Ekho Surf

Surf Bentota opened in the 1970s and as one of the first hotels in the area and is still going strong. It is owned by local company CHC, which runs three other hotels around the country, and black and white photographs of the sister properties can be seen throughout hallways and rooms. Not much has been done to the exterior here, but a major interior renovation was completed in 2012. The hotel has a chilled-out and slightly boutique feel that attracts Sri Lankans as well as Australians, Middle Easterners, and Europeans. A security guard can be found at the entrance, but -- sans doormen or porters -- guests will likely lug their own bags up the steps to the lobby. Once inside, the reception staff lays out the charm during a seated check-in process that involves fresh towels and advice on the area. The lobby is a cool space with bold red hues, vaulted ceilings, and patterned rugs. Surf Bentota's long, low-rise structure is easy to maneuver, with a simple layout, a pool on either end, and a location along a wide expansive beach. Cushioned beach chairs and umbrellas are always up for grabs, as guests are often catching waves or enjoying an extended beach stroll. Unlike at nearby properties, there is not a fence separating the public beach from the hotel, so beware of the occasional vendor looking to scam guests. The vibe, however, is usually safe and peaceful.As afternoons turn to evenings, surfers head back with their boards to clean up for dinner. Couples can have a romantic sunset dinner from unique dining tables built into the sand, while friends and families might hit the buffet. There is also a local restaurant across the street from the entrance for a change of pace. Both pools light up at night for ambience and there are three bars for pre- and post-dinner drinks. Younger travelers will prioritize the waves though, which means many guests are early to bed, early to rise.

Surf Bentota is located in southwestern Sri Lanka about two hours south of Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, and an hour north of Galle. Guests typically arrive via taxi service from the Bandaranaike International Airport, which can take upwards of three hours depending on traffic. More adventurous types can save money by catching a train from Colombo to the nearby Bentota train station. The town itself does not contain much appeal for tourists, hence why most tend to stick to the resort, save for the occasional excursion. Nearby sights worth a visit include temples, a turtle hatchery, and the Brief Garden (designed by Bevis Bawa, older brother of famous Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa). Those looking to surf will find fewer crowds on this beach than more popular spots to the south.  For local transportation, tuk-tuks are available outside the hotel entrance. For those who have a car, parking is free but it will require a walk to the lobby. 

There are 100 air-conditioned rooms in a low-rise structure that's no higher than three stories in certain sections. All rooms have large, ocean-facing balconies or patios (great for sunsets) with enough space to hold two chairs and a table, as well as two cushioned sun loungers. Room interiors feel quite masculine with shades of black, white, beige, and brown. Wall decor is mostly photography of the brand’s other resorts. Other notable features include blackout shades (panels that pull side to side), flat-screen TVs, dimmer lights, free bottled water, tea and instant coffee, and minibars with beer, soda, and liquor (for a fee). Modern bathrooms are sleek with walk-in showers, eco-friendly toiletries, and cubed-glass wall cutouts separating the room from the hallways (there may be shadows of people walking).  Superior Rooms (the majority) have either king-size or two twin beds. Deluxe Rooms have king-size beds, slightly more space, rain showerheads, bathrobes, and slippers (some units have walk-out access to the northern pool). Suites on upper floors have a private whirlpool on the balcony, and ground-level units have separate living rooms for more interior space. 

There are two outdoor swimming pools on either end of the hotel, next to the beach, and separated by a huge lawn area. Both pools are surrounded by wooden decks with enough sun loungers and umbrellas to go around (no need to reserve a spot early in the morning). One pool is four feet deep (with a baby pool) and the other is 10 feet deep with a shallow area for kids. The adjacent beach is one of the longest and cleanest in southwestern Sri Lanka -- it's great for surfing and strolling, but waves might be too dangerous for some swimmers.The Nirogi Spa has six treatment rooms, including a special loft area for couples overlooking the ocean. Treatment rooms have private outdoor showers, and there is a communal relaxation area with a whirlpool. Therapists come from Bali and provide aromatherapy, deep tissue massages, body treatments, and facials. With the hotel’s 2012 renovation also came a new fitness center equipped with treadmills, free weights, and a weight machine. Though the space is not very big, floor-to-ceiling windows offer ocean views.Guest services in the lobby can arrange water or land activities such as surf lessons, deep sea scuba diving, snorkeling safaris, and day trips to nearby sights, like Galle.There is free Wi-Fi throughout though some areas are spotty.

The Surf's main restaurant L'Héritage offers buffet spreads for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (dining packages are available). This is a contemporary space with indoor and outdoor seating, and live piano music plays every night except Sundays. For a splurge, a romantic beachside restaurant serves seafood entrees, and guests can reserve one of the special built-in lagoon seats in the sand. For a more casual a la carte fare, a 24-hour coffee shop sells specialty espresso drinks, tea, and snacks. Shisha pipes are also available.There are three places to imbibe on the property including the lobby lounge beyond the front desk, which opens late morning. This is the spot for specialty cocktails in an air-conditioned space with several chic seating areas. For those hanging out by the pools, the beach bar serves beer, wine, and tropical drinks all the way through sunset. After dinner, there is a lounge on the second floor above the coffee shop with themed nights (these might include music, karaoke, and movie screenings) with suede couches, a quality sound system, and neat lighting scheme.