Escape to Paradise: Sri Lanka's Hiru Beach Resort & Kitesurfing!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Hiru Beach Resort in Sri Lanka, and trust me, it's a rollercoaster. I'm talking waves, wind, and possibly the best darn sunsets you'll ever witness. Let's get messy, shall we?
Escape to Paradise: Hiru Beach Resort & Kitesurfing - My Honest, Quirky, and Occasionally Rambling Review
Right, so, first things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me, especially after… well, let's just say a particularly nasty tumble off a bicycle in Florence. Hiru Beach Resort attempts some accessibility, with things like a lift. Though let's just put it bluntly, Facilities for disabled guests are there but not perfect. The resort attempts to be wheelchair-friendly overall, with ramps and accessible rooms. But let me be honest, get ready for occasional hurdles. It's Sri Lanka, not Switzerland, and the definition of "accessible" might vary slightly. Now, the real question is, how far are they willing to help?
Rooms & All That Jazz:
Okay, let's talk rooms. I'll be honest; I was obsessed with having Wi-Fi [free] and the free Internet Access. I mean, c’mon. A vacation without memes? Unthinkable! Luckily, I got free Wi-Fi in all rooms! So, I got Air conditioning; it was available in all rooms and in the public area. It's a lifesaver in Sri Lankan heat, and the blackout curtains were a godsend for those late-night movie binges. They also had complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker, which is good, always. I had the in-room safe box, a must-have if you're a nervous Nellie like me. They also had a desk in the room, so I could do some work. You know, just in case.
I loved my seating area, I could crash. The shower was pretty good.
The Vibe - Things to Do, Ways to Relax… and Did I Mention the Wind?
This place? It's a vibe. If you're into being a lazy bum, they have a pool with a view, which is basically Instagram gold. But the real draw? The kitesurfing. Oh my god, the kitesurfing! I'd never tried it before, but the wind… the waves… the sheer, unadulterated thrill! I spent a whole day just eating sand and falling off my board, but I was happy. The resort offers lessons, and even for a clumsy clutz like me, it was an unforgettable experience. Like, actually unforgettable, I can still taste the salt.
They had a fitness center but, honestly, I barely looked at it. Priorities, people, priorities. They also offered a massage. I’m not gonna lie, I'm a sucker for a good rubdown. The kind where you melt into a puddle of happy sighs.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the COVID Stuff - Let's Be Real
Look, 2024 is all about "Did they sanitize?" And Hiru seems to care. They had hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff seemed well-versed in safety protocols. They offer rooms sanitized between stays. They had Daily disinfection in common areas. This is where it takes a turn, I felt comfortable here. They offer room sanitization opt-out available, but overall I felt that they were doing their best, and I felt safe.
Let's Eat! (Food, Glorious Food!)
Okay, food. This is where things get really interesting. They advertise all the right things: a vegetarian restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant. They have a bar and a poolside bar for those sunset gin and tonics. I loved that they had a coffee shop for those, "I need caffeine now" moments. They also had restaurants. Breakfast started with Breakfast [buffet] which was pretty great for the price.
The food felt pretty safe, and they offered alternative meal arrangements.
Services & Conveniences - The Nitty Gritty
Here's where Hiru impresses. Front desk [24-hour]. Daily housekeeping? Yes, please! Concierge? Always handy. There's a convenience store for all those late-night snack attacks. They also organize airport transfer. They have a car park [free of charge] and the car park [on-site].
For the Kids:
They have Babysitting service, so if you're bringing your young ones, there's that.
Important Notes (and My Personal Rambles):
- Internet: The Wi-Fi in public areas was a bit spotty at times. But hey, you're here to escape, right?
- Cashless Payment: A big thumbs up for cashless payment service
- Accessibility Again: Be patient. This isn't the Four Seasons. But the staff try. And that counts for a lot.
- The Kitesurfing: Seriously. Just do it. Even if you're terrible (like me).
- The Sunsets: Unforgettable, I'm telling you. Get your camera ready.
My Strong Recommendation (And The Offer You Can't Refuse)
Look, Hiru Beach Resort isn't perfect. Nothing ever is. But it's got soul. It's got vibe. It's got kitesurfing that'll make you feel alive. It's got sunsets that will make you weep with joy.
