Throughout the calendar year, the resorts of the tropical island attract numerous vacationers. Every year, 1.9-2.3 million foreign tourists come to Sri Lanka. Bentota is one of the most sought-after resorts of the picturesque island. For vacationers, the doors of more than 110 hotels of various categories are open here.
Why is the resort interesting for tourists?
Bentota is located in the extreme southwest of the island, 82.6 km from Colombo, the de facto capital of the country. Numerous tourists come to the resort for a variety of purposes:
- leisure on two local beaches, evenly covered with light yellow sand;
- excursions to natural and historical sites of the resort’s surroundings; not far from Bentota is Galapata Vihara – the remains of a medieval temple complex built in the XII century; over 540 species of birds and mammals live in local forests;
- spearfishing and scuba diving, organized by specialists of the city diving center;
- favorable weather conditions; air throughout the year warms up from + 29.3 to + 32.0, water – from + 27.7 to + 29.4; the most suitable months for recreation, when the least precipitation falls: January-April, October and November;
- healing and spiritual growth through the Ayurvedic programs of the resort’s spas;
- water activities; for vacationers open “Confiri-Marina” – a modern center offering activities such as surfing, canoeing, fishing, cruises on yachts and much more;
- visits to turtle farms in the vicinity of Bentota;
- kitesurfing, wakeboarding, cycling and other exciting activities.
All these advantages of a holiday in Bentota attract thousands of foreign fans of beach pastime to the resort. Top 10 best hotels in the city offer guests quality service and a variety of leisure. All this will satisfy the needs of modern tourists.
Taj Bentota
The Taj Bentota, which bills itself as a spa hotel, is located 600 metres south of the resort’s train station. To the north of the five-star hotel flows the Bentota Ganga – a picturesque full-flowing river. The hotel is located in a green hilly area surrounded by tall palm trees. Near the hotel there is a long sandy beach.
The proximity of the coast and the ever-changing views of the expanses of the endless ocean are the two main advantages for which tourists choose the Taj Bentota. The hotel complex offers vacationers accommodation in 160 modern comfortable rooms of 14 categories. On the territory of the “Taj Bentota” there are facilities that provide a variety of leisure for tourists:
- a recreation area surrounded by a tropical garden;
- fitness center;
- table tennis court;
- outdoor swimming pool;
- Jiva is a spa complex offering massages, Ayurvedic therapies and other treatments.
If desired, hotel guests can join the participants of the boat trip, the purpose of which is to observe whales swimming near the coast. Beach accessories for Indian tanning enthusiasts can be obtained from the reception staff.
The hotel’s two bars and lounge cafΓ© offer a wide range of refreshing drinks, light snacks and original cocktails. In “Taj Bentota” guests are welcomed by four restaurants:
- The Palms (local dishes);
- S. H. A.C. K. (seafood);
- Sea View (Indian cuisine);
- Oriental Pavilion (dishes according to Chinese recipes).
Antonina Voronina, Volgograd. My husband and I are very pleased with our stay at the Taj Bentota Hotel. The main thing that I want to note especially is the sensitivity and attentiveness of the staff. We were served, without exaggeration, as a royal family. Dalkhani, one of the employees, knows a little Russian. She willingly helped us to solve any issue, gave advice on excursions and recreation in general. In the restaurant “Palmy” the dishes are unusually tasty. I would like to mention the waiter of Anzhi. He served us several times and always with a smile. In the evenings, we enjoyed admiring the beauty of the ocean and took photos using a smartphone for Instagram.
EKHO Surf
350 m north of the “Taj Bentota” is a four-star hotel, attracting with its unusual view. The two-storey building EKHO Surf, similar to a long comfortable bungalow, stretches along the sandy beach for about 200 m. The hotel is equipped with 97 spacious rooms of two categories. Guests can fill their free time with classes in several places on the territory of EKHO Surf:
- in two outdoor swimming pools;
- Nirogi β a spa center where clients are received by massage therapists;
- round-the-clock gym.
Tourists choose EKHO Surf because of its favorable location. A long sandy beach, a highway, a Buddhist temple, a picturesque park – all this is very close to the hotel. EKHO Surf has established itself as one of the best hotels in the resort in terms of quality of service. It also serves delicious meals and drinks in four gastronomic establishments:
- Comfy β a cozy bar;
- Der CafΓ© β a cafΓ© for fans of quality coffee;
- Fruits de Mer β the menu of the gastronomic establishment includes a wide selection of seafood;
- L’Hertage is the main restaurant serving international cuisine.
Veronika Moskaleva, Voronezh. My two friends and I have been choosing a resort and hotel in Sri Lanka for a long time. In the end, we decided to settle on EKHO Surf. This is one of the 6 hotels of the hotel chain. I read the reviews. Almost all of them are positive. After three days of rest we can only confirm that the hotel is really beautiful. The courtesy of the staff is the first thing we encountered at check-in. Delicious meals in the main restaurant, long and clean beach, regular morning cleaning of the rooms. You can long list the advantages of the hotel.
Bentota β 1
Hotel Bentona No. 1 is located in a quiet location on a long beach spit between the river and the ocean. The hotel is suitable for fans of a relaxing holiday in the family circle. Therefore, in two villas located on the territory of the complex, parents with teenagers and young children most often rest.
The hotel administration has taken care of the leisure of customers. It offers water skiing, river safaris and paragliding. The villas are set in tropical gardens. There is also a dining area under a high tent serving local and international cuisine. Guests can swim in the ocean or in the rectangular outdoor pool.
Ekaterina Sinitsina, Moscow. We came to Bentota with the kids. The hotel was chosen by my husband. We wanted to spend time in silence, near the ocean and in comfortable conditions Our wishes came true. We stayed in one of the two villas. The children β boys 6 and 8 years old β really liked the pool and the beach. The dishes prepared by the chef deserve special praise. We were served by Kamala, a lovely waitress. We didn’t know English well, but we understood each other pretty well. This place is an excellent choice for a relaxed holiday for 4-5 days. Next time, if we are in Sri Lanka, we will definitely choose this resort and hotel Bentota No. 1.
Saman Villas
For tourists who want to feel the power of the ocean and appreciate its vastness, Villas “Saman” will be an excellent option. The five-star hotel is located 2 km south of Bentota in the picturesque village of Ateruella. The river of the same name flows north of Saman Villas. The hotel, located on a low cliff, consists of 14 villas, each of which is equipped with wooden furniture.
On both sides of the hotel complex stretches a strip of well-groomed sandy beaches. Coconut palm plantations are located near the hotel. Eight villas have access to small private pools. Saman Villas offers guests a varied and useful holiday:
- a spa with highly qualified masseuses;
- A library with a wide selection of books and CDs; there is a table for playing snooker (a type of billiards);
- compact outdoor swimming pool;
- boat trips to places where you can watch swimming dolphins and whales;
- visit to the turtle farm, located next to the resort;
- river safaris, cycling and hiking in the surrounding area.
Five pavilions of the restaurant are available for guests of the villas, the menu of which includes Ceylon and European dishes. Platforms for breakfast, dinner and lunch are installed in five places: by the pool, in the spa, in the barbecue area, on the edge of the cliff and at the main building.
Mikhail Kazimirov, St. Petersburg. Villas “Saman” – without exaggeration, the most fantastic place that I have seen. Nearby is a raging ocean. Behind the hotel there is a palm grove. The villas are set in a well-kept tropical garden. Despite the proximity of the ocean, it is quiet and cozy. The restaurant has delicious dishes. Iresh and Tilani β two young waitresses, very nice and helpful β fulfilled any of our requests. Both my wife and I, with whom I was relaxing, liked the massage in the spa. We relaxed so much during the procedure that we even fell asleep. Just a heavenly place.
Centara Ceysands
A little to the south of the hotel “Bentota No. 1” is the territory of the five-star hotel complex “Sentara Seismic”. This place is a great option for families and couples in love. Centara Ceysands offers guests the opportunity to choose from 165 luxury rooms. The hotel complex is located on two opposite banks of the Bentota Ganga River. Vacationers move free of charge by boat from one to another building of the hotel.
On the left bank there is a sandy beach, washed by the warm waters of the ocean. There is also a large long swimming pool, next to which there are several tables and sun loungers. Palm crowns act as sun umbrellas. The hotel’s leisure activities are filled with useful activities available on the territory of Centara Ceysands:
- sauna and a small steam room;
- fitness room;
- a spa staffed by Thai massage specialists.
The property is surrounded by dense mangroves and palm groves. Two stylish bars and three gastronomic establishments are open for guests:
- “360” β panoramic restaurant, where Asian dishes are served;
- Bem is a cozy cafΓ© working on the “buffet” system;
- Suan Bua is a small restaurant serving a wide range of Thai dishes.
Kirill Novgorodtsev, Novosibirsk. Centara Ceysand is a lovely hotel. This is a whole complex, which consists of several two- and four-story buildings, passing one into another. The main advantage is the location on a large territory on two banks of the river. Nearby – the beach and the ocean. Four of us rested here β me, my colleague and our wives. Another advantage of the hotel is a large swimming pool. Sri Lankan musicians always performed in the restaurant in the evenings. It was a great chance to get to know the culture of the island at least a little. Politeness and smiling of the staff is the visiting card of the hotel. Great place. We will be happy to return here more than once, if, of course, there is an opportunity.
Heritance Ayurveda
Thousands of fans of Ayurvedic procedures come to Bentota every year. Heritance Ayurveda – a five-star hotel – one of the most worthy places for those who want to improve their shaky health, as well as put in order thoughts and mental state. Ayurvedic procedures are prescribed and carried out under the supervision of the chief physician of the hotel complex.
Heritance Ayurveda, located northwest of the center of Bentota, has 105 comfortable rooms and 40 bungalows. On the spacious territory of the hotel there are several objects that guarantee an interesting and diverse leisure:
- a cozy hall for relaxing and watching TV programs;
- library, where not only books are available, but also the Internet;
- a local crafts centre where you can witness or participate in the process of making souvenirs and cosmetic products for skin care;
- outdoor swimming pool with relaxation area.
Heritans Ayurveda has a restaurant serving local cuisine. The gastronomic establishment, like the whole hotel, works on an “all inclusive” system.
Natalia Smekhova, Ufa. A great place for those who want to feel the magical power of Ayurvedic treatments. My friend and I chose Heritance Ayurveda because of this. The effect of the procedures was felt almost on the first day. The doctor selected a special program for us, which took into account the characteristics of our bodies. In general, we are very satisfied with the result. The same can be said about the hotel staff and leisure conditions.
Cinnamon Bey Beruwala
In Beruwela – a compact green city – 6 km from the center of Bentota is a five-star hotel complex Cinnamon Bey. The buildings of the modern hotel are surrounded by coconut palms. Nearby stretches a wide sandy beach. For guests of the hotel there are 200 luxurious rooms. Cinnamon Bey offers vacationers interesting leisure:
- swimming in three outdoor swimming pools;
- workouts in the fitness center;
- hairdressing and beauty services in the beauty salon;
- relaxed rest in the steam bath and sauna;
- reading and internet in the library;
- watching movies in a small cinema;
- children’s club with a small pool;
- massages, yoga and aerobics classes at the spa;
- beach volleyball, table tennis, cricket, badminton and other games in specially equipped rooms or on the courts.
The hotel will suit connoisseurs of comfort, clean beaches, a variety of leisure and delicious food. Guests are welcomed by several gastronomic establishments:
- two bars;
- Ice Cream Emporium β a restaurant serving sweets, sherbet, yogurt and ice cream;
- Mezz-2 is an institution rich in Levantine cuisine;
- Rock Salt β a place where you can taste Asian delicacies;
- Fire β high-quality steak is prepared here.
Denis Medvedev, Vyborg. We chose this hotel because of the wide variety of activities. We, three friends from the Leningrad region, just spent the night in the room. Every day was filled with activities: beach, swimming in the ocean, training in the gym, swimming pool, volleyball and so on. Service at the credit level. The area is very clean. Near the palm grove. Monitor lizards were seen several times. Exotic birds of different colors are found everywhere. Took a lot of pictures on a smartphone. All of them have already been posted on Instagram.
The Habitat Kosgoda by Asia Leisure
In 2017, the coast of the city of Kosgoda was decorated with the building of a five-star hotel. Located 9 km south of Bentota, The Habitat Kosgoda has 30 furnished rooms on four floors. The hotel is suitable for families and young couples who appreciate comfortable conditions and exotic nature. Guests will certainly find things to do during their holiday:
- swimming pool (area β 490 sq. m.), near which sun loungers are installed;
- the beach strip assigned to the hotel;
- recreation area;
- training room.
Each room has a large balcony with sun loungers. From here you can see the endless expanses of the noisy ocean. The hotel serves two gastronomic establishments: restaurant Salt and bar Moonu. International cuisine is served here. At the request of vacationers, breakfast is served in the rooