The Tsunami Hotel began in 1999 in Arugam Bay, a small fishing village in eastern Sri Lanka, which also happens to have some of the best surfing anywhere in the world, together with Sri Lanka's largest wildlife reserve just to the South. Due to Arugam Bay's location, and perhaps its big surf, the tsunami waves that hit in December 2004 were some of the biggest reported anywhere in Asia - more than 40ft above sea level. The destruction and loss here was beyond comprehension Arugam Bay is still one of the most beautiful spots in Sri Lanka (THE most beautiful spot, in our opinion), and there is accomodation here. Surfers can now enjoy an uncrowded ride on one of the best breaks in the world! The best thing you can do for the Bay is pay a visit.

Eight cabanas, which are natural wooden hourses, ideal for the warm climate of Sri Lanka. Our cabanas have adjustable, quiet fans.

Arugam Bay, also known simply as "A Bay" on the south-eastern coast of Sri Lanka remains relatively untouched by major tourism development giving it a very "laid back" feel. The focal points of the area are; the Yala East national park which surrounds the bay and is home to elephants, leopards and a menagerie of exotic birdlife and also the great surf and water sports opportunity in the locale. Arugam bay itself features a large sweep of beach with an outstanding right hand point break wrapping for up to 400 meters on its day. Similar quality sand bottom points are located north and south of Arugam. Featherlight lips and plasticine grins!

Kudakalliya sits on its own bay just south of Arugam Bay on Sri Lanka's East coast. Out front is a beach and a river, out back is the jungle. Here you truly get away from it all - there is rarely a soul on the beach for miles. You may however, spot wild elephants congregating for an evening shower on the nearby little island or lagoon. And Elephant Rock, the world-renowned surf-point (for those in the know), is just a 20-minute stroll from the house. The building is a basic beach hut, built to be as eco-friendly in a number of ways including having water drawn from its own well. The walls are covered in termite hill mud, the floors are polished cement, the furniture is made largely from driftwood and local handloom fabrics have been used for sofa and cushion covers.

Firstly, I want to thank all of you who have called, emailed and written to find out how we are and what happened to the Hillton, when the tsunami struck on 26 th December. By the grace of God none of my family, any of our staff, or any of our guests were swept away, by the killer wave that smashed into Arugam Bay at about 9.45 that morning. Our kitchen staff were quick to see the danger and alerted the others and our guests just in time for us to scrambled up to the first floor to safety. The wave and water that rushed almost reached to the level of the first story. No words can describe my fear as the water rushed below us. The wave swept away the Hillton's kitchen, dinning room and four cabanas. All the ground floor rooms were flooded to their ceilings and their contents destroyed. The side wall of the front two rooms and the boundary wall were also swept away. We and our guest lost everything that was in the hotel.

The beachfront cabanas of the Galaxy Lounge in Arugam Bay boast a natural style, a perfect blend of luxury and nature. The personal service, comfortable surrounds and reasonable prices will impress the mind, body and soul. The Galaxy Lounge caters for groups as well as independent travelers. The eco-designed cabanas include factors such as shade and predominant winds therefore do not require air conditioning.

Aloha Cabanas in Arugam Bay is one of the most established guesthouses, known for its dedication to the local surf industry. Prime beach-front location combined with private ECO style cabanas and scattered hammocks are the ideal background for a perfect stay in Arugam Bay. The owners and the staff of the Aloha Cabanas are all professional surfers and are happy to help to get you started riding some of Sri lanka's best waves.