Afdhel Aziz is a Sri Lankan-born best-selling author, speaker, marketing thought leader & the co-founder of global purpose-led consultancy Conspiracy of Love.

Sri Lanka

"If you fly into Colombo, the capital city, you can get down to the South Coast in about two hours. It has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, but culturally it’s very special too. Further down the coast, in areas like Ahangama, Hiriketiya and Dickwella, a really cool food scene is happening now."

Dikwella

"Smoke & Bitters — it's on Asia's 50 Best Bars, and it's one of my favourites. It's a bar on the beach, placed in the middle of nowhere, serving the most amazing cocktails. The people who run it make delicious food and a great experience."

Smoke & Bitters

"Hiri, Hiriketiya, is now becoming a big surf town as well. I call it Tulum before Tulum became Tulum — before it became so crowded. Hiri is a new discovery for me, and I'm excited about going back."

Hiriketiya Beach

"I love Sri Lanka’s South Coast — that's my happy place. My father grew up and lived in Galle and Matara. And ever since I was a teenager, I've been going back there, swimming in the ocean and going to incredible restaurants."

Galle

"The northeast part of Sri Lanka, such as Batticaloa, has pristine beaches. They're not crowded, and now great hotels are cropping up in that region so people can stay there and explore it."

Batticaloa