Il diario
Appunti dalla baia.
Quello che diremmo a un amico in arrivo su questa costa: dove sono le tartarughe, cosa fare quando piove, dove lavorare, dove portare i bambini.
Tutti gli articoli
Prenditi il tuo tempo.
Spiagge e giornate lente · 5 min
A slow day in Dikwella, hour by hour
A slow day in Dikwella from sunrise to an early night, hour by hour, for people who want to do very little and to do it well, at Turtle Beach.
Leggi
Yoga e benessere · 5 min
A wellness day by the sea in Dikwella
A wellness day by the sea in Dikwella, hour by hour, with a yoga class, a swim, good food, rest and the sunset, and what our Move and Brunch pass holds.
Leggi
Lavorare in riva al mare · 5 min
A working week by the sea in Dikwella
A sample week of remote work at Ohana in Dikwella, with a class in the shala, a swim, the Sunday fire, and an honest word on heat, glare, sand and calls.
Leggi
Tramonti e serate · 5 min
An alcohol-free evening in Hiriketiya and Dikwella
For people who do not drink. Where an evening without alcohol is a pleasure near Hiriketiya, what to order in its place, and our mocktails with prices.
Leggi
Tramonti e serate · 5 min
An anniversary or proposal dinner on the south coast
How to plan a special dinner on the beach on Sri Lanka's south coast. What to ask the restaurant, how to time it with the sunset, and what we set up.
LeggiYoga e benessere · 5 min
Ayurveda for travellers in Sri Lanka, a plain guide
Ayurveda for travellers in Sri Lanka, with what it is, the doshas in two paragraphs, what a visitor meets, how to choose a reputable place, and our drinks.
Leggi
Yoga e benessere · 5 min
Ayurvedic drinks in Sri Lanka, explained simply
What gotukola, karapincha, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric and ashwagandha are, how they are traditionally used in Sri Lanka, and the drinks that hold them.
Leggi
Spiagge e giornate lente · 5 min
Beach clubs on Sri Lanka's south coast, calm to lively
Eight beach clubs between Galle and Tangalle on Sri Lanka's south coast, said plainly: which have pools, DJs and a bar, and which are calm places.
Leggi
Spiagge e giornate lente · 5 min
Beaches near Hiriketiya, a fair guide to nine
Nine beaches near Hiriketiya and Dikwella described fairly, with the waves, the crowd, the shade and who each one suits, from Talalla to Tangalle.
Leggi
Come arrivare e come muoversi · 5 min
When to visit Dikwella, month by month
When to visit Dikwella and Hiriketiya, month by month, with the south coast's seasons, the rain, the state of the sea and how busy it gets there.
Leggi
Colazione, brunch e caffè · 5 min
Breakfast platters to share at Ohana, what each holds
The six Ohana Morning breakfast platters, plate by plate, with who each one is for and what it costs, from After the Swim to the Ohana Family Breakfast.
LeggiYoga e benessere · 5 min
Breathwork for beginners, a simple, careful start
Breathwork for beginners, with three gentle ways to start, what research says, why the fast styles need care, and who should ask a doctor first.
LeggiColazione, brunch e caffè · 4 min
Colazione e brunch vicino a Hiriketiya, in riva al mare
Com'è una colazione lenta da Ohana su Turtle Beach, con i piatti e i prezzi, i platter da condividere, il caffè e il matcha, e poi un bagno in mare.
Leggi
Colazione, brunch e caffè · 5 min
Where to have brunch in Hiriketiya and Dikwella
Eight brunch spots around Hiriketiya and Dikwella, each with what it is good for and who it suits, and how to choose between the bay and a quieter beach.
LeggiLa dispensa dell'isola · 5 min
Buffalo curd and treacle, Sri Lanka's clay pot dessert
Buffalo curd is thick yoghurt set in clay pots along Sri Lanka's southern road and eaten with kithul treacle. How it is made, and our Papaya Curd Bowl.