Here's my offer:
Book your stay at Hiru Beach Resort now using the code "WINDWHISPER" and get:
- A 15% discount on all room rates.
- A free kitesurfing lesson for one person (worth approximately $75).
- A complimentary bottle of arrack to enjoy while watching the sunset! (because trust me, you'll want a drink.)
Book now and experience the magic of Hiru Beach Resort. You won't regret it. (Unless you hate fun. Then maybe you should just stay home and watch paint dry.)
Final Thoughts:
I had a blast. I'd go back in a heartbeat. And that, my friends, is my honest, messy, and sometimes-rambling review. Now, go book that trip! You deserve it.
KLCC's BEST Kept Secret? Trion's Luxury Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, Buttercups! We're heading to Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka, to chase the wind and the waves at Hiru Beach Resort & Kitesurfing. Consider this less a polished itinerary and more a panicked, joyful babble of hopes, fears, and the questionable culinary choices I'm certain I'll make.
Phase 1: The Great Escape (and the Jetlag Monster)
Day 1: Arrival & Mild Panic
- Morning (or, more accurately, 3 AM): Holy mother of pearl, I’m actually doing this! The flight was a blur of lukewarm airplane food and trying to sleep upright (I'm pretty sure I saw my own drool). Landed in Colombo, and already regretting not brushing up on my Sinhala. "Ayubowan" is about as far as my linguistic skills go.
- Afternoon: The drive to Kalpitiya. Oh sweet mercy, the drive. Think vibrant chaos, winding roads, and tuk-tuks that seem to defy the laws of physics. I'm pretty sure I saw a chicken riding on the top of a bus. Classic Sri Lanka vibes!
- Late Afternoon: Arrived at Hiru! The resort is…rustic. In a charming way. The air smells of salt and something vaguely coconut-y. My room? Basic, but the view from the balcony is KILLER. Already plotting my sunset beverage.
- Evening: Dinner at the resort restaurant, where I sampled the Sri Lankan version of a curry, which was AMAZING! I forgot to bring a water bottle, so I have to keep running to the bar to refill. The jet lag is hitting me hard – my brain feels like a scrambled egg, and I’m pretty sure I’m going to pass out any second now.
Day 2: Kitesurfing Dreams and Near-Death Experiences (Maybe Slightly Exaggerated)
- Morning: Kitesurfing lesson! I'm SO. HYPED. The instructor is a chilled-out local who's probably seen a thousand flailing tourists before. The wind is howling, the water is choppy, and I'm basically a human kite getting dragged across the ocean. My first attempt was the same as a kite, flying over the water for about 2 seconds and then getting wiped out. I swallowed enough salt water to pickle a whale.
- Afternoon: More kitesurfing… or, more accurately, more face-planting. My arms are jelly, my core is screaming, and I'm pretty sure I've swallowed half the ocean. But! There were moments! Glimpses of grace! Brief instances where I actually felt like I might be getting the hang of it. The feeling of gliding across the water is pure magic. I think I might be addicted.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. This is where my love for Sri Lankan cuisine really kicked in. Fresh seafood, spicy curries, and the best rice I've ever tasted. I made a friend with one of the waitresses who introduced me to the local specialty. My palate is happy, but my stomach is already giving me mixed signals. Maybe I shouldn't have ordered the spicy chili prawns and curry…
- Night: Fell asleep at like 9 pm. But at least I'm not sleeping at the airport.
Phase 2: Squeaky Fun & Tropical Delights
Day 3: Exploring Kalpitiya and the Art of Doing Nothing (Almost)
- Morning: Decided to rent a scooter and explore. Okay, maybe "explore" is ambitious. More like, "attempt to navigate Sri Lankan traffic while clinging to a rusty two-wheeler." The roads are a bit, shall we say, lively. But! I found a secluded beach where the sand is white and the water is unbelievably clear. Stood there for a while feeling grateful for everything. So. That was a good start to the day.
- Afternoon: Coconut water. Multiple coconuts. The most blissful afternoon. It's hot, so I spent it just enjoying the breeze and the view.
