side, you feel like you just stepped into another world: a perfectly manicured garden with hidden paths, hammocks and secluded seating areas, two terraces for dining and chilling, sculptures and other articrafts, two ducks and a dog.
There are different rooms: The first night I stayed in the most luxurious and the second night in the most basic room, both comfortable and clean. The rooms have clean sheets and towels, mosquito nets (indispensable!) and soap. Every guest is welcomed with a rosewater drink, a bottle of drinking water, and flowers on the bed. Great: wireless Internet is free to all guests!
The beach is so close, sometimes the cricket ball comes flying across the fence. The water is only approximately 100m from the property. A nice breeze swaying through the garden made it perfect to rest in a hammock or in one of the long chairs on the terrace.
The staff is exceptionally friendly and makes a real effort to connect to their guests. They make the stay so enjoyable, you are tempted not to leave the Icebear to discover the rest of Sri Lanka.
Breakfast is offered until noon. There is a Swiss breakfast option with tea or coffee, toast, butter, wood apple jam, cheese, tropical fruit, coconut juice and eggs or the healthier option: muesli with nuts, fruit, curd and an edible hibiscus flower. Snacks and drinks are served all day. At 7 pm every night, the bell rings seven times (the lucky number in Sri Lanka) - a sign to all guests that the Captain's Dinner is served, a three-course meal with a delicious dessert over light classic or jazz tunes.
The only point that requires urgent improvement is their webpage, but for reference and contact details: www.icebearhotel.com in English or www.icebearhotel.net in German.
For my personal security, I will reveal my exact whereabouts only after I move on to the next place. Makes sense?!
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