Leggi
Yoga e benessere · 5 min
Cacao ceremony and women's circle explained
What a cacao ceremony and a women's circle are, where they come from, what to expect, who should take care, and our Women's Circle and Cacao.
LeggiLa dispensa dell'isola · 5 min
Ceylon cinnamon, true cinnamon and how to tell it
Ceylon cinnamon is the inner bark of a tree native to Sri Lanka. How it differs from cassia, how the bark is peeled by hand, and where it is on our menu.
LeggiLa dispensa dell'isola · 5 min
Ceylon tea explained, the regions and how to brew it
Ceylon tea is tea grown in Sri Lanka. Its seven regions, black and green, how to brew a pot, and how our house iced teas are made from syrups we cook here.
LeggiColazione, brunch e caffè · 5 min
Where to drink good coffee in Hiriketiya and Dikwella
Seven places for a good coffee around Hiriketiya and Dikwella, what specialty coffee really means, and what a cup costs at Ohana on Turtle Beach.
Leggi
Yoga e benessere · 5 min
Cold plunge and ice baths explained, with care
What a cold plunge is, what the evidence says and does not say, how to do an ice bath carefully, who should not, and the new cold plunge at Ohana.
LeggiLavorare in riva al mare · 5 min
Coworking and cafes with Wi-Fi, Hiriketiya and Dikwella
Seven places to work from a laptop around Hiriketiya and Dikwella, from colivings with a work room to cafes and our own work table by the sea at Ohana.
Leggi
La dispensa dell'isola · 5 min
Curry leaf, or karapincha, what it is and is not
Curry leaf, karapincha in Sinhala, is a fresh leaf of the citrus family, not curry powder. How Sri Lanka cooks with it, and our Karapincha Mojito mocktail.
Leggi
Come arrivare e come muoversi · 5 min
A day trip to Dikwella from Mirissa, Weligama, Tangalle
How to make a day trip to Dikwella from Mirissa, Weligama or Tangalle, with travel times, what to see on the way and a slow day at Turtle Beach.
LeggiYoga e benessere · 5 min
Digital detox on Sri Lanka's south coast
Why people come to Sri Lanka's south coast to switch off, what research says about putting the phone down, small steps that work, and places that help.
Leggi
Lavorare in riva al mare · 5 min
A digital nomad guide to Hiriketiya and Dikwella
An honest guide to working remotely from Hiriketiya and Dikwella, with internet and SIM cards, power cuts, where to work and stay, costs and visas.
LeggiCome arrivare e come muoversi · 6 min
Dikwella and Hiriketiya travel guide, the whole picture
A Dikwella and Hiriketiya travel guide in one page, with where it is, who it suits, when to come, how long to stay, what to do and where to eat.
LeggiSpiagge e giornate lente · 5 min
Dikwella beach and Turtle Beach, the bays explained
The four bays of Dikwella explained from west to east, Turtle Beach at Batheegama, Dikwella beach, Pehebiya and Hiriketiya, with what each one is.
Leggi
Famiglie, tre generazioni · 5 min
Dikwella with kids, a calm family day at Turtle Beach
How a family day works at Turtle Beach in Dikwella, with the calm bay, shade and swings, the Little Ones menu with prices, the dogs and the sunbeds.
LeggiIl pesce e dove mangiarlo · 5 min
Eating with allergies in Sri Lanka, an honest guide
Where fish, nuts, wheat and other allergens hide in Sri Lankan cooking, how to ask, what to carry, and what our own menu can and cannot promise you.
LeggiIl pesce e dove mangiarlo · 5 min
The fish of Sri Lanka's south coast, and how to eat it
Tuna, mahi mahi, snapper, prawns and calamari on the south coast of Sri Lanka. How to tell a fresh fish, how each is eaten, and our dishes with them.
LeggiCome arrivare e come muoversi · 5 min
Getting around Hiriketiya and Dikwella
Getting around Hiriketiya and Dikwella by tuk-tuk, on foot, by bus or on a scooter, with how fares work, the licence you need and the distances.
