This 100-room, upscale resort, renovated in 2012, was one of the first properties to set up shop on this stretch of the coast, which is known for its consistent waves. As its name suggests, it attracts surfer types (some from as far away as Lebanon!), as well as couples and families who enjoy a younger vibe. Room decor is modern and understated, and all rooms have comfortable balconies or patios facing the ocean. A buffet restaurant serves quality cuisine, and there are more food and drink options to break up the monotony (shisha pipes and karaoke anyone?). A Balinese team operates six spa treatment rooms, and there’s a free fitness center with views. Wi-Fi and parking are also free. Rates are fair for this caliber, but it's also worth considering the Eden Resort & Spa.
This 100-room, upscale resort, renovated in 2012, was one of the first properties to set up shop on this stretch of the coast, which is known for its consistent waves. As its name suggests, it attracts surfer types (some from as far away as Lebanon!), as well as couples and families who enjoy a younger vibe. Room decor is modern and understated, and all rooms have comfortable balconies or patios facing the ocean. A buffet restaurant serves quality cuisine, and there are more food and drink options to break up the monotony (shisha pipes and karaoke anyone?). A Balinese team operates six spa treatment rooms, and there’s a free fitness center with views. Wi-Fi and parking are also free. Rates are fair for this caliber, but it's also worth considering the Eden Resort & Spa.
The upper-middle-range Paradise Road The Villa Bentota is a 19th-century mansion turned boutique hotel. It's set amid extensive grounds a short stroll from the beach, but guests will have to pass an (occasionally noisy) train track to get to the waterfront. Most guests find it part of the property's charm, in addition to the Dutch colonial antiques and plethora of modern artwork that's on display throughout. The 15 individually decorated rooms and suites have a black-and-white color scheme, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. The restaurant serves well-reviewed local and international cuisine, and there are two swimming pools. There are no gym or full spa, but a massage treatment room is available. Travelers looking to be along the beach should consider the similarly priced 160-room Vivanta by Taj, though it doesn't have the same intimate feel.
The upper-middle-range Paradise Road The Villa Bentota is a 19th-century mansion turned boutique hotel. It's set amid extensive grounds a short stroll from the beach, but guests will have to pass an (occasionally noisy) train track to get to the waterfront. Most guests find it part of the property's charm, in addition to the Dutch colonial antiques and plethora of modern artwork that's on display throughout. The 15 individually decorated rooms and suites have a black-and-white color scheme, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. The restaurant serves well-reviewed local and international cuisine, and there are two swimming pools. There are no gym or full spa, but a massage treatment room is available. Travelers looking to be along the beach should consider the similarly priced 160-room Vivanta by Taj, though it doesn't have the same intimate feel.
If you are looking to spend quiet time in Sri Lanka, Dalmanuta Gardens - Ayurvedic Resort & Restaurant is a nice spot to recharge your batteries. In addition to riverboat rides, splashing in the small pool area, spotting fireflies in the herb garden, or reflecting within the verdant silent garden, guests staying in any of this boutique's nine simple but private bungalows can also partake in a number of Ayurvedic wellness programs from yoga to treatments to strict personalized programs -- but be warned, the facilities are a bit rustic. Because of the remote location, it's best for people who aren't planning on leaving the property often.
If you are looking to spend quiet time in Sri Lanka, Dalmanuta Gardens - Ayurvedic Resort & Restaurant is a nice spot to recharge your batteries. In addition to riverboat rides, splashing in the small pool area, spotting fireflies in the herb garden, or reflecting within the verdant silent garden, guests staying in any of this boutique's nine simple but private bungalows can also partake in a number of Ayurvedic wellness programs from yoga to treatments to strict personalized programs -- but be warned, the facilities are a bit rustic. Because of the remote location, it's best for people who aren't planning on leaving the property often.
Sea Rock Villa is a contemporary boutique just outside Bentota. Its five rooms are clean, spacious, and simple with minibars, small flat-screen TVs, free coffee and tea facilities, and balconies that overlook the wild ocean waves. While the property is small, there's still enough room for a restaurant with two dining areas, a pool, private beach area, large lawn with badminton/volleyball court, and small library. A passenger van and tuk-tuks are available for transport, making it a convenient spot for those wanting a truly quiet and somewhat recluse beach vacation with when-you-want-it access to the outside world.
Sea Rock Villa is a contemporary boutique just outside Bentota. Its five rooms are clean, spacious, and simple with minibars, small flat-screen TVs, free coffee and tea facilities, and balconies that overlook the wild ocean waves. While the property is small, there's still enough room for a restaurant with two dining areas, a pool, private beach area, large lawn with badminton/volleyball court, and small library. A passenger van and tuk-tuks are available for transport, making it a convenient spot for those wanting a truly quiet and somewhat recluse beach vacation with when-you-want-it access to the outside world.
