Taj Bentota Resort & Spa

When scouting property, Taj Resorts snagged one of the most scenic spots in the area. The hotel's elevated cliffside location makes for striking views of the Indian Ocean, and guests can expect to drive uphill to get to the turnaround entrance. The sweeping lobby is both elegant and slightly exotic with marble, bold art, and lighting fixtures. The upscale decor is typical of Vivanta, the contemporary Taj brand. The seated reception area and airy lounge space has vaulted wood ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. 

Most guests spend their day at the pool and main restaurant area, located side by side at the other end of the hotel. The pool itself is not huge, but there are several adjacent grassy lawn areas and terraces with sun loungers facing the sea. To get to the golden-sand beach down below, guests walk down a series of steps. This may prove difficult for kids and older guests, so the beach tends to see fewer people -- swimmers, surfers and, walkers may, at times, feel they have the entire one-mile stretch to themselves. 

Not surprisingly, many guests are from India, due to the Mumbai-based company’s loyal base there, as well as from the Middle East and U.K. (where there are also Taj Resorts). Expect a mix of families, couples, and (some) business travelers. The popular breakfast buffet draws a crowd as guests tend to enjoy a big meal to stay full through the afternoon. Dinner provides more dining options, and two restaurants are quite romantic, with sunset views. Evenings may bring fire shows, traditional dancers, or live musicians. The Tease bar, with its cool decor and trendy vibe, is open for drinks and music until midnight. 

Vivanta by Taj is at the southern tip of Bentota's beach road, which goes past other neighboring resorts. This area is two hours south of Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, and an hour north of the historic fort of Galle. Guests typically arrive via taxi service from the Bandaranaike International Airport, which can take two to three hours depending on traffic. More adventurous types can save money by catching a train from Colombo to the nearby Bentota train station. 

Nearby sights that are worth a visit include temples, a turtle hatchery, and the Brief Garden, designed by Bevis Bawa (older brother of Geoffrey Bawa, the famous Sri Lankan architect). The beaches here, and farther south, are popular with surfers from around the world -- especially the Middle East. The hotel does not offer a water sports center, but a concierge can recommend a surf school, and sightseeing tours for all ages. Tuk-tuk taxis are ready and waiting for business outside the hotel gates. Guests who choose to rent a car will have access to free parking. 

There are 160 rooms in nine categories. They were last renovated in 2012, and are spacious, with seating areas, work desks, and balconies with garden, pool, or ocean views. (For a guaranteed ocean view, consider the slightly pricier Saman Villas.) They also have mounted flat-screen TVs, crisp white bedding, bathrobes, slippers, free bottled water, tea and instant coffee, and minibars (fees apply) with beer, soda, and liquor. Bathrooms have tub/shower combos and natural toiletries. 

Decor ranges from Superior Charm, which evokes the English countryside with pastel hues, to Deluxe Delight, which has a more contemporary color palette with bright orange accents and Asian art. Deluxe Delight Rooms have newer bathrooms with rain showerheads and glass walls that open up to the living area. Balconies are also more spacious and seats come with cushions. For more space, there are several suites to choose from with separate living rooms; these may have upgrades such as whirlpool tubs. 

Turndown service and 24-hour in-room dining are offered. 

The zero-edge outdoor pool is the hub of the resort, conveniently located next to the main restaurant. There is a separate kiddy section marked by small elephant statues with spouting water. Sun loungers have bright orange cushions and black umbrellas, and are located around the pool as well as on several sections of lawn and terrace that extend beyond (these areas are quieter, with better views of the sea). The best poolside spots tend to get snatched early before guests head into breakfast. 

A beautiful spa is located on the far end of the property, tucked away for more peace and tranquility. It's the Taj brand, Jiva, and it has a pretty courtyard setting with outdoor relaxation areas. Treatment rooms for both singles and couples are indoor with air-conditioning. Massages, facials, and Ayurvedic treatments are available. 

The hotel's fitness center and business center are both open 24 hours a day (these areas were not available for photographing due to renovations). There are plenty of areas to work in the lobby and basic Wi-Fi is free. High-speed service will cost extra. 

Meetings and weddings are common at the hotel and there is a large ballroom on the lower level for large groups. The hotel has several terraces and lawn areas with sea views for receptions and cocktail parties. 

The hotel's main bar, Tease, is located next to the the lobby in a huge colorful space with wood floors, cozy lounge areas, and Asian lighting fixtures. Outdoor tables facing the sea are also available -- this is the spot for sunset cocktails. The bar serves drinks until midnight and upbeat music plays (sometimes there are live musicians) for those who want to dance. 

The Palms, the hotel's main restaurant, serves buffet spreads for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and there's an a la carte menu available for 24-hour service. Seating options in the bright, contemporary dining room include booths, high-top tables, and communal tables for large groups. Outdoor seating overlooking the pool is also available. Gourmet spreads are international, but there are many Sri Lankan and Indian favorites such as curries and egg hoppers. Live music is common during dinner.

For more romantic options, there is SHACKS, overlooking the sea on a pretty candlelit lawn space with outdoor tables. This serves fresh seafood made to order from an authentic hut. There's also a restaurant serving French fare and fine wines next to the lobby, and a Chinese restaurant on the lower level.

The mile-long golden-sand beach in Bentota is a secret gem. Due to the cliffside setting, guests have to walk down steps on a hill next to the pool to access the sand, but if they do, they will be rewarded with few crowds and lots of space for walking and running. As is typical in Sri Lanka, the hotel does not provide chairs on the beach. Guests who want to lie out on the sand will have to do just that, unless they bring their own towels. Surfing is popular here with a consistent wave break. Less experienced swimmers will want to be careful in the waves, as the current can get quite strong (especially May through August). Occasional vendors may approach guests, but it's best to arrange water sports, surf lessons, and excursions through the front desk to avoid scams.