The breakfast buffet was crawling with ants (not just one or two but hundreds - I steered Annelise away from the worst bit!), so in reality our choice of food was a bit limited to toast and jam. We lounged by the pool a bit. A less than thoughtful pool designer had lined the pool with black tiles which absorbed the heat. By 11 the water was so warm you could stew in it.

We were both feeling restless, probably because this wasn't the kind of beachside living experience we were looking for, and after Lombok it was a bit of a let down. Back in the jeep when the sun was too hot we went for a drive and a tour of the alternative accommodation. It was either too expensive, no aircon or in a big tourist complex.

We had lunch in a backpacker bungalow resort called Sanctuary - nice concept and owned for 15 years by an English woman. A-lo said "so you're living the dream?" to which she replied with a grunt. Soon after we managed to crack her and she warmed up a bit and had a laugh with us about our flashpacking requirements.We politely told her that her digs weren't our kind of thing and then gave some recommendations. I ate a top dall with roti and raita and we set off on the quest.

Eventually we decided to stay at Sri Lanta and brave the beasties. Went straight to the pool for sundowners. Highlight of the day was watching the sun set over the Andaman sea in front of us and immense bolts of lightning behind.

Over dinner we decided to check out and did a runner having settled up. Checked into a Butlins style resort at 1030pm in the package tour beach near the port.. Clean, friendly and good aircon…..phew!!