Jaffna & the North - Sri Lanka - page 637

The southern tip of the island is home to a naval zone, from where the Kayts ferry
(free, 10 minutes, half-hourly except 12.30pm to 2pm, last at 5.30pm) departs.
A kilometre west of the jetty, inside the naval base itself (present a copy of your pass-
port for access), is part of the spectacular new resort Fort Hammenhiel ( MAP
GOOGLE MAP ;meals Rs 400-800) . Right on the shoreline, with amazing sunset views, the
large modern restaurant here offers excellent meals, including lots of seafood, and has a
full bar. There's a pretty white-sand beach with shallow water (and a muddy sea bottom)
that diners are welcome to use.
Offshore, the tiny islet in the bay is home to the pocket-sized Fort Hammenhiel ( 381
8216; http://forthammenhielresort.lk ;r US$110; ) , a 17th-century Dutch structure that's
now been sensitively converted into a luxury hotel. Owned and operated by the Navy, it's
only open to paying guests, with access by boat. There are only four rooms, and meals can
be ordered from the restaurant over the water. Spending a night here is undoubtedly one of
Sri Lanka's unique experiences.