The brown and beige exterior is not much to look at when entering the hotel grounds, but this is where bland decor ends. A turnaround driveway leads to a bright fuchsia-painted foyer -- the first indication that bold color is a prevalent theme here. Abstract murals line the walls of the open-air courtyard lobby and the main lounge has cheerful cushioned seating areas extending the length of the property and connecting all the restaurants and bars. Beyond this point is the infinity pool and grassy lawn space. Most guests choose to laze under the sun during the day, but some might partake in long walks along the shallow shore, sometimes spotting turtles, if they can get past vendors roaming the edge of the property looking for customers.

After the sun goes down -- sunsets tend to be striking -- the hotel serves as a hub to start the night with a drink and live music. For instance, on Friday nights there might be a Rastafarian duo playing reggae. After dinner, guests can head to the temperature controlled wine cellar for weekly tastings or bottle service, the attached cigar bar, or the trendy lounge. On the weekends especially, the hotel attracts group events like weddings that often involve receptions or photos in the common areas. 

Hikkaduwa is a central beach hub in southern Sri Lanka; in fact, it's one of the most popular surfing spots in the country with consistent waves. Car service to and from the airport (for a set rate) can be arranged by contacting the hotel in advance -- the drive takes about two- to-three hours depending on traffic and guests have a choice between the scenic ocean route or the faster inland highway route. For a cheaper mode of transportation, the town is connected by train via by the Southern Rail Line from Colombo to Matara, which runs along the shore. For short excursions, the hotel is 20 minutes from the beach town of Bentota to the north, and 25 minutes to the historic fort town of Galle to the south. Tuk-tuk transportation for these shorter trips are a good option and will cost less money than a taxi.

Southern beaches in Sri Lanka have more palm trees, finer sand, and feel less polluted than the beach areas near Colombo, such as Negombo. For a bit of history, the region was badly affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami; specifically, a passenger train was hit by the biggest wave and several thousand people perished. Guests can visit the Tsunami memorial and a six-story Buddha statue (a gift from Japan) -- both close to the hotel. 

This five-story property has 150 rooms and suites spread out over long open-air hallways. Rooms can be accessed by spiral stairwells or guests can wait patiently for the busy elevators. Most rooms (140) are Superior with either two twin beds or one king bed. Decor consists of dingy gray tile floors, white walls, bright accents, and contemporary wooden furnishings. They have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, free bottled water, coffee/tea making facilities, and mini-bars stocked with snacks, Carlsberg beer, Red Bull, and liquor bottles. Dehumidifiers have been added to each room to help with moisture problems caused from the natural environment. Bathrooms have walk-in showers with rain showerheads, bright blue tiles, and Chaaya toiletries. Balconies all face the ocean and have wooden furnishings and cushioned day beds. Oddly, each balcony has a partial-latticed area that serves no point other than to let in neighboring noise from above and below. 

Deluxe Rooms (four) have king beds and include bathrobes and slippers. Family Suites (two) have a separate living/dining area and bedroom. Corner Suites -- one per floor -- have extra large balconies and views of the sea in two directions with jetted tubs for two people. Like the Family Suites, these have separate living and dining rooms with high-top dining tables and wet bar areas. All rooms have working desks and free Wi-Fi. 

The infinity freshwater pool has a separate kids' section and is surrounded by a large lawn and several lounge chairs. Guests can get to the beach from here, but are not allowed to bring their towels past the property (towels are signed for at the towel hut). Those who want to swim or walk along the ocean have to leave towels on the property. There are also vendors who roam the property line hoping to call over tourists to shop for souvenirs. The beach is a long stretch of sand and certain areas show signs of erosion. Some areas are better for swimming than others, but a shallow section allows guests to walk out and look for turtles. 

The fitness center is on the lower level (without natural light) and has a squash court and Ping Pong table. The spa is located on the top floor and has treatment rooms with private tubs, natural light and sea views. Weekend yoga classes are offered. 

Day-trips can be arranged from the front desk -- this is a busy area, and waits are common. Guests have free Wi-Fi and parking. 

Though the hotel is close to the town center for restaurants and bars, guests will find there are a number of dining options on-site. The main lounge area leading to the pool and beach is the hotel hub where guests can enjoy drinks from Tranzend, where music plays most evenings. Tranzfix is a Mediterranean tapas restaurant, and Crab is a seafood restaurant at the end of the property (more romantic) with an open kitchen. The main buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner is called Tranzfusion and offers both inside and outside seating. These also include live action stations for local specialties like Sri Lankan "hoppers". A beach and pool grill called Tranzfuse serves light meals and salads, as well as drinks from the bar. Tranzform is the evening has a wine cellar and cigar lounge. There are weekly wine tastings and this space can be used for private events. Past guests have reported inconsistent service at all of the dining outlets.