KOSGODA BEACH FEELS WONDERFULLY ISOLATED.

A lagoon and the open sea form two sides of this triangular property. The third is blocked by thick coconut groves. Although it is just off the main North/South highway and a mere fifteen minutes from Hikkaduwa, it seems a million miles away from anywhere. A pervasive atmosphere of calm and relaxation reigns across the garden and around the pool. This is a place for reading, swimming, sunbathing and not thinking about too much else.

The cottages and the public buildings, with their red tiled roofs, wooden pillars and verandas, have an attractive 'patina', giving the place a comfortable, 'lived-in' feel. White plastic chairs and sun loungers are not to be found here, they are all made of wood, mostly of traditional designs. Each cottage opens out to its own terrace and area of garden for private relaxation.

The swimming pool is an impressive feature, curving around from shallow to deep, bounded by the open-sided restaurant, the garden bar and the beach. The beach is, in fact, on the other side of a low bump of land that adds to the sense of isolation. But the golden beach is right there whenever you feel like a sunset stroll or a dip in the ocean waves.

This is, unsurprisingly, a popular place for weddings and honeymoons. The excellent staff take care of all the necessary arrangements, so the couple and the whole wedding party can enjoy the solemn and celebratory occasion with confidence in this village atmosphere.

The staff and management of any hotel, but particularly a resort, make a huge difference to the enjoyment of a holiday. Here they are particularly good - organised, adaptable, friendly and always helpful. It's the final touch that makes a good holiday great.