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StaySouthern · Southwest coast

Citrus Hikkaduwa

Citrus HikkaduwaSri Lanka
From
Board
Double
Ideal for
Double
Where
Rooms
Pool or beach
The short of it

Overview

What makes this place worth the journey.

Nestled along the shimmering shores of Sri Lanka’s vibrant southern coast, Citrus Hikkaduwa offers a refreshing blend of laid-back beachside comfort and sophisticated resort features. From sunlit balconies overlooking the Indian Ocean to softly lit evening cocktails by the pool, this property invites travellers to unwind, recharge and immerse themselves in both nature and local culture.

Why stay

Why come here

The reasons travellers book around this place.

About the Property

Citrus Hikkaduwa belongs to the Sri Lanka-based hospitality group Citrus Leisure PLC and has been refreshed as a resort that balances relaxed seaside living with the thoughtful features of a modern resort. Wikipedia+1 With its frontage on Galle Road and direct proximity to the ocean, the hotel is ideally placed for both beach immersion and convenient access to Hikkaduwa’s lively surfing, dining and nightlife scenes.

Here the ambience is effortlessly chic yet welcoming — balconies overlook the turquoise sea, palms cast gentle shade across poolside loungers, and the rhythm of waves underpins the soundtrack. For guests of Sithiyam Travel seeking a refined yet approachable coastal stay in the south, Citrus Hikkaduwa offers a compelling option.

Best time to visit

When to go

The dry, bright window and the months to sit out.

Jan
28°
dry
Feb
28°
dry
Mar
29°
dry
Apr
29°
mixed
May
29°
wet
Jun
28°
wet
Jul
28°
mixed
Aug
28°
mixed
Sep
28°
wet
Oct
28°
wet
Nov
28°
wet
Dec
28°
dry
BestShoulderWettestBar = rainfall · °C = daytime high
December to March is peak: dry, hot and calm. Avoid the southwest monsoon in May–June and the second rains in September–October.
How to get there

Getting here

From Colombo airport (CMB), three good ways down the coast.

Fastest

Private car

Roughly 2–2½ hrs on the E01 Southern Expressway from the airport. The way we send most guests — door to door, stop when you like.

Most scenic

Coastal train

The Colombo–Matara line hugs the shore for stretches. Slower and less predictable, but a lovely ride if you sit on the right, ocean side.

Cheapest

Expressway bus

Air-conditioned coaches run Colombo–Galle in about two hours for a few dollars. Frequent, but no help with bags or timing.

The rooms

Once you're there

What the rooms are like.

Accommodation & Rooms

Citrus Hikkaduwa presents three principal categories:

  • Standard Rooms (Street View) – Ideal for value-conscious travellers, offering all essentials of a beach resort stay with comfortable furnishings and garden or street views. citrusleisure.com
  • Superior Rooms (Partial Sea View) – A step up, each features a private balcony with partial Indian Ocean view, modern décor, tea/coffee making facilities and minibar. citrusleisure.com+1
  • Deluxe Rooms (Full Sea View) – The premium option, boasting king-sized beds, unobstructed sea vistas from the balcony, and elevated décor and comfort. citrusleisure.com

Across all rooms you’ll find air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, satellite television, hair-dryer and daily housekeeping. Guests note clean lines and comfortable bedding as well as rooms opening directly to the beach-zone ambience

Things to do

What to do

What is worth your time from here.

Do this first

Walk the ramparts at dusk

A slow loop of the sea walls as the light goes — lighthouse, Flag Rock, the mosque, and cricket on the green below. The definitive Galle hour.

Inside the walls

Lose an afternoon in the lanes

Dutch Reformed Church, the Maritime Museum, gem and jewellery ateliers, and a dozen galleries and concept stores between Pedlar and Church streets.

20 min west

Swim at Unawatuna

A sheltered, palm-backed crescent — the south coast's easiest swimming beach, with reef snorkelling at the Jungle Beach end.

Nov–Apr

Whales out of Mirissa

Forty minutes east, small-boat trips head out at dawn for blue and sperm whales passing the continental shelf.

Within reach
Experiences a short drive from here.
Dining

Where to eat

Where to eat and drink at the hotel.

Inside the Fort
Slow breakfasts & courtyards

Poonie's Kitchen, Pedlar's Inn and a dozen café courtyards for a long morning between the lanes.

By the water
Seafood on the coast

Grilled catch and cold beers at the beach shacks of Unawatuna and Dalawella, a short tuk-tuk from the walls.

