In my family vacations were never about slowing down. Our holidays were packed with itineraries so tight, they left little room for winding down Even when we visited the Andaman and Nicobar Islands — arguably one of the most idyllic destinations in the country — our days were filled with museum tours, historical landmarks, water sports and structured excursions, leaving only a couple of precious hours in the evening to breathe in the salty air and truly relax. It was a very upper middle class outlook, "we haven't spent so much and come this far to do nothing." And yeah, it made sense but looking back, it also became the defining tradition that would inform my current vacationing ideologies. Today, I'm against returning home more exhausted than when I left.
Which, I know is true for many like me. Our lives are already so high strung. We crave downtime, moments of stillness, and places that allow us to slow down. One of those places on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is called 'The Kip', which means a little nap. And that should tell you everything you need to know.
What happened was, Phoebe and Seddy, two free-spirited Sagittarians, set out on a journey to Sri Lanka searching for meaning, connection, and a life they truly loved. After nearly giving up on their dream (and almost a hundred viewings later), they stumbled upon a charming old colonial villa tucked away in the Sri Lankan jungle. It became their home, their sanctuary, and the space they now share with travelers looking for the same clarity and inspiration that first brought them there. Oh, and along the way, canine locals Rubie and Delilah joined the adventure too.
Built within a lovingly restored colonial villa, in Ahangama, the space is a quiet rebellion against the fast-paced, consumer-driven world. The moment you step in, you're greeted by a breezy open-air courtyard, surrounded by lush greenery — banana, coconut, and avocado trees swaying gently in the warm coastal air. It’s a place that invites you to pause, to listen to the rustling leaves, to feel the earth beneath your feet.
The Kip is rooted in warm minimalism with a great mix of natural materials, muted tones, and vintage finds. The entire space reflects an effortless, lived-in beauty upheld by handmade ceramics, soft linen drapes, and wooden furniture that tell a story of sustainability and craftsmanship. It is not a resort engineered for overindulgence but a home designed for presence.
Ahangama, the town The Kip calls home, is a rare pocket of authenticity that has managed to escape the grasp of mass tourism. Unlike the overly commercialized beach towns nearby, Ahangama retains its quiet charm, where fishermen still practice the ancient art of stilt fishing, and locals take pride in preserving their way of life. Staying at The Kip means immersing yourself in this slow-moving rhythm—long walks through the village, afternoons spent watching the waves, and evenings filled with conversations.
The Kip Café follows a slow food philosophy as well, emphasizing fresh, organic, and locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes with the seasons, ensuring that every meal is deeply connected to its environment. Be it a colourful smoothie bowl or a plate of warm, nourishing lentils, everything at the cafe is crafted with love and an awareness of sustainability. It is an extension of the retreat’s ethos — a cozy, plant-filled space where travelers and locals gather over long, unhurried meals. It’s a place where strangers become friends, stories are exchanged, and time slows down, if only for a little while.
The retreat frequently hosts workshops and events that encourage guests to tap into their artistic side. From life drawing sessions and hand-building pottery classes to intimate supper clubs, the days and evenings of activities are curated to inspire a deeper connection with oneself and the surrounding community. Which is also why they feature 'local village characters' and guests on their website, creating a sense of belonging that extends beyond the retreat’s walls. Part of their identity is a celebration of the people who make Ahangama special like the tuk tuk driver or the fruit vendor who make up the Island life.
The core values of slow living presence and connection flow through all the aspects of The Kip, whether it's the space, the food, the activities or the playlist you can find on their website. Even the way the present themselves on Instagram reflects a very refined and intentional message of less being more. Maintaining a strong brand identity like so is quite rare. But perhaps the Kip manages to do so because they are not really trying to be a business; they're just offering a little peace and quiet that one can only find in a quant little corner of a tropical Paradise.
Follow The Kip here.
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