The Riff Hikkaduwa merges luxury, simplicity and eco-friendly practices

Riff Hikkaduwa, a novel property in the South of Sri Lanka, is owned by Basilur Holdings. Architect Vinod Jayasinghe designed the luxury seaside hotel with subtle elegance and simplicity in mind.  

Riff Hikkaduwa – Design Hotel along the Galle Road and beach is a high-end luxury resort, with its subtle elegance, quiet comfort and modern simplicity. It is one of the pioneering design hotels built in the country. Designed by Architect Vinod Jayasinghe, the property’s architectural portfolio consists of furniture, light fittings and paintings and has been built on a 78-perch land. The limited space has been optimised through modern structure, landscaping and meticulous interior design.

Img.1 The restaurant with customized furniture and light fittings provide views of the seascape.
Img.2 The flipping doors in the lobby area provide flexibility and add to the simple artistic appeal of the interior.
Img.3 The luxury rooms with the views of the breezy ocean.
Img.4 A spacious suite with subtle earthy tones.
Img.5 The rooftop space allows guests to enjoy the sea breeze and soothing views of the ocean.
Img.6 Gamini Abeywickrama, Chairman of Basilur Holdings.
Img.7 Architect Vinod Jayasinghe.
Img.8 The swimming pool, which is made up of natural stones tiles.

The comfort of the guest has been guaranteed through the design. The façade on the road serves as a sound breaker from external noises, assuring in-house guests experience tranquility. The landscape is highlighted by lush greenery. Tropical varieties of trees have been planted on the beachside to withstand the sea breeze. The trees on the roadside add another dimension to the limited area, enhancing the feel of spaciousness. Therefore, the exterior of the hotel is pleasing to the eye, with warm tones of the structure set within greens. The key structural elements of the buildings are uncluttered open spaces, where wide hallways have been complemented with subtle and elegant décor. The furniture, designed by Nishan Wellappili seamlessly incorporates the simple interior stylistic features. Flipped doors and windows are a recurring characteristic in guestrooms and lobby areas, to provide guests the flexibility of opening out to the views of the seascape. The colours of the structure and the interior décor are predominantly wooden and sandy tones, enhancing the warm ambience of the space. Soft paintings that have have been specially commissioned for Riff Hikkaduwa, feature seaside themes. Natural raw materials have been used during construction, highlighting the hotel’s green concept. For example, garbage bags and disposable bottles are eco-friendly. A special limestone has been imported for the flooring. The swimming pool has been built with natural stone tiles, which enable maximum comfort, regardless of environmental conditions. Wood has been used throughout to replicate the warm ambience of a home. The elegant and simple lighting provides a pleasing radiance, accentuating interior decorations. The hotel offers 25 luxury rooms including two suits: each room includes a lobby. The rooms retain the wooden and sandy theme, creating relaxing spaces, and overlooking uninterrupted sea views. The collaboration of all aspects of the design has produced an architectural novelty. A first-of-its-kind in Sri Lanka, Riff Hikkaduwa – Design Hotel promises to be a unique and sought- after holiday destination. 

Project Name: The Radh Location: Kandy Structural Engineer: Ajith Wijebandara Contractor: Turnkey contract by Messers Conmix Site area: 19.5 Perches Total floor area: 17,000ft2/1575m2 Design phase: 3 months Client: Conmix group