LeggiLa dispensa dell'isola · 5 min
Gotukola explained, the leaf Sri Lanka eats every day
Gotukola is the small round leaf Sri Lanka eats as a coconut sambol and drinks as kola kenda. What it is, how it tastes, and where it is on our menu.
LeggiCome arrivare e come muoversi · 4 min
Hiriketiya or Dikwella, where to spend the day
A fair comparison of Hiriketiya and Turtle Beach in Dikwella, with who each one suits, what a day looks like there, and how to move between the two.
Leggi
Come arrivare e come muoversi · 5 min
How to get to Dikwella, from the airport and the coast
How to get to Dikwella from Colombo airport, Colombo, Galle, Mirissa and Ella by car, train, expressway bus and local bus, with honest travel times.
Leggi
Le tartarughe e la baia · 5 min
How to snorkel with turtles respectfully, a short guide
A practical guide to snorkeling near wild sea turtles, with the distance to keep, how to approach, what never to do, and how to explain it to children.
LeggiCome arrivare e come muoversi · 4 min
Hummanaya blowhole, a guide from Dikwella
What the Hummanaya blowhole at Kudawella is, when it blows hardest, how to get there from Dikwella or Hiriketiya, and what visitors report about entry.
LeggiLavorare in riva al mare · 5 min
Internet and SIM cards in Sri Lanka, a working guide
Which operator to choose in Sri Lanka, tourist SIM and eSIM, what speeds to expect on the south coast, and the backups that keep a working day going.
LeggiCome arrivare e come muoversi · 5 min
Kalametiya lagoon and its birdlife, a visitor's guide
What the Kalametiya bird sanctuary east of Dikwella is, how a boat visit on the lagoon works, the best hours and months, and the birds that sources report.
LeggiFamiglie, tre generazioni · 5 min
Kid-friendly restaurants in Hiriketiya and Dikwella
Nine places to eat with children in Hiriketiya and Dikwella, described fairly, with what each one is good for, and our Little Ones menu with prices.
LeggiLa dispensa dell'isola · 5 min
King coconut explained, Sri Lanka's orange thambili
King coconut, or thambili, is the orange drinking coconut native to Sri Lanka. How it differs from a green one, how to drink it, and our drinks with it.
LeggiLavorare in riva al mare · 5 min
A long stay in Dikwella, a month or more by the sea
For people staying a month or more around Dikwella, where to live, how to get around, where to shop, and the resident's price for classes at our shala.
LeggiColazione, brunch e caffè · 5 min
Matcha and oat milk by the sea, how we make it
What matcha is, how it is grown and whisked, what oat milk brings to every matcha at Ohana, and what our matcha drinks cost on Turtle Beach, Dikwella.
Leggi
Yoga e benessere · 5 min
Mindful painting and making things with your hands
Why painting and making things with your hands calms the mind, what research modestly shows, and our Mindful Painting and Ocean Treasures workshops.
LeggiIl pesce e dove mangiarlo · 5 min
Not spicy food in Sri Lanka, what to order and how to ask
For children, older travellers and anyone careful with chilli. How to ask for less heat in Sri Lanka, dishes that are mild by nature, and how we mark it.
Leggi
La dispensa dell'isola · 5 min
Papadam explained, the crisp beside every curry
A papadam is a thin wafer of black gram flour, dried and then fried or roasted in seconds. What is in it, how it is cooked, and our Papadam Nachos.
LeggiCome arrivare e come muoversi · 5 min
Places to see near Dikwella, ten within an hour
Ten places to see within about an hour of Dikwella and Hiriketiya, from the Hummanaya blowhole and Mulkirigala rock temple to Matara and Dondra lighthouse.
LeggiSpiagge e giornate lente · 4 min
Una spiaggia tranquilla vicino a Hiriketiya, per un giorno lento
Dove trovare una spiaggia tranquilla vicino a Hiriketiya, cosa vuol dire tranquillo a Turtle Beach a Dikwella, una giornata lenta e come arrivare dall'hotel.
