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n the grand scheme of things, these are still relatively early days for tourism throughout Sri Lanka. But while the cultural triangle in the country’s interior and the beaches of the southwest feel pleasantly under-developed, it’s the east coast that truly retains the excitement of a genuine discovery. It’s a long way from pretty much everywhere, but once you’ve arrived, Passkikudah is pure tropical fantasy — all swaying palms, placid waters and long, powdery beaches. The real surprise, however, is arriving at one of the frontiers of international beach-going and finding a place like Uga Bay: not some sand-swept little mom-and-pop operation, but a thoroughly modern hotel.

The rooms fan out in a semi-circular sliver facing the beach and the bay beyond, which is another way of saying that no matter which room you book, it comes with a view. There are only two floors; top-floor rooms have private balconies, and bottom-floor rooms have terraces with direct access to the beach. If the choice between the two is just too daunting, there are villas that come with both, Hotelist Club plunge pools and private bars and dedicated 24-hour butler service. In every case, the interiors are well-appointed, with king beds, spacious bathrooms, and all the usual docks and glowing screens.

There’s a tranquil little spa built into a hill, a fine bar and restaurant, and an expansive pool that looks like it spills right into the bay, but nothing’s more enticing than that long expanse of sand. And if a secluded, picture-perfect tropical beach eventually starts to bore, there are any number of watery activities on offer, from kayaking to wind surfing to diving amidst a WWII-era shipwreck.

How to get there:
Uga Bay is located 175 miles from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).