Welcome to Rocco’s Hotel & Bar 2006

Rocco’s building started in January 2004 with the completion of the project in early December 2004.

The main buildings consist of a remodelling of a guesthouse that has operated on this location for 20 years or so throughout the “Conflict” period; it is currently operated by a mixture of Local, Kiwi and Brit partners, who are here because of the natural beauty, surfing and local community.

The Idea of “Rocco’s” was to offer a comfortable respite from the rigours of travelling to and around the undeveloped “East Coast” or a hard days surfing, (One of the partners is a keen surfer, but not the Brit!) or just a good place to do nothing but sit listen to the ocean and good music with a cold drink and great food.

You will be aware that the Tsunami of 26th December 2004 caused immense hardship and destruction around the coast of Sri Lanka, nowhere more so than the East Coast, which took the full brunt of the Tsunami.

Recovery has been slow when compared to areas on the South and West coast. Many reasons exist for this; many political, many due to just the extent of the destruction caused.

Issues of power consistency, road maintenance, and unrest still exist but have been some of the attractions of Arugam Bay as well as the frustrations over the years.

After the Tsunami, we returned to Arugam Bay in January 2005 to see the damage, assist in helping the local community, and ourselves rebuild.

Having now rebuilt we can concentrate on offering our part in your “ABay” Experience.

We hope to see you soon.