LeggiCome arrivare e come muoversi · 5 min
A rainy day in Hiriketiya and Dikwella, what to do
What to do on a rainy day in Hiriketiya and Dikwella, with covered places, cooking classes, yoga, workshops, temples and a long lunch by the sea.
Leggi
Il pesce e dove mangiarlo · 5 min
Ceviche, tartare and tiradito, raw fish explained
What ceviche, tartare and tiradito are, how the three differ, how raw fish should be handled and who should avoid it, with our three and their prices.
LeggiLe tartarughe e la baia · 5 min
Reef friendly sunscreen explained, what the evidence says
What scientists know and do not know about sunscreen and coral reefs, which ingredients to look for, and why shade and clothing are the first choice.
LeggiIl pesce e dove mangiarlo · 5 min
Restaurants near Dickwella Resort, for an evening out
Staying on the Dikwella headland or along the bay? Six places for a lunch or an evening out within a short ride, and how to get to each and back.
LeggiTramonti e serate · 5 min
Romantic things to do in Dikwella, for two
Eight unhurried things for a couple to do around Dikwella and Hiriketiya, from a sunset dinner on the sand to a rock temple, for every age and pace.
LeggiLe tartarughe e la baia · 5 min
Sea turtles of Sri Lanka, the five species and the law
The five sea turtles nesting in Sri Lanka, how to tell them apart in the water, which ones you may meet on the south coast, and how the law protects them.
LeggiLe tartarughe e la baia · 5 min
Sea urchins in Sri Lanka, how to avoid them and what to do
Where sea urchins live on Sri Lanka's south coast, how to keep your feet away from them, and what medical sources say to do if you step on one.
Leggi
Il pesce e dove mangiarlo · 5 min
Ristorante di pesce vicino a Hiriketiya, su Turtle Beach
Pesce fresco in riva al mare a meno di cinque minuti da Hiriketiya, con il menu di Ohana e i prezzi, come ordinare un pesce intero e quando prenotare.
LeggiColazione, brunch e caffè · 5 min
Shakshuka and breakfasts from the world, the stories
Where shakshuka, schug, huevos verdes, labneh with eggs and the Sri Lankan omelette come from, and what each of these world breakfasts costs at Ohana.
Leggi
Colazione, brunch e caffè · 5 min
Smoothie bowls and the fruit of Sri Lanka, by season
When mango, papaya, pineapple, passion fruit, wood apple and king coconut are ripe in Sri Lanka, and the smoothie bowls and juices we make at Ohana.
LeggiLe tartarughe e la baia · 5 min
Snorkeling near Hiriketiya and Dikwella, seven places
Seven places to snorkel near Hiriketiya and Dikwella, the months when the sea is calm and clear, what you may see under water, and what to bring with you.
LeggiYoga e benessere · 5 min
Sound healing explained, what a sound bath is
What a sound bath is, what happens in a session, what research shows and does not show, who should ask a doctor first, and our Yin and Sound classes.
LeggiLa dispensa dell'isola · 5 min
Sourdough by the sea, how bread works in the tropics
How sourdough works, why heat and sea air change the dough, and what bread means on our menu: the toasts on our own sourdough at Turtle Beach, with prices.
LeggiSpiagge e giornate lente · 5 min
Sri Lanka's south coast for older travellers
An honest guide to Sri Lanka's south coast for older travellers, with the heat, the steps and the sand, quiet places, an easy pace and gentle food.
Leggi
Famiglie, tre generazioni · 5 min
Sri Lanka's south coast with kids, Galle to Tangalle
A family guide to Sri Lanka's south coast with kids, from Galle to Tangalle, with the calm beaches, what children like, heat and naps, and travel times.
LeggiColazione, brunch e caffè · 5 min
Sri Lankan breakfast explained, from hoppers to curd
What hoppers, string hoppers, milk rice, pol sambol, roti and curd with treacle are, how each is eaten, and which Sri Lankan breakfasts we serve at Ohana.
