Tsunami Beach Hotel

Rustic, basic, right on the beach, and full of that old-school vibe. Tsunami has a great view and a lot of soul, though it has its faults and won’t match everyone’s expectations. I’ve been coming to Abay for 20-odd years and wouldn’t stay anywhere else.

Clean, cosy rooms and staff who were friendly and helpful. I had an excellent stay in Arugam Bay and would strongly suggest choosing this accommodation if you’re coming to this part of Sri Lanka.

We planned to stay one night and ended up adding another. It’s a beautiful place on a less crowded part of Arugam Bay beach, and the waves are perfect. The restaurant looks out over the ocean, with tables right on the beach. Sunrise was lovely, and there are hammocks and beach daybeds. All the cabanas were comfortable, and the staff couldn’t do enough to help, including booking safaris and anything else we needed. Just amazing.

The owner, Naleem, speaks German and is incredibly well connected and helpful. The name "Tsunami Hotel" was chosen before the tragedy. The owner and staff survived the tsunami, and the name now represents their resilience and determination. The locals we met were among the kindest, friendliest people I’ve come across. We felt like family. Thank you so much, Naleem. There’s a lovely garden to relax in and a good surf spot right out front. Restaurants, shops, and supermarkets are close by. The owner can arrange surf trips and Tuk Tuk rentals, and there’s great food and fun party evenings. We even cooked together in their kitchen, which was a wonderful experience. Don’t miss the amazing mango lassi! I’d highly recommend the massage. You can get it next door, but I suggest having it in the garden with an ocean view. It’s a great place to experience local culture, relax by the beach, and meet people. For a good price, book via WhatsApp: +94777891974