Jetwing Beach

One of several Jetwing properties in Negombo, Jetwing Beach continues the brand's eco-friendly practices and sophisticated design. Decor throughout follows a mostly neutral- and earth-tone color scheme utilizing lots of wood with gold and orange accents. The spacious, airy lobby has two identical seating arrangements featuring brown couches and ottomans, low-to-the-ground coffee tables, and wooden slat partitions. Large pieces of contemporary artwork in shades of yellow, orange, and red also hang on the walls. The rest of the hotel is similarly modern and attractive, particularly the two pool areas surrounded by loungers, and the sandy space overlooking the water. Widespread ocean views and a peaceful atmosphere lend themselves to couples, but families are still common. Persistent beach vendors, stray dogs, and cawing crows do detract from the relaxing vibe a bit, though this is a problem throughout Sri Lanka. 

Jetwing Beach has a prime location along Negombo Beach, near ample restaurants, bars, and shops. It sits along a main road and a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is just a three-minute walk away. Many travelers choose to stay in Negombo either the night of their arrival or before departure from Sri Lanka, as it's the closest city to the Bandaranaike International Airport. This hotel is about a 25-minute drive from the airport. Tuk-tuks -- a cheap way to get around -- can be hailed just outside the property. 

The 78 contemporary, spacious rooms consist of 75 Deluxe Rooms and three Junior Suites. Design is the same throughout, consisting of gold stone tiling, dark-wood furniture, white walls, and neutral-tone linens. Beds are comfy, topped with white linens and gold bed runners, and pieces of modern artwork hang above them. The standout feature is undoubtedly the large bathrooms with glass dividers so guests can peek out into the rooms -- shades are available for privacy. They all come with decent-sized tubs, separate walk-in showers, glass bottles of toiletries, wall-mounted hairdryers, and small pots of bath salts. All rooms have furnished balconies or patios, though the ground-floor terraces aren't very private and overlook the main pool. Amenities are extensive, including flat-screen TVs with DVD players, iPod docks, French press coffeemakers and kettles, coffee and tea, and minibars. A welcome plate of fruit is also provided. Closets have safes, ironing facilities, umbrellas, bathrobes, and sandals. Wi-Fi is free, but the signal is spotty at best. Suites add cozy sitting areas and patios with loungers. Some rooms are showing minor wear and tear. 

Outdoor features are excellent at Jetwing Beach. As its name implies, the hotel is on a wide stretch of public beachfront, though local vendors can be a bit of nuisance. Also note that the water is often too rough for swimming -- safety levels are indicated by the color of a flag in the sand. Plentiful wooden loungers with cushions are set up a bit back from the water. Two pools overlook the ocean, one which is shallow and best for little ones, and another infinity-edge pool that's suitable for laps. An on-site spa offers a variety of treatments, including a room for couples' massages. Guests can also use the well-equipped gym at the sister property Jetwing Blue next door. There are three on-site restaurants and all rates include a hot and cold buffet breakfast served in the main Sands restaurant. The open-air restaurant serves buffet-style and a la carte meals for lunch and dinner as well, and has views of the beach. Black Coral is the fine-dining eatery on the second floor, with tables indoors and outside on a terrace with partitions for privacy. The Deck serves fare such as salads, smoothies, and sandwiches on a terrace throughout the day, and has the best ocean vistas of the dining options.Wi-Fi is free throughout but it's spotty.