Mirissa

Mirissa is the crown of Sri Lanka's south coast — a golden crescent of sand backed by coconut palms, with some of the best blue whale watching on the planet just offshore. Boats leave the harbour at dawn between November and April, when sightings of the largest animal that has ever lived are near-daily.

Climb tiny Coconut Tree Hill for the island's most Instagrammed viewpoint, learn to surf on the gentle beach break, and end every day with seafood at candlelit tables in the sand.