Without doubt, a small slice of Paradise set high above the crashing sand and surf. The smiling staff know how to go that extra mile to make guests feel at home and special in their "elegant boutique resort". The individual "cottages" are spread around the sloping gardens, many with views of the beaches either side. Equipped to a high standard they have been lovingly created and have everything a traveller is looking for – peace, tranquility and pampering in the luxury spa, swimming in the pool, walks along the beach, excellent food and lots of steps to keep you fit (alas no good for wheelchairs). If you want a livelier change of scene take a 20-min auto-rickshaw to Lighthouse Beach – with many more travellers and locals, a "safer" swimming beach (lifeguards in attendance) and plenty of shops, hotels, apartments, restaurants and hawkers – and of course, a lighthouse! Speedboats will take you for a 30-min spin around the bays and when you've had enough you can retreat to Surya where you can relax by the bar, sip a mint-lime cooler and watch the sun go down. The fishermen's boats heading out to sea provide all the entertainment you need until their lights are twinkling under the stars. Be warned: there are plans afoot to put paid to Paradise. If the proposed huge harbour is built, you may only have a few years left to visit Surya so book now.
