Roman Beach is the absolute boutique gem of Hikkaduwa - close enough to the buzz of town if that is what you want, yet blissfully quiet and set well off the main road so that the only sound is the sea. The public areas of the property are intimate, well designed and immaculately clean with a private courtyard and gorgeous pool between the restaurant foyer and the long stretch of golden sand beach. The arrival process and welcoming to the property felt like arriving home, was warm personal and set the tone for a perfect 8-day stay. The staff at Roman Beach go the extra mile and are genuine in their warmth, attentiveness and efforts to make the stay perfect - thoughtful little things too numerous to mention - and the food on offer is the best we have eaten in Sri Lanka. We enjoyed daily conversations with the executive chef during which meals were discussed and the time we wanted to eat was agreed - between us we enjoyed a combination of simply prepared grilled fish & vegetables and no-holds barred Sri Lankan specialties prepared with the freshest of seasonal local ingredients. The crab curry was a particular highlight and all of the food was exceptional. We were entreated to a room upgrade (the first floor room was perfect and all 6 have views over the pool to the sea) and it was a real treat: perfectly appointed, immaculately clean and with a lovely comfortable bed, linens and generous supply of quality toiletries. Most memorable were the amazing staff!