- Evening: Back to Hiru for a relaxing dinner. This is where the wheels fell off…again. One too many bottles of Lion Beer, and I may or may not have been seen attempting some very questionable dance moves on the beach to some loud music. Don't judge me.
- Night: Sleep, then an hour of tossing and turning to rehash the days events.
Day 4: Diving Deep, and Deep Disappointments
- Morning: Scuba diving time! After a briefing, we headed towards the ocean.
- Afternoon: Diving, diving, diving. Then it really didn't go my way. I was supposed to be having a really awesome experience but kept getting anxious. I had to abort the trip and come back to the surface. I was pretty disappointed with the whole thing and the experience did not go well at all.
- Evening: Back to Hiru, and reflecting. I’d tried to push myself to do things that I was not comfortable with.
Day 5: Kitesurfing Round 2 (and Redemption!)
- Morning: Back to the water. This time I'm determined. I took some of the tips from the instructor and thought, "Okay, LET'S GO!" I was able to go longer and feel a little bit more comfortable.
- Afternoon: More sessions, and I was able to get up and ride!
- Evening: We enjoyed a goodbye dinner with friends, and watched the sunset.
- Night: Packing and some last-minute reflections.
Phase 3: The Bitter-Sweet Farewell (and the Promise of Return)
- Day 6: Goodbye, Kalpitiya!
- Morning: The last breakfast at Hiru. I'm already missing the fresh fruit and the laid-back vibe. Walking around and taking in the last few sights. It’s hard to leave!
- Afternoon: The drive back to Colombo. Same chaotic charm as before, but this time, I'm almost used to it.
- Evening: Late-night flight home. Exhausted, sunburned, and slightly addicted to kitesurfing. My bank account might be crying, but my soul is singing. Goodbye, Kalpitiya! I'll be back. Next time, I promise I won't faceplant quite so much.
Important Imperfections & Disclaimers:
- Dietary Mayhem: Expect my food choices to be questionable and potentially lead to explosive consequences. Bring Pepto-Bismol.
- Sunburn Status: Guaranteed. Pack the aloe vera.
- Jet Lag Fluctuations: My sleep schedule will be a mess. Coffee is fuel.
- Language Barrier: "Ayubowan" and pointing are my only allies.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: Expect moments of pure bliss and moments of existential dread. This is just how I work.
- Kitesurfing Skill Level: Variable. Expect a lot of falling and a few shining moments of glory.
- This itinerary may change. Drastically. Spontaneity is key.
- I'm probably going to spend way too much money.
So, there you have it! My highly unprofessional, undoubtedly messy, and utterly honest guide to Kalpitiya. Wish me luck (and a strong stomach!). I'm going to need it.
Escape to Paradise: Unbelievable Westin Sanya Luxury Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Hiru Beach Resort & Kitesurfing - The Messy Truth (and Hilarious Bits!)
So, Hiru Beach Resort – Is it *actually* paradise, or just Instagram paradise?
Okay, let's be real. Instagram? The photos are beautiful. And Hiru? Well, parts of it are *stunning*. Picture this: you're on the beach, golden sun kissing your skin, the turquoise ocean practically *begging* you to jump in. Then, BAM! A rogue coconut decides to sunbathe next to you. It's not all perfect, okay? My first impression was "Wow," followed swiftly by "Wait… where's the mosquito repellent?!" It IS pretty damn close though. It’s the kind of place where you accidentally spill your cocktail on your pristine white linen trousers, then realize the stain probably adds to the vibe. (Or at least, that's what I told myself). Think slightly-fraying-at-the-edges postcard paradise. I bloody LOVED it, quirks and all.
Kitesurfing? I'm a total newbie. Will I drown?
Drowning? Maybe not, but definitely expect to swallow a *lot* of saltwater. My first lesson? A complete disaster. I spent more time tangled in the lines than actually on the board. I was flailing, looking like a particularly inept sea creature. My instructor, bless his patient heart, just kept saying, "Relax, relax!" Easier said than done when a giant piece of fabric is trying to launch you into orbit. I even managed to get the kite *stuck* in a palm tree! Mortifying. But honestly? After a couple of days, and a LOT of faceplants, I actually managed to stand for a few seconds. The pure, unadulterated joy when you finally feel the wind and *glide*... that’s what makes it worth it. Seriously, though, start slowly and listen to the instructors. They know their stuff, and honestly, they’ve seen worse. (Pretty sure they’ve seen *me* worse.)
Food! What’s the grub like? Is it all bland hotel food?
Bland hotel food? Absolutely NOT! Sri Lankan food is an explosion of flavor. Think curries that'll make your taste buds sing, fresh seafood grilled to perfection, and enough rice and lentils to feed a small army (which sometimes felt necessary after a kitesurfing session). The resort's restaurant has some fantastic options, especially the fresh fish cooked with spices and the amazing rice and curry buffet. I ate *SO MUCH* I genuinely felt I would burst. One day, I had a prawn curry that was so unbelievably good, I nearly demanded the chef's recipe (I didn't, but I *wanted* to!). You will not be disappointed. Okay, maybe the coffee isn't the best, so bring your own instant if you must, but trust me, the food experience is worth the trip. And oh! The fruit! Mangoes the size of my head, juicy pineapples, and all sorts of exotic fruits I'd never even heard of. Just try not to make a complete mess while you eat them. (I may or may not have worn most of a papaya one morning.)
The Rooms: Are they actually nice or just a glorified hostel?
Okay, the rooms. They are *definitely* not a glorified hostel. They’re comfortable, clean, and pretty stylish, but maybe don't expect *pure* luxury. Some of them have ocean views that'll make you forget your name, others face the gardens, which, honestly, are just as lovely. There was a small issue with the air conditioning in my room (it hissed a bit), but hey, that's Sri Lanka, right? Part of the charm. The shower pressure was fantastic, which after a day of being battered by the waves, was a godsend. I'd opt for a beach-facing room if you can swing it. Waking up to that view makes all the minor hiccups worth it.
Bugs! Malaria! What's the health situation? I'm a worrier!
Right, the bug situation. Yes, there are bugs. It’s the tropics, people! Mosquitoes are a thing, so pack bug spray. And I'm talking the industrial-strength stuff. Apply liberally. Especially at dusk. Malaria isn’t a huge risk in the specific area, but always check with your doctor before you go. I spoke to my GP, and got the recommended medications. It’s always wise to be prepared. Also, and this is an important one, don't be a hero and drink the tap water. Stick to bottled water, and you'll be fine. Otherwise, relax, enjoy the surroundings, and don't let a few creepy crawlies spoil your fun! The resort staff are pretty good with the pest control, and you’ll be fine. Be cautious, but don’t let this cripple your experience!
What about the staff? Are they friendly?
The staff are AMAZING. Seriously, the friendliest people I've ever met. They can’t do enough for you. From the folks who make sure your room is spotless to the waiters who remember your coffee order after the first day... they’re just brilliant. They are genuinely happy to help, always smiling, and super accommodating. English is widely spoken, which makes everything a breeze. They're the ones who really make Hiru Beach Resort special. They are the heart and soul of the place, honestly. Pure gold. If you can, tip generously! They deserve it.
Is there anything to DO besides kitesurfing and eating? I'm easily bored.
Oh, definitely! Unless you have *zero* interest in relaxing. There's yoga on the beach (which I attempted, with mixed results – my crow pose looked more like pigeon-with-a-stomach-ache), snorkelling, and you can organise day trips to nearby attractions. I did a day trip to a tea plantation. Honestly? It was amazing. The scenery was breathtaking, and the tea? The best I’ve ever tasted. Seriously. I bought so much tea that my suitcase nearly burst. You could also go surfing (if you're better at it than me!), visit temples, or just chill by the pool with a book. Or, you know, wander around the beach and make friends with the local stray dogs. I did that. One of them nearly ate my flip-flop. So, yeah, plenty to keep you occupied. Unless you're one of those people who needs constant stimulation, then you've probably packed the wrong vacation.
Okay, the *worst* thing about Hiru Beach Resort. Spill the tea!
Hmmm... the *worst* thing? Okay, here'sBook Hotels Now
