Elements Beach & Nature Resort

The freshly caught tuna was a real highlight, and the food was exceptional. Our accommodation felt distinctive, private and comfortable. The staff were polite and so friendly, always willing to make an extra effort to help our stay go perfectly. A fabulous place to enjoy.

It was wonderfully relaxing even for those of us not kitesurfing, though the spot is also great for kiters and just a minute's walk from the resort. I stayed in a lovely treehouse with a balcony and an open bathroom, and the whole property was extremely well maintained. The Swiss-Owners live at the resort, and along with the staff they create such warm hospitality. The food was incredibly good. A hidden gem.

The atmosphere is what made the stay special. The team has a positive spirit and clearly takes real responsibility for the place, while the owners seem to run it with care for ethics and sustainability. Staff were attentive, warm and thoughtful about guests' comfort. The setting gives you both the ocean and lagoon, and the kitespot is right there, so you can head from your room straight onto the water. It's an easy place to slow down and relax. Food was excellent throughout, made fresh and with care. We had the best kottu on the island here. We also loved the café and bar, with a proper espresso machine, creative foam art on cappuccinos, and very good cocktails prepared with care and nicely decorated. We'd gladly come back. Great for kitesurfers wanting easy water access and good food, and for anyone who appreciates quality, authenticity and a relaxed feel.

The resident kitesurf instructor was excellent. I'd forgotten his name, but by the second day he'd helped me get out of the lagoon and onto the ocean. The owners were there with their family over Christmas, and were lovely people with a great story behind creating the hotel. There's a picture book about it at the bar, and it's worth a look. We stayed three nights at the start of our Sri Lanka trip, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. They served a special menu with delicious, memorable locally caught tuna. The breakfast and dinner buffets were particularly good. The setting is gorgeous, with beach and lagoon views, lovely grounds, open-air huts and free-roaming donkeys and cattle. Our hut had the best outdoor bathroom of the whole holiday. The hotel has created a brilliant vibe. It felt more like a five-star experience than a three-star hotel.