By Sanath Weerasuriya

Situated 34 kilometres north of Batticaloa, Passikudah was first discovered by travellers in the early 1970s as a pristine stretch of the Eastern coastline. The nearest town, Valaichchenai, serves as the main access point and the closest railway station to this sun-drenched bay.
‘Sun Siyam Passikudah’ is among the latest world-class resorts to grace the pristine Passikudah Bay, a coastline celebrated for its shallow turquoise waters and idyllic setting for swimming and water sports. The bay’s outer edge features a thriving coral reef system, while scattered coral communities within the bay make it one of the most fascinating marine environments in the Indian Ocean.

Originally opened in 2014 as ‘Sun Aqua Passikudah’, the resort re-emerged in November 2023 as ‘Sun Siyam Passikudah’ following a major renovation and rebranding under the Maldivian-owned ‘Sun Siyam Resorts’ boutique collection.
The reopening of ‘Sun Siyam Passikudah’ makes the most of its sun-drenched coastal setting, offering boutique-style five-star suites, gourmet dining experiences, and what is reputed to be Sri Lanka’s largest cellar of fine wines from both the old and new worlds.

‘The property now offers guests a breathtaking experience that blends affordable luxury with the cultural richness of Sri Lanka, not forgetting the finest dining experience on the East Coast’ said Arshed Refai, General Manager of Sun Siyam Passikudah.

He emphasised the resort’s strong commitment to supporting and empowering local communities, particularly in the fields of woodwork and design carpentry. Arshed highlighted the extensive use of locally sourced and handcrafted products, created in collaboration with regional artisans to produce bespoke furniture, chandeliers, and joinery pieces that reflect Sri Lankan craftsmanship.

‘Despite significant changes, everything about the resort has been transformed, from colour concepts and equipment to fittings and offerings, while preserving the property’s original structure’ he added.

Boasting 34 elegant suites, including two Grand Beach Pavilions with interconnecting facilities ideal for families and 25-foot private pools, four Ocean Pavilions, twenty Garden Pavilions and eight Garden Pavilions each with their own plunge pool, the resort holds the distinction of being the first hotel project in Passikudah to be developed with overseas investment.
‘Sun Siyam Passikudah’ has established itself as a true centre for culinary excellence. From authentic Sri Lankan flavours to global gourmet creations, the resort caters to every palate and culinary preference.

Its four signature dining venues, ‘The Kitchen’, ‘The Slice and Grill’, ‘The Cellar’ and ‘Destination Dining’ on the beach, each offers distinctive gastronomic experiences. Complementing these are three inviting bar spaces, ‘The Bar’, ‘The Beach Shack’ and ‘The Tea House’, perfect for relaxed gatherings or sunset cocktails by the sea.

‘Our product stands apart from the rest in the region. I am confident that Sun Siyam, with its exceptional service and outstanding cuisine, can help position Passikudah as one of the finest destinations in the country’ expressed GM Arshed Refai.

The property’s main restaurant, ‘The Kitchen’, offers a delectable selection of local and international dishes in a stylish yet relaxed setting. Barbecue facilities can be arranged on request, and guests may also opt for in-room dining for added convenience.

‘We specialise in seafood, and most of our guests are eager to savour the freshness of the East Coast’s bounty’ said Indika Menuwara Arachchi, Executive Chef of the resort. ‘The Kitchen serves a full spectrum of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine alongside a curated range of international favourites. Guests can enjoy a semi à la carte dining experience, with appetisers and desserts available at the buffet and main courses served à la carte. Themed nights, featuring Sri Lankan East Coast specialities, seafood delights, Italian and Chinese cuisine, add variety and flavour to the dining journey’.

Meanwhile Sun Siyam Passikudah has won the coveted Best Global Hotel Design award at the ‘Homes & Gardens Design Awards 2025’. The accolade recognises Studio Sixty7, led by founders Lee McNichol and Jose Rivero, for a transformative redesign that blended artisanal craftsmanship, cultural authenticity and sustainability to set a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in Sri Lanka. Within the Best Global Hotel Design category, the judges recognised the transformation of Sun Siyam Passikudah for its blend of refined hospitality, artisanal craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility. To reduce waste, much of the original furniture was refurbished and reupholstered, while all new materials were sourced locally and installed by Sri Lankan craftspeople. The team commissioned hand-woven textiles, bespoke lighting, and custom joinery, using natural materials such as bamboo, linen, terracotta, and reclaimed wood to create a tactile, grounded experience. The innovation lay in Studio Sixty7’s ability to redefine luxury with locality. Instead of importing generic finishes, the studio partnered with Sri Lankan artisans to create site-specific elements including hand-woven ceilings, linen-draped interiors, ochre-hued plaster finishes, and custom lighting. This approach elevated vernacular design into a contemporary hospitality context, proving that innovation is not always about technology but about intentionality and integrity.

 

For more details,
log onto www.sunsiyam.com

Pix by Shan Bandu Weerasinghe

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