Here are top beach resort picks across Sri Lanka, grouped by region with a short note about why each is popular and the best season to visit that coast.

Southern coast (Galle — Mirissa — Tangalle)

• Cape Weligama (Weligama / Mirissa area) — cliff-top luxury, private villa-style rooms and dramatic ocean views; excellent for whale-watching excursions from nearby Mirissa (best Nov–Apr for the south coast). (thetimes.co.uk)
• Jetwing Lighthouse (Galle) — iconic Geoffrey Bawa–inspired property on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea and close to Galle Fort. Great for combining beach time with cultural sightseeing. (en.Wikipedia.org)
• Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle (Tangalle / Goyambokka) — high-end tropical resort with a quieter, palm-lined beach (Goyambokka is often highlighted among Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches). Best for a quieter luxury beach stay Nov–Apr. (en.Wikipedia.org)

Southwest coast (Bentota — Hikkaduwa)

• Saman Villas (Bentota) — intimate boutique/villa resort on the Bentota coast; known for privacy, strong service and easy access to water sports. (en.Wikipedia.org)
• Cinnamon Bentota Beach — a classic large beachfront resort (Geoffrey Bawa architecture heritage), good for families and a full-service resort experience. (en.Wikipedia.org)
• The Fortress Resort & Spa (Galle coastal area) — stylish modern resort with coastal views, popular for couples and honeymooners.

East coast (Trincomalee — Passekudah — Nilaveli)

• Uga Bay / Jungle Beach (Trincomalee area) — calm, shallow waters ideal for snorkeling and relaxed beach days; east coast is best May–Oct.
• Trinco Blu by Cinnamon (Nilaveli / Trincomalee) — beachfront property with easy access to Pigeon Island snorkeling and whale/dolphin trips in season.

Arugam Bay & southeast (surfing)

• Elephant Rock Hotel / The Surfer’s resorts in Arugam Bay — top choice for surf culture, laid-back beach life and good waves (Arugam Bay peak season May–Sept). (elpais.com)

Northwest (Kalpitiya — kite/dolphin watching)

• Jetwing Surf / boutique stays in Kalpitiya / Kalpitiya resorts — known for kitesurfing, dolphins and very different coastal scenery from the south; best May–Oct.

How to choose

• If you want whale-watching and calm seas + luxury: southern coast (Mirissa / Weligama / Tangalle), Nov–Apr. (thetimes.co.uk)
• If you want surfing and a lively surf scene: Arugam Bay (east/southeast), Apr–Sep. (elpais.com)
• If you want snorkeling, shallow lagoons and calm waters: east coast (Trincomalee / Nilaveli / Passekudah), May–Oct.
• If you need convenience to the airport or a short beach stop: Negombo and nearby beach hotels (close to Bandaranaike Intl. Airport).

If you’d like, I can:

• Narrow these to a shortlist by travel style (family, honeymoon, surfing, quiet luxury).
• Check availability and prices for specific dates (I’ll need your travel dates).

Which style or area are you most interested in?