Talalla Retreat

Top choice in The South


One of the island's foremost retreats, many guests at this healthy sanctuary are on yoga, wellness or surf-instruction packages. The location is inspirational, set back from the shore with views of the ocean from the wonderful restaurant. Some accommodation, however, is poorly designed: many rooms are open-sided (windowless) so expect visits from raiding monkeys and squirrels, and some noise issues.

There are five different accommodation options and a total of eighty rooms, a spa and a 20m pool.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The South attractions

1. Dondra Head Lighthouse

2.3 MILES

The landmark Dondra Head Lighthouse provides an exclamation mark to the southernmost point of Sri Lanka. Visitors are not currently permitted to enter the…

2. Tenavaram Kovil

2.39 MILES

The original vast complex of Tenavaram Dondra was destroyed in 1587, and this compound is now the the largest temple in town. Sadly, a couple of (chained)…

3. Weherahena Temple

3.08 MILES

On the east side of Matara, turn inland 1km off the main road for this gaudy temple that features an artificial cave decorated with about 200 cartoon-like…

4. Temple

4.84 MILES

This modest structure overlooks the river.

5. Parey Dewa

4.84 MILES

A pedestrian bridge near the bus station leads to a small island, Parey Dewa (Rock in Water), which is home to a tiny Buddhist temple with a very fancy…

6. Star Fort

4.9 MILES

This fort was built by the Dutch to compensate for deficiencies in the neighbouring rampart, but it’s so small it could only have protected a handful of…

7. Dutch Rampart

4.95 MILES

The smallish Dutch rampart occupies the promontory separating the Nilwala Ganga from the sea. Built in the 18th century to protect the VOC’s kachcheri …

8. Matara Fort

5.08 MILES

This historic, though run-down district, was once the heart of Dutch, and later British, Matara. There are no real sights, but it's an intriguing area…