Sea Rock Villa

Sea Rock Villa's small size and personalized touches leave it somewhere between an ultra-boutique and friendly guesthouse. The slightly out of town location gives it a private, remote feeling  -- however, because of the small size of the property and limited number of rooms, this relaxing vibe is highly dependent on other guests, and whether or not they have kids in tow. Sea Rock Villa has a bright, contemporary, and cheerful disposition. Everyday, the staff bring in 25 big and beautiful water lily blooms to decorate the premises and accent the dark varnished wood furniture. Guests can also expect to receive welcome drinks on arrival and a welcome-decorated bed in their room. 

Sea Rock Villa has a beachside location just a 10-minute drive south of Bentota proper, or a seven-minute walk from the Induruwa Railway Station. The area is quiet, without much in the immediate surroundings, so it's not ideal for those looking for a spot within walking distance of other beaches, restaurants, hotels, or attractions. However, these things are easily accessible with your own transportation or for a fee with the hotel's transport services. Galle, Hikkaduwa, and Unawatuna are all within an hour's drive south, while the capital city of Colombo is about an hour and 30 minutes north. Bandaranaike International Airport is between 90 minutes and two hours north. 

All five rooms at Sea Rock Villa are spacious and clean with simple colonial furniture and tile floors. Thanks to the large sliding glass windows along the sea-facing walls, rooms have plenty of natural light (and thick fabric curtains for late sleepers). Upper-floor rooms have roomy balconies with tile flooring and sets of cane-backed chairs, small round tables, fresh plants, and views over the backyard grounds out to the beach. Lower-level rooms have personal patio spaces with a similar set up and garden views. In-room features include free tea and coffee facilities, somewhat stocked minibars, smallish wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, standalone closets, vanity desks, fresh flowers, decorated beds upon arrival, and plug-in mosquito repellent. 

Aside from its quiet and private vibe, the resort's private "beach" area is a huge plus. Slightly raised and fenced in, this area -- filled with about a dozen loungers, umbrellas, and palm-stretched hammocks -- is immune to the erosive waves famous for eating away at Sri Lanka's shoreline. While it may not be directly on the beach, during high tide, you'll be as close to the waves as you can get, and during lower tides, guests can use the direct access path to the beach to dip their toes in the ocean. During monsoon season the red do-not-swim flag flaps in the wind, but with calmer waters the resort has boogey boards available for use. 

With just five rooms, Sea Rock Villa's boutique status might lead some to believe they could be missing out on popular features, but this is (largely) not the case. The small property -- both in room number and overall size -- manages to cover the basic wants, from a pool to laundry service. For a hotel this size, Sea Rock's pool, dug out of a raised grassy area in the garden, is a nice size as well. You'll be lucky to find more than a resident rubber ducking playing lifeguard, so those with young children beware as it is deeper than it looks. Sea Rock's large backyard garden area is home to stone walking paths, a volleyball/badminton court, and a few hammocks stretched between palms. There's also a rustic beach hut dining area serviced by the main lobby restaurant. The menu has a selection of international and western dishes from salads and pastas, to curries and fresh seafood. There's a small lending library off reception and a tuk-tuk or van transport service is available for anyone wanting wheels to explore nearby or in Bentota proper. The property lacks a gym and spa.