In Southern Sri Lanka, a New Design Movement Is Making Waves: Elevated Design, Island Style.

Beyond its well-known surf beaches, southern Sri Lanka is seeing a growing design movement. The Galle district, anchored by a historic Dutch fort that is now home to chic lodging options like Fort Printers, has an impact that extends to Ahangama and Weligama Bay along Matara Road. This movement combines the laid-back surf culture with spiritual overtones, heritage crafts, and Dutch colonial legacies. To fully experience these innovations, reserve a room at Heenatigala Walawwa.

With increasingly prominent surfing in Galle, its culture and heritage are combined in Sri Lanka’s southern design scene. Barefoot offers carefully chosen crafts, while Galle Fort’s Exotic Roots sells art and antiques. Mukti Studio sells linen clothing and regional goods, Pako Studio makes eco-friendly apparel, and Olive Yu Jewellery makes spiritual gemstone pieces. Ethical local designs can also be seen in the Kip villa and Ceylon Sliders.