Kurulu Bay: The Quaint Retreat by Koggala Lake
Words and Photography by Kerol Izwan
Arriving at Kurulu Bay triggered an unexpected epiphany. It made me realise that beauty does not always rely on massive hotel chains or heavily curated experiences, but rather on the freedom to enjoy nature exactly as it is. Situated in Ahangama, Sri Lanka, this intimate retreat features just 14 rooms, tucked away on the outskirts of Kabalana Beach. Because it is practically interwoven with the local village, the entire atmosphere feels pure and authentic, entirely unrestrained and unpretentious, offering a rare opportunity to experience true Sri Lankan village life. Built thoughtfully around this local community, the resort frames Koggala Lake like a stunning, natural viewfinder for its guests.
Koggala Lake as seen from Kurulu Bay.
The open-air pavilion, the first space you see upon arrival at Kurulu Bay.
During my few days at Kurulu Bay, I had the opportunity to meet the founder and owner, Mr Shahzad Malik, an American-Pakistani banker turned hotelier. He was kind enough to say hello whilst I was aimlessly wandering and taking photos of the property. I was so glad to sit down with him over coffee to learn about his journey and the story behind designing and constructing Kurulu Bay. This is a new business venture for him after switching industries, but he has successfully realised his vision here, as well as at his other property, The Fort Printers, located in the heart of Galle Fort. Though I sadly did not have the time to experience that one on this trip, I will make sure there is a next time to stay at Mr Shahzad’s sister property.
Mr Shahzad Malik, the banker turned hotelier behind Kurulu Bay.
The moment I took the entire landscape in, I felt an immediate wave of familiarity. Having spent my childhood commuting constantly between the city and the countryside, I have always been prone to the romance of travel and thoroughly enjoying every single bit of a journey. Kurulu Bay resonates with me because the trees and the quiet rhythm of this tropical village mirror the memories of my own village back home. For the duration of my stay, I decided to simply remain within the property area, letting the days slow down completely.
Descending from the check-in area toward the garden suites and cottages.
The walking trail beneath a natural canopy of coconut palms.
The open-kitchen dining space situated next to the pool.
The welcome begins in an open-air pavilion, a beautifully designed square lobby enveloped by coconut palms that look out over the property. Positioned slightly higher than the rest of the resort, it leads down a meticulous stone pavement into a hilly, rocky valley. Standing at the junction beneath a canopy of palms, the architectural landscape reveals itself: to my left sit the Garden Suites, designed with clean, straight lines, square shapes, earthy timber hues, and crisp white linens.
Directly ahead is The Kitchen, showcasing a striking, brutalist design. To my right lies the path to my room, Campa, one of the original and largest spaces on the estate, built in a classic Sri Lankan cottage style. Dare I say it is the most central cottage on the estate, and it is such a gem. It is a minimalist Sri Lankan home with many windows and great natural lighting that immediately reveals a panoramic view of the lake stretching into the distance the moment you open the door. Coconut trees shade the cottage, making it incredibly tranquil when the wind blows, filling the air with the natural sound of leaves brushing against one another. Alongside the neighbouring Treehouses, the Villa, and the Kurulu House, every structure faces the unpretentious expanse of Koggala Lake.
Campa, a cottage featuring traditional Sri Lankan vernacular architecture.
Designed for natural lighting and ventilation
Inside Campa, a minimalist cottage built in a classic Sri Lankan style.
The Kitchen at Kurulu Bay takes a deeply mindful approach to its culinary philosophy, championing a strict sea-to-table concept. Every ingredient is sourced from the immediate surrounding area, from the incredibly fresh local seafood to sustainably harvested produce. Having breakfast here became my favourite morning ritual. The design of The Kitchen itself is highly commendable, a striking blend of brutalist lines and contemporary warmth. It features an open-kitchen concept where guests can enjoy their meals right next to a pristine pool. It is extraordinary to realise that from almost every single spot on the property, the lake remains completely visible. The colour palette effortlessly mirrors the environment, blending raw grey cement and earthy timber tones with crisp white and wooden chairs, all shaded by a natural canvas of swaying coconut trees.
Raw textures meet contemporary design at The Kitchen.
My favourite breakfast spread at The Kitchen.
The poolside dining area at The Kitchen.
It is also a perfect vantage point for the sunset, especially from the dedicated timber deck built for sunbathing and birdwatching, a quiet ritual I found myself returning to every single day. The sunset colours here are euphoric, as if the earth itself had experimented with psychedelics to paint these striking layers of golden ochre, soft pink, and deep purple crush. They shine brilliantly against the silhouette of the coconut trees and the quiet village, reflecting over the calm water of Koggala Lake. In those moments, there was nowhere else on earth I wanted to be but right there on the deck, soaking in every fleeting second. I later learned that there is a name for people who are hopelessly enamoured with sunsets, an opacarophile, and standing on that deck, I knew exactly what I was.
Perhaps the best sunset view, looking out over Koggala Lake.
Perched on one of the highest points of the property sits The Kurulu House. This two-storey structure was designed by renowned Sri Lankan architect Channa Daswatte, who trained under the legendary Geoffrey Bawa. The house beautifully merges a 1960s Florida architectural aesthetic with the timeless traditions of tropical modernism. Its true soul lies in how it breathes; the clever layout features high ceilings and an abundance of windows and doors on every single wall, allowing a continuous, refreshing flow of wind to move through the space. Intended to serve as a sanctuary for wellness and art retreats, the building seamlessly incorporates traditional materials throughout its design. It also features an open-air Yoga Shala that overlooks Koggala Lake, entirely framed by towering, fragrant frangipani trees.
The Kurulu House, a flexible lounge space designed for quiet work, yoga, and meditation.
An interior view of the multi-level living space at The Kurulu House.
Inside Kurulu House.
I felt it would be less than an experience to not try the Spa, so I booked myself an Ayurvedic treatment offered on the menu. Mind you, they have many options, so choose what is best to your liking. The ritual and rhythm of the massage I had was exactly what I needed to disconnect and decompress; it was a great massage. Following that feeling of slowness, I had the chance to walk outside a bit around the village at Kurulu Bay, just to get the daily life experience of the locals around here. The simple life surrounded by nature is so breathtaking. Upon returning to Kurulu Bay, I kept telling myself if staying forever is possible because, between you and me, I fell in love with Kurulu Bay a tad too much.