Saman Villas is arguably the most romantic and luxurious resort in southwestern Sri Lanka. The 27 rooms, set on a grassy cliff separated by two beaches, have elegant furnishings, big outdoor bathrooms, and sea views; many come with private pools. The main infinity pool is not to be missed, though, and only gets prettier with nightly sunsets. Private dining can be arranged on secluded spots around the grounds, and the open-air restaurant serves high-quality cuisine with changing menus. Despite somewhat high prices for food and drink, treatments at the spa seem reasonable by comparison. The property also has a fitness center, library, and free Wi-Fi.
Saman Villas is arguably the most romantic and luxurious resort in southwestern Sri Lanka. The 27 rooms, set on a grassy cliff separated by two beaches, have elegant furnishings, big outdoor bathrooms, and sea views; many come with private pools. The main infinity pool is not to be missed, though, and only gets prettier with nightly sunsets. Private dining can be arranged on secluded spots around the grounds, and the open-air restaurant serves high-quality cuisine with changing menus. Despite somewhat high prices for food and drink, treatments at the spa seem reasonable by comparison. The property also has a fitness center, library, and free Wi-Fi.
Set directly on the beach, this upscale resort is nestled between Bentota River and the Indian Ocean. A range of facilities -- huge swimming pool, water sports, kids' club, and spa -- and room categories make the resort suitable for both couples and families. Four restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, including buffets with live-cooking stations, plus there's a swim-up bar. All 165 rooms are modern and attractive, outfitted with minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, flat-screen TVs, and furnished outdoor spaces -- some with ocean views. Note that past guests have complained of early-morning lounger reserving, musty smells in rooms, and noise from the bar. Travelers looking for a smaller hotel in the same area can check out AVANI Bentota Resort & Spa, which is pricier, but offers a more relaxed experience.
Set directly on the beach, this upscale resort is nestled between Bentota River and the Indian Ocean. A range of facilities -- huge swimming pool, water sports, kids' club, and spa -- and room categories make the resort suitable for both couples and families. Four restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, including buffets with live-cooking stations, plus there's a swim-up bar. All 165 rooms are modern and attractive, outfitted with minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, flat-screen TVs, and furnished outdoor spaces -- some with ocean views. Note that past guests have complained of early-morning lounger reserving, musty smells in rooms, and noise from the bar. Travelers looking for a smaller hotel in the same area can check out AVANI Bentota Resort & Spa, which is pricier, but offers a more relaxed experience.
This spacious 160-room hotel in southwest Sri Lanka (near historic Galle) has a rare cliffside location with dramatic views of the Indian Ocean from several vantage points. Vivanta is Taj’s upscale (versus luxury) brand, and modern rooms all have private balconies. Four dining options serve quality cuisine (a Taj trait) and a trendy bar has sunset views and upbeat music. Daytime activities are pretty restricted to the outdoor pool, spa, fitness center, and huge beach, but water sports and excursions can be arranged through guest services. For a more intimate stay and guaranteed ocean views from rooms, consider the slightly more luxurious (and expensive) Saman Villas.
This spacious 160-room hotel in southwest Sri Lanka (near historic Galle) has a rare cliffside location with dramatic views of the Indian Ocean from several vantage points. Vivanta is Taj’s upscale (versus luxury) brand, and modern rooms all have private balconies. Four dining options serve quality cuisine (a Taj trait) and a trendy bar has sunset views and upbeat music. Daytime activities are pretty restricted to the outdoor pool, spa, fitness center, and huge beach, but water sports and excursions can be arranged through guest services. For a more intimate stay and guaranteed ocean views from rooms, consider the slightly more luxurious (and expensive) Saman Villas.
This 75-room, upscale beach resort on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka has competitive prices and attractive tropical modern style. All rooms have contemporary furnishings, free Wi-Fi, and work desks; bathrooms come with glass walk-in showers. The vibe is quiet and relaxed (perhaps too relaxed for some), and there are two a la carte restaurants and two bars. The expansive beach remains free of crowds, but most tend to plant themselves at one of two outdoor pools divided by a large lawn space. Saman Villas and Vivanta by Taj are nicer but also pricier, while those looking to save may want to consider the typically cheaper Surf Hotel.
This 75-room, upscale beach resort on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka has competitive prices and attractive tropical modern style. All rooms have contemporary furnishings, free Wi-Fi, and work desks; bathrooms come with glass walk-in showers. The vibe is quiet and relaxed (perhaps too relaxed for some), and there are two a la carte restaurants and two bars. The expansive beach remains free of crowds, but most tend to plant themselves at one of two outdoor pools divided by a large lawn space. Saman Villas and Vivanta by Taj are nicer but also pricier, while those looking to save may want to consider the typically cheaper Surf Hotel.