When I think of tropical paradise, I think of Hiriketiya. It’s a picture-perfect horseshoe-shaped bay, lined with coconut palms, and teeming with turtles and fish. I spent a month living here too and totally fell in love with the place. While no longer quite the hidden gem that it once was, Hiriketiya is still a super laid-back, chill place with a great vibe.   Hiriketiya is another place that’s ideal for learning how to surf. The wave breaks on a rocky point at the entrance of the bay. From here it slowly peels all the way across the bay, finally finishing on the sandy beach.   Intermediates and shortboarders can have a lot of fun taking off at the point and riding the first section of the wave along the rocks.   Beginners can start off close to the beach on the opposite side of the bay to the point. Then, as your confidence and ability increase, you can make your way toward the centre of the bay, and then closer to the point.   Much as I love Hiriketiya, there are two main downsides to the place.   Firstly, there’s only really one main wave to surf in the immediate vicinity, and it can get quite crowded, especially in the height of the season (January-March).   Secondly, there needs to be a reasonable amount of swell for the wave to actually work. I spent over a week here frustrated at being unable to surf because the sea was too calm.   (You can always just snorkel with the turtles instead though, which is hardly a punishment :).) Hiriketiya isn’t just about surfing either. When you’re not in the water, you can chill out on the idyllic beach and soak up the sun, or take a stroll along the shore and explore the little hidden coves and bays around the area.   Key info: Type of wave: Beach and Point break   Suitable for: Beginners and intermediates   Where to stay: Kingsley Place Kingsley Place, Dickwella, Sri Lanka Located in Dickwella and only 1.7 km from Dickwella Beach, Kingsley Place provides accommodation with garden views, free WiFi and free private parking. Check Availability  (Budget) / Sand Dollar House Sand Dollar House, Hiriketiya, Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka Featuring a patio with garden views, a garden and a terrace, Sand Dollar House, Hiriketiya can be found in Hiriketiya, close to Dickwella Beach and 2. Check Availability  (Mid-range) / Belika Beach Club Belika Beach Club, Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka Situated in Hiriketiya, 400 metres from Hiriketiya Beach, Belika Beach Club features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a... Check Availability  (Fancy)   My favourite place to eat: Smoke & Bitters (my favourite restaurant in Sri Lanka!)