Saman Villas

Guests arrive to a charming but understated entrance with Asian statues and wooden pagoda structures. On the way to the stone stairs leading to the open-air lobby, they'll pass the spa area and an origami artist in residence, who creates art from palm leaves that will eventually adorn the rooms. There is enough natural rusticity to the setting to show that the resort is not new, but the mossy stone and mature trees only improve the ambience. After check-in, guests are taken to their rooms on either the north or south side of the property, where they receive a welcome packet and hand-written note from the manager, as well as a tour. They can then pop their free sparkling wine and enjoy fresh fruit on the terrace. This breezy cliffside setting is magical, with waves crashing in the distance, and the occasional view of a lone fisherman on the rocks. Daytime is spend checking out the beaches on either side of the property (there is 24-hour security) or sticking to the compact but beautiful grounds, accented by an infinity pool that offers magnificent views. Between the small number of rooms and the fact that there are enough spots around the property to spread out, the resort retains a peaceful and relaxed vibe. Most tend to order a big breakfast in the morning, snack by the pool for lunch, and then enjoy cocktails over stunning sunsets before heading to dinner (the restaurant staff made us feel like royalty). The property can feel quite dark after the sun goes down, when candles, the glow of the infinity pool, the stars, and moon provide romantic lighting. It's no surprise that most guests here are couples. 

Saman Villas is a small resort sitting on top of a rare rocky section of Sri Lanka's coast just south of Bentota. With no direct hotel neighbors, the beaches, though public, remain free of crowds. There may be an occasional fisherman, vendor, or beachcomber, but most mornings and evenings, the beaches are free and clear. Bentota is a coastal area in southwestern Sri Lanka two hours south of Colombo and just over an hour north of Galle. The village does not contain much appeal for tourists (aside from an opportunity to pick up sundries), and most tend to stick to the resort, save for the occasional excursion. The region offers temples, a turtle hatchery, and the Brief Garden designed by Bevis Bawa, the older brother of famous Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Surfing beaches are popular in the area and the best break can be found a bit farther south.Guests typically choose to arrive by taxi service, which takes about two hours from the Bandaranaike International Airport. The hotel can also arrange private transportation, and parking is also available for those who rent a car. More adventurous types can save money by catching a train from Colombo to the Indurawa train station.

The 27 rooms are divided into two sections on either side of the restaurant and infinity pool. Those on the north side may hear slight noise from a nearby nightclub in the distance, and both sides will likely hear occasional trains, dogs barking, and crows crowing -- all common in southwestern Sri Lanka. All rooms have elegant wood furnishings, Asian art (typically painted swinging or sliding wood panels), and attractive rustic touches such as vaulted wood ceilings and white-painted brick walls. They also come with king-size beds, incense burners, work desks, flat-screen TVs, CD/DVD players (a spa CD is available to use), free drinking water in eco-friendly glass bottles, and minibars with soda, wine, beer, liquor and snacks (fees apply). Guests can call for coffee, tea, or meal service at any time and guests arrive to a free bottle of welcome sparkling wine and fruit plate. Spacious closets have silky bathrobes and vanity tables, and outdoor bathrooms have separate jetted tubs and roofless rain showerheads that seem to extend from the sky. Superior Suites, the standard room category, are located on the second level. Beautiful furnished patios come with daybeds, dining tables and chairs, and unique lounge chairs that can be extended with leg holders. Bigger Deluxe Suites are on the ground floor, and the Deluxe Suites with Swimming Pool have private pools overlooking the ocean -- though some of these pools may be more private than others. The Grand Deluxe Suites with Swimming Pool have a small garden area and the Saman Villa Suite with Swimming Pool (the largest unit) takes up two floors. The upper floor contains a bedroom and bathroom, and the lower floor is living room and larger bathroom that opens up to the private pool (though there's no ocean view from the pool area). All units have sea views.

Hands-down the best feature of the resort is the infinity pool, located next to the main restaurant and bar. The ocean view is even made more beautiful thanks to the higher cliffside setting of the resort. It's peaceful at all times, and there are just a few sun loungers and umbrellas, tables and chairs, and a covered pavilion for extra shade. Grassy lawn areas next to the pool have sun loungers and covered daybeds scattered about for guest use, so there is never a need to reserve a spot early.Two separate walking trails on either side of the resort lead to two wide golden-sand beaches, which are both public. Security is 24-hour to keep non-guests from entering the property, and it is rare to see another soul around, except for occasional fisherman and beachcomber. The water is not protected by lifeguards, and the current and waves may be too dangerous for weak swimmers. Most guests tend to stick to the pool for taking dips.Near the front desk is a fitness center with a treadmill, rowing machine, elliptical machine, and standing bike facing a mirrored wall, as well as weight machines and free weights; there are no TVs. A library room is located upstairs from the restaurant with books, tables, and chairs. A bar and event space is attached, offering spectacular views for wedding and private parties. The main bar, serving a quality list of wines and specialty cocktails, is next to the restaurant with big, bright windows that open up to the infinity pool steps below. There are chic lounge areas here and it is a pretty spot to have a drink, or guests can take their glasses to various spots around the property. Cocktails, beer, and wine service are also available via room service. Wi-Fi is free throughout. 

There hotel has one restaurant, housed in a chic and slightly exotic-looking dining pavilion located in the center of the property. It offers stunning views of the ocean and pool as well as outdoor dining. Breakfast and lunch are served on the terrace, and at dinner, the restaurant has a romantic candle-lit ambience (and little other lighting). Dietary restrictions are met with ease and restaurant staff provide great service. Guests will never find a buffet here -- all meals are a la carte with both local and international cuisine that changes daily. Dinner usually consists of an option to order a set three- or four-course menu, which can be paired with wines. For a change of pace, the hotel offers private dining options which are worth the splurge. Staff go out of their way to create serious romance, usually in a few different secluded spots set along the cliff. Special menus can be arranged in-person with the chef for a personalized experience. In-room dining is also available for all three meals.  

The Sahana Spa -- a major highlight, especially for a resort of this size -- is located in a beautiful garden setting near the entrance and has two treatment rooms. The decor is contemporary and slightly rustic with sleek wooden massage tables and distressed turquoise accents. The spa is run by highly trained therapists and offers a wide range of treatments, including romantic sensual massages, body cocoons using flowers, chocolate, and spices, detox treatments, and coconut skin facials. Traditional deep tissue massages are also available, as well as Ayurvedic treatments like Indian head massages, body scrubs, and polishes, hot stone massages, and reflexology. The best part: Spa menu prices are reasonable!