LeggiIl pesce e dove mangiarlo · 5 min
Sri Lankan curry explained, for a first visit
What a Sri Lankan rice and curry is, the kinds of curry, how hot they are and why coconut is in everything, with two gentle curries from our own menu.
LeggiLa dispensa dell'isola · 5 min
Sri Lankan spices, a short guide to seven of them
Cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, pepper, turmeric, pandan leaf and goraka: what each Sri Lankan spice does in the pot, and where each one appears on our menu.
LeggiSpiagge e giornate lente · 5 min
Sunbeds and day passes in Sri Lanka, how they work
How sunbeds and day passes work on Sri Lanka's south coast, from minimum spend to hourly fees and hotel passes, what to ask first, and our own rule.
LeggiTramonti e serate · 5 min
Cena al tramonto sulla spiaggia a Dikwella, vicino a Hiriketiya
Quando tramonta il sole sulla costa sud dello Sri Lanka e come va una serata da Ohana dalle 16:00, con uno snapper intero alla griglia e mocktail sulla sabbia.
LeggiTramonti e serate · 5 min
Sunset spots near Hiriketiya and Dikwella
Seven places to watch the sunset around Hiriketiya and Dikwella, with which way each one faces, when to arrive and what kind of evening it suits.
Leggi
Le tartarughe e la baia · 4 min
Where to swim with turtles near Hiriketiya and Dikwella
Where wild sea turtles are seen near Hiriketiya and Dikwella, when to look, how to behave around them in the water, and what to bring for the swim.
LeggiLa dispensa dell'isola · 5 min
Tempeh and plant protein, the vegan way at Ohana
Tempeh is a firm cake of fermented whole soybeans from Java. How it differs from tofu, how we cook it, and the eleven vegan ways on our menu, with prices.
LeggiLe tartarughe e la baia · 5 min
The five dogs of Turtle Beach and Sri Lanka's street dogs
Street dogs in Sri Lanka explained for visitors, with how to behave near them, what health bodies say about rabies, and the five dogs who live at Ohana.
LeggiCome arrivare e come muoversi · 5 min
Cosa fare a Dikwella, una lista onesta di dodici cose
Dodici cose da fare a Dikwella e dintorni, da Hiriketiya al blowhole di Hummanaya, dalle tartarughe a un tempio, con qualche idea per una giornata di pioggia.
LeggiCome arrivare e come muoversi · 5 min
Three days in Dikwella, a calm itinerary
A calm three-day itinerary for Dikwella and Hiriketiya, with one bigger outing each morning, long lunches by the sea and room for doing nothing.
LeggiFamiglie, tre generazioni · 5 min
Travelling Sri Lanka with grandparents, three generations
Travelling Sri Lanka with grandparents and children together, with the pace, the shade, the steps, the food, and a long lunch as the main event of the day.
LeggiLe tartarughe e la baia · 5 min
Turtle Beach a Dikwella, detta anche Turtle Point, una guida
Dove si trova Turtle Beach a Dikwella, perché le tartarughe marine selvatiche ci mangiano e ci nidificano, com'è una visita, quando venire e come comportarsi.
LeggiLe tartarughe e la baia · 5 min
Turtle hatchlings in Dikwella and what a good release is
How sea turtles nest around Dikwella, why eggs are protected, what a careful hatchling release looks like, and how to behave if you are lucky to see one.
LeggiLe tartarughe e la baia · 5 min
Turtle nesting season in Sri Lanka, when and where
When sea turtles nest in Sri Lanka, where on the south coast they come ashore, what happens on a nesting night, and how a quiet, dark beach helps them.
LeggiIl pesce e dove mangiarlo · 5 min
Vegan and healthy food in Dikwella, near Hiriketiya
Vegan and healthy food at Ohana in Dikwella, with eleven dishes that have a vegan way and their prices, smoothie bowls, Ayurvedic elixirs and mocktails.
LeggiLavorare in riva al mare · 5 min
Video calls from the beach, what works in practice
How to take a video call from the beach without wind, glare or a dead battery, with headphone manners, a backup connection, and what our work table gives.