Worth the table
A proper dinner

The Tuna & The Crab or Fort Bazaar for a dressed-up evening — book ahead in season.

Dining & Culinary Experience

Dining at Citrus Hikkaduwa leans into both local flavour and international appeal. The Lemon Fish Restaurant serves Sri Lankan signatures alongside continental dishes, ideally positioned for breakfast, lunch and dinner. expedia+1

Pool-side, the Summer Salt Bar offers light bites, chilled drinks and relaxed sunset views. Whether you begin your day with an ocean-facing breakfast or settle in for an evening cocktail as the sun slips below the horizon, the resort frames each dining moment with ocean breezes and informal elegance.

Wellness

Where to stay

How to slow down while you are here.

Experiences & Facilities

Citrus Hikkaduwa combines beachside relaxation with active discovery:

  • Snorkelling, scuba-diving and surfing just a short walk from the hotel. Tripadvisor+1
  • Conference/banquet halls such as “Lime Light” and “Lobby Hall” ideal for weddings and events. citrusleisure.com
  • Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, car­parking, currency exchange and laundry services ensure smooth logistics.

Rooms we'd book
Stays we rate around here.
Activities

How long to stay

Activities and excursions from the hotel.

Why Stay Here

  • Direct beach access on Sri Lanka’s southern coast combined with resort-style amenities.
  • Well-designed sea-view rooms that allow both relaxation and coastal immersion.
  • Balanced offering for both couples and families, with children’s pool, spa and event spaces.
  • Proximity to surf, snorkel and nightlife zones in Hikkaduwa without sacrificing resort comfort.

Know before you go

Travel tips

The small things that make the difference here.

Go at first light or dusk.
Midday inside the Fort is hot and shadeless. Walk the walls early or late; rest through the heat.
Dress modestly for temples.
Shoulders and knees covered, shoes off — carry a scarf if you plan to visit the mosque or churches.
Carry some cash.
Cards work in hotels and bigger cafés, but tuk-tuks, beach shacks and small shops are cash-first.
Book whales ahead in season.
Nov–Apr fills up. Choose a small, responsible operator — we only use boats that keep their distance.
Mind the sea.
Currents on the open beaches can be strong. Swim where it's sheltered — Unawatuna and Jungle Beach are safest.
Respect the walls.
The Fort is a lived-in UNESCO site and a home to many. Wander freely, but quietly, and ask before photographing people.

Insider Tips for Guests

  • Best time to visit: December to April for the sunniest, driest conditions on the South Coast.
  • Room choice: Try for a Deluxe Room with Full Sea View to wake to ocean sounds and unobstructed vistas.
  • Evening vibe: Head to the poolside bar just before sunset for a perfect cocktail hour.
  • Day-trip suggestion: Take a half-day trip to Galle Fort for a contrast of culture and heritage.
  • Dining tip: Sample the hotel’s seafood curry at Lemon Fish, paired with a local Ceylon tea or chilled white wine.

Guest Reviews & Testimonials

Guest reviews highlight Citrus Hikkaduwa’s excellent location, morning beach walks, and friendly staff. Some feedback points to rooms that are comfortable but might benefit from refurbishment. Overall, a strong choice for those prioritising beach access and ambience.

What it costs

What it costs

Rough, honest per-person guides — we price the real thing to your dates.

Boutique room, Fort
$120 / night
A restored merchant house inside the walls, in low-to-mid season.
Whale watching
$45 / person
A small-group dawn boat out of Mirissa, Nov–Apr.
Car & driver, day
$60 / day
Airport transfer or a full day exploring the south coast.
Questions

Common questions

Everything worth knowing before you go.

1. Is Citrus Hikkaduwa on the beach?
+
Yes — directly on the southern coast with easy access to the sand and sea.
2. What room types are available?
+
Standard (Street View), Superior (Partial Sea View) and Deluxe (Full Sea View).
3. Does the resort have a spa and pool?
+
Yes — there’s an outdoor pool, children’s pool and spa offering Ayurvedic and Western treatments.
4. Are water-sports available nearby?
+
Yes — the hotel is in a surf/snorkel zone and listings reference snorkelling, scuba and surf rentals.
5. Is it family-friendly?
+
Yes — children’s pool, family room options and proximity to beach activities make it suitable for families.
Citrus Hikkaduwa
Shaped by hand, in Colombo

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