Photo of The Villa Bentota

“Beautifully indulgent — an architecture buff’s inside-outside tropical paradise. Highlights include two refreshing pools, slick service and gorgeous grown-up spaces to chill out. The rooms have warm blue or green tones, polished-concrete bathrooms with rain showers and charming original features.”

“Beautifully indulgent — an architecture buff’s inside-outside tropical paradise. Highlights include two refreshing pools, slick service and gorgeous grown-up spaces to chill out. The rooms have warm blue or green tones, polished-concrete bathrooms with rain showers and charming original features.”

Hotel Review

Hidden from the rattling red-painted coastal train by mangroves and palms, this elegant 14-room oasis has long been one of the island’s most stylish beach spots. Renovated by acclaimed architect Geoffrey Bawa in the 1970s to become Sri Lanka’s first boutique hotel, The Villa — previously a family home — brims with Bawa’s iconic style: doors frame picture-perfect glimpses of the garden, built-in benches offer reading nooks aplenty and flowering frangipani scatter blossoms in idyllic courtyards. Recently updated by the acclaimed KK Collection, the property now feels wonderfully fresh and inviting, with soothing blue and green interiors and pretty block-printed touches. Individually designed rooms — many with appealing terraces — are luxurious and promise ample privacy for couples or families. Expect superb food, too. The sound of crashing waves is ever-present and the outside world feels a distant memory.

 

Written by Saskia Walker

Recommended For

  • Romantic Break
  • Romantic guest rooms will delight couples, who can lounge by the pool, enjoy rejuvenating massages & sip craft cocktails
  • Beach Life
  • A chic little hotel just steps from the golden sands of Bentota beach, close to jet skiing and kayaking opportunities
  • Local markets
  • Rise early to join lively crowds at the fish market in town -- or see fishermen hauling in their nets at sunrise
  • Great walks
  • Visit architect Geoffrey Bawa’s country estate, Lunuganga for a tour of the glorious gardens
  • Sights nearby
  • Take a day trip to gorgeous Galle Fort, filled with quirky boutiques, lovely eateries and a fascinating history
  • Other Activities
  • Blissful relaxation: chill out by the pool, read in one of the many shared sitting areas, or enjoy a massage
  • Cycling
  • Watersports
  • Contemporary
  • Chic, contemporary interiors in a striking heritage collection of buildings
  • Restaurant
  • Savour seasonal fare at the restaurant - and fresh seafood
  • Beach nearby
  • Just across the railway tracks from the beach
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace
  • Family Suites
  • Quiet
  • Designer
  • Sit-out Terrace
  • Full of character
  • Good wine list
  • Opulent
  • On the beach
  • Sea Views
  • Boutique
  • Chic
  • Child friendly
  • Wellbeing
  • Traditional
  • Luxury
  • Intimate
  • Romantic
  • Views
  • Gourmet

Facilities

  • Restaurant
  • Savour seasonal fare at the restaurant - and fresh seafood
  • Bar
  • Lovely bar area, with open sides and garden views
  • Garden
  • Grassy lawn and palm trees
  • Swimming Pool
  • Two swimming pools
  • Cots available
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace
  • Outdoor dining
  • Airport transfer
  • Parking
  • Family Suites
  • Wifi
  • No pets
  • Library
  • Private dining room
  • Sit-out Terrace
  • Good wine list
  • Laundry
  • Suites
  • Child friendly
  • Sitting Room
  • Room service
  • Bath robes
  • Concierge
  • Satellite / Cable TV
  • Air conditioning
  • Views
  • Safe

Activities

  • Local markets
  • Rise early to join lively crowds at the fish market in town -- or see fishermen hauling in their nets at sunrise
  • Great walks
  • Visit architect Geoffrey Bawa’s country estate, Lunuganga for a tour of the glorious gardens
  • Sights nearby
  • Take a day trip to gorgeous Galle Fort, filled with quirky boutiques, lovely eateries and a fascinating history
  • Other Activities
  • Blissful relaxation: chill out by the pool, read in one of the many shared sitting areas, or enjoy a massage
  • Cycling
  • Watersports

Map & Location

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