Dying for a break to frolick in the sun, sand and sea? Cast your sights further for your next beach holiday—not Phuket and Bali again!—and hit up Sri Lanka, which is, in fact, quite the nirvana for beach bums with its surf-able waves, beautiful resorts and plenty of sunshine. 

Besides the much-raved Arugam Bay, Mirissa and Unawatuna beaches, we're also rather taken by Passikudah Bay, a gorgeous stretch of coastline that's renowned for its clear, shallow waters. The outer bay also boasts an extensive coral reef, so it's a perfect spot for diving. Moreover, it isn't a wildly popular beach destination yet, you'll get to beat the tourist crowds here—and that's really a major plus. 

Good news if you're tempted: Centara Passikudah Resort & Spa, which has Passikudah Bay right at its doorstep, is currently offering a "Fly and Discover Passikudah" package and it includes return domestic flights between Colombo Airport and Batticaloa airport, return road transfers from Batticaloa Airport to the resort, daily breakfast and dinner for two, as well as a free room upgrade. It's priced from USD999 (S$1251) upwards for two persons, and is valid through October 31.