LeggiCome arrivare e come muoversi · 4 min
Wewurukannala temple, a guide to Dikwella's giant Buddha
What to see at Wewurukannala temple in Dikwella, from the great seated Buddha to the painted halls, with how to dress, how to behave and how to get there.
LeggiCome arrivare e come muoversi · 5 min
Whale watching from Dikwella, a day trip to Mirissa
How to go whale watching from Dikwella or Hiriketiya, with where the boats leave, the season, how to choose a responsible boat and how to plan the day.
LeggiFamiglie, tre generazioni · 5 min
What children eat in Sri Lanka, mild dishes and fruit
What children eat in Sri Lanka, with the mild dishes, the hot ones to watch, how to ask for no chilli, what to carry, and our kids' dishes with prices.
LeggiLa dispensa dell'isola · 5 min
What is kithul treacle, Sri Lanka's palm syrup
Kithul treacle is the boiled sap of Sri Lanka's fishtail palm. How it is tapped, how it differs from maple syrup and jaggery, and where it is on our menu.
LeggiSpiagge e giornate lente · 4 min
What to pack for a beach day in Sri Lanka
A short, useful list of what to pack for a beach day in Sri Lanka, with reef-kind sunscreen, what to wear, and what we lend or give at Ohana.
LeggiIl pesce e dove mangiarlo · 5 min
Where to eat in Dikwella, a short honest list
Six places to eat in Dikwella, from seafood on Turtle Beach to coffee at Pehembiya, with what each is good for, who it suits and how to get between them.
LeggiIl pesce e dove mangiarlo · 5 min
Where to eat in Hiriketiya, from breakfast to dinner
Nine places to eat in and around Hiriketiya, from brunch cafes and curry kitchens to pizza and seafood by a calm bay, with who each one suits.
LeggiCome arrivare e come muoversi · 5 min
Where to stay near Dikwella, area by area
Where to stay near Dikwella, area by area, with Hiriketiya, Dikwella bay, Batheegama and Nilwella compared, and who each one suits for a holiday.
LeggiLa dispensa dell'isola · 5 min
Why Ohana serves no alcohol, and what we pour
Ohana on Turtle Beach, Dikwella serves no alcohol. Who the place is for, what sunset feels like without it, and the mocktails, teas and elixirs we pour.
LeggiLavorare in riva al mare · 4 min
Working remotely from Dikwella, a day by the sea
What to expect when you work from a laptop at Ohana in Dikwella, from Wi-Fi, sockets, shade and coffee to the limits of a beach club and a sample day.
LeggiYoga e benessere · 5 min
Yoga and wellness places near Hiriketiya
Nine yoga shalas, studios, retreats and wellness places around Hiriketiya and Dikwella, described fairly, with what each offers and who each one suits.
LeggiYoga e benessere · 4 min
Yoga in Dikwella, classes at our oceanfront shala
Yoga in Dikwella near Hiriketiya, with our oceanfront shala, each kind of class explained for beginners, the prices, and what else happens in the week.
LeggiYoga e benessere · 5 min
Vinyasa, hatha or yin, yoga styles explained
Vinyasa, hatha and yin yoga explained for a first class, with how each one feels in the body, who it suits, and our classes and prices in Dikwella.
LeggiLa parola magica
Book and write “Bookworm”
You found us here, so here is a little secret. Book your table and write “Bookworm” in your reservation: un Ceylon Cinnamon Iced Tea for your table, on us.
One for the table, when you book on our page or on WhatsApp and write the words in your reservation. Write the words in English, as they are written.
Vieni a vedere
Turtle Beach, Dikwella.
Turtle Beach, New Tangalle Road, Batigama, Dikwella 81200, Sri Lanka
Colazione 08:00–11:00 · pranzo e cena 11:00–21:00 · tutti i giorni
A meno di cinque minuti da Hiriketiya in tuk-tuk o in scooter.
Meglio che leggerne