Day 1, 2 & 3We will meet you at the Airport and transfer you directly to Hikkaduwa, a west coast resort with a youthful feel. Hikkaduwa’s beach strip of value-for-money bars and restaurants will soothe the most troubled pocket and you can get decent music, too, into the early hours at a few basic but happy late-night spots. Hikkaduwa is the most informal beach satellite for the much-loved fortified old town of Galle, which is only 25 minutes to the south. Hikkaduwa offer a range of watersports including surfing, snorkelling, diving and water-skiing. The villages along the west coast – Wadduwa, Bentota, Ambalangoda and Hikkaduwa – all share a vibrant cultural heritage including folklore, music and dance as well as architectural influences from the Dutch period to the more modern creations of the iconic local architect, Geoffrey Bawa. Visit nearby Lunuganga – a garden retreat that was created by Geoffrey Bawa with numerous varieties of foliage, many pavilions, and statues.

Day 4, 5, 6 & 7Your next target is Mirissa, not much more than an hour to the south, and home to the much-loved Paradise Beach Club, which is now restored to its glories of old. It is an untaxing journey so you have plenty of time to break your journey soon after your departure by wandering around the ramparts and old town of Galle. Hours can be spent exploring the maze of narrow streets lined with quaint houses, Dutch and British period buildings still in use, the growing collection of art galleries, antique shops and restaurants. There are some fine beaches just outside of the Fort, with Unawatuna, a few miles down the coast, an excellent choice for a good-value lunch. Down at Mirissa Harbour, Mirissa Water Sports offers exciting water sports activities such as sailing, fishing, coastal cruises, river trips, sea kayaking, snorkeling and boating activities. The south of Sri Lanka beyond Dondra is considered one of the best locations in the world for spotting Blue Whales, Sperm Whales and Spinner Dolphins. These gigantic marine mammals can be spotted in the deep seas off the southern coastal towns of Galle, Mirissa and Kirinda. Whale watching excursions into the deep seas is organised by Mirissa Water Sports during the season from December to April when the seas are calm.

Day 8, 9, 10, & 11Today you travel further along the spectacular southern coast to Tangalle, and a wonderful escapist property – Mangrove Garden – that has gained a great reputation among Red Dot clients. The deep south is an integral part of the ancient Ruhunu kingdom which dates back to the 2nd century B.C. If you fancy travelling further down the coast, you can visit the tranquil town of Tissamaharama, dominated by lakes and gigantic semi-circle shaped Buddhist Dagobas (temples) built by the Ruhunu kings, or Kataragama, surrounded by mountains and perched on the banks of the Menik Ganga (river of jewels), a pilgrimage site with great religious and historical significance for Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians. Wildlife lovers can visit Yala National Park, home to the greatest variety of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. Bird lovers will enjoy Bundala wetlands.

Day 12 & 13Today you head towards the International Airport for your stay in Colombo. Colombo is about an hour away from the international airport and over the years – especially for those on an 0230 flight – we have had much fun watching friends stagger out of a lively bar a little later than advisable to catch the flight. Book an airport transfer with Red Dot and our driver will efficiently round up you and your belongings! This is a compact, easily-explored city and if its collection of boutique shops, bars and restaurants is not huge, this is more than made up for by their quality, atmosphere, friendliness and great value. You will leave with a few stray specks of sand still in your toes and, one trusts, some money left in your pocket. Who knows, when you return, as surely you must, you will wish to venture further afield.