Thaproban Pavilion Resort and Spa

From the quiet road outside, Thaproban Pavilion looks a bit intimidating, and it's hard to imagine that the tall tower holds a 16-room boutique hotel. Designed with the Galle Fort in mind, the humbling exterior resembles an old colonial building, complete with large, wooden gate doors and iron hinges. Inside, an abundance of bobbing green ferns, large wall murals of colonial-era street scenes, and scattering of empire loungers are set about the the lobby's polished tile floors. Spread over several floors, the hotel includes a restaurant, pool, spa, gym, sun deck, and other venues for guests to recharge and relax. While its not uncommon to run into other guests, the level of sociability or serenity will depend on your fellow guests -- it's not unheard for the atmosphere to be a bit lively. Rates are reasonable by western standards -- and the location away from the hustle and bustle of the Unawatuna's main drag -- draws couples, families, and young groups of friends.

Located on the rocky coastline north of Unawatuna Beach, Thaproban Pavilion is less of a beach holiday destination than its sister property, Thaproban Beach House. However, guests at Thaproban Pavilion exchange direct access to the sea for a quieter, more secluded location slightly off of Unawatuna's main tourist drag. It's a quick five-minute walk to bustling, backacker-heavy road that runs behind the town's beach, and the beach itself is a five-minute walk from the hotel, too. It takes eight minutes on foot to reach Thaproban Beach House, though the hotel also runs a free shuttle. There are yoga studios, shops, bars, and restaurants galore in town. The historic town of Galle, with its famous fort and the Galle Fort Lighthouse, are 20 minutes away by car, while the Japanese Peace Pagoda and secluded Jungle Beach are both about 15 minutes away by car. Colombo International Airport takes just over two hours to reach by car depending on traffic.

All 16 of Thaproban Pavilion's spacious and contemporary villas and suites embrace Dutch minimalist to reflect the style of Galle Fort across the bay. Each room gets tons of natural light, and all have a modern style that includes contemporary sofas, wooden tables with clean lines, accent walls with bright and subtle-but-decorative wallpaper, and floors that range from simple polished concrete to natural wood or tile. Arched doorways add a bit of character, as does carefully picked maritime-themed decor, like a weathered wooden canoe bookshelf. We did notice a few stains on some couches. All rooms come with flat-screen TVs equipped with satellite channels, minibars, piped music, and free Wi-Fi.  Spartan, contemporary bathrooms with modern sinks and toilets feel a little cold compared to the rest of the decor. Limited generic toiletries are providedThe standard Pavilion Residence villas are the smallest, but are still comfortably spacious, at 312 square feet (or 29 square meters). These rooms have personal wooden decks with two wooden lounge chairs, a regular chair, and hanging rattan pod chair. Depending on guests' need for privacy, they may want pass on Ocean Pavilions, as their terraces spill directly onto the pool deck. Upgrades to the top category Center Pavilion rooms garner a dual-level villa that includes a lofted master bedroom with a private indoor/outdoor hot tub area and additional bathroom. Keep in mind that the TV can be hard to see in this bedroom, though. During monsoon season, some floors can get wet in rooms. 

Thaproban Pavilion's location along the rocky and wild coastline of Unawatuna Bay leaves no room for a traditional beach. The waves here are relentless and unforgiving (especially during monsoon season) as they crash into the rocks. It's impossible to jump into the water, but the scene does make for some great photos and those who love the sound of the ocean are in for a treat. The hotel has created a dual-level sandy area off the main deck. The weather-worn lounge chairs (with cushions that could use a refresh) overlook a small tide pool and the crashing surf. It feels a bit forced as far as beaches go, and most people prefer to lounge up by the pool. 

Since the hotel's beach is a bit underwhelming, the best feature is easily the hotel's raised, rocky cliffside pool. It's a fine way to cool off from the hot Sri Lankan sun. The pool is surrounded by a wooden deck, and there is a large sandy area between the rocks and the pool where padded wooden lounge chairs and umbrellas are set up so guests can soak in the sun. There may be sea spray when the waves are at their wildest. There's a small poolside bar stand, and at night the pool's fiber optic lighting comes alive, competing with the stars in a clear sky. In addition to the poolside bar, there's a full seated bar with stools in the resort's second floor restaurant. The decor has a casual, colonial vibe with wooden tables and chairs with caned seats. Wine is stored in old, upright weathered canoes, and the international menu stays the same for lunch and dinner. There's also a comfy couch lounge area in the back of the restaurant. Breakfast is included with room rates.There is a spacious rooftop sundeck, though the view is mostly of the clay tiled rooftops and the distant ocean. The hotel offers a fitness center, but it's stocked with rusty, outdated machines and isn't very appealing. A small and simple spa has three open-air treatment rooms and a product shop. Thaproban Pavilion guests have free use of the facilities -- which include an Ayurvedic spa and additional pool, restaurants, and bars -- at sister properties Thaproban Beach House and Thambapanni Retreat. Wi-Fi and parking are free. This property is also wheelchair accessible and has a main elevator that reaches all floors.