Already visited Phuket and Phu Quoc but looking for a dream vacation somewhere with pristine white sand beaches close to the jungle and a city? Trincomalee, or Trinco for short, might just be the ideal destination for you. Located on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka, Trinco is a paradise for beach lovers, culture connoisseurs, and water sport enthusiasts. We’ve put together a list of the best Trincomalee boutique hotels for relaxation and pampering after a day of adventures.

The best Trincomalee boutique hotels

1. Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes

Designed with care and attention to the environment, Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes (pictured above) is a luxurious oceanfront resort that looks and feels like a treehouse. It has 5-star amenities such as world-class restaurants and a spa. For a fun weekend with friends, book the Jungle Cluster Cabin—a 3-room cluster with a private pool.

Find out more about Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes

2. Amaranthé Bay Resort & Spa

Amaranthe Bay Trincomalee Sri Lanka hotel
Amaranthé Bay (Photo: Derek Matthew Auxier Black)

A peaceful retreat on the other side of Uppuveli Beach, Amaranthé Bay has a fantastic view of the jungle and the estuary. The junior suite on the top floor is by far our favourite—in addition to the big comfy bed and wooden beam roof, it has a two-person Jacuzzi. After a relaxing soak, head to the pier for a candle-lit dinner. The crab curry is the best we’ve had in Sri Lanka.

Find out more about Amaranthé Bay Resort & Spa

3. Margosa Bay

Margosa Bay boutique hotel Trincomalee Sri lanka
Margosa Bay

Another gem of a hotel, Margosa Bay has something for everyone: a stunning outdoor pool, mini-golf, and a full-service spa. It also has a private beach area equipped with hammocks and facilitates water activities like snorkelling and fishing. We love the Delux Double Room for its elegant décor and the outdoor shower.

Find out more about Margosa Bay

4. Cocolagoon Eco Resort

Cocolagoon Eco resort Trincomalee Sri Lanka
Cocolagoon Eco Resort

Surrounded by paddy fields and a lagoon, Cocolagoon Eco Resort is a nature lover and wildlife photographer’s dream. The fauna of Sri Lanka, such as the turquoise-tailed King Fisher and the purple-faced leaf monkey, often make appearances on the picturesque property. A homely, bungalow-style resort with fantastic breakfast selection, Cocolagoon Eco Resort is a gem not to be missed.

Find out more about Cocolagoon Eco Resort

5. Memo’s Beach Cabanas

Memo's Beach Hotel Trincomalee Sri Lanka
Memo’s Beach Hotel

Memo’s is a quaint property with direct access to a gorgeous white sand beach. Run by Betta, who hails from Sicily, and Kris, a Tamil Canadian, this perfect little paradise has rustic furniture made from refurbished wood and decorated with Sri Lankan antique pieces. The rooms are spacious and cozy at the same time. The food served at the beachfront restaurant is reflective of the merge of the Italian and Sri Lankan cultures. We highly recommend their Neapolitan pizza paired with a Sangria and wash down their signature curry dish with an ice-cold Lion beer.

Find out more about Memo’s Beach Cabanas

6. Trinco Blu by Cinnamon

Trinco Blu by Cinnamon Trincomalee Sri lanka hotel
Trinco Blu by Cinnamon

Mere steps from Uppuveli Beach, Trinco Blu is the perfect spot for a dip in the translucent Indian Ocean. It also has a 30-metre pool, perfect for swimming laps to start off the day. Right outside of the resort are trendy bars and restaurants, but there is no need to leave as the hotel serves terrific food and cocktails. At night, unwind in the modern and spacious rooms with funky colour schemes of cobalt blue and punchy orange while listening to the ocean waves.

Find out more about Trinco Blu by Cinnamon

7. Trinco Beach by DSK

Sitting pretty in Dutch Bay, Trinco Beach by DSK is a 12-room hotel guided by nature and created with sustainably sourced materials. Located just across from the beach, guests can enjoy diving in the stunning waters or can relax with a cocktail at the bar and take in the views.

Learn more about Trinco Beach by DSK

But wait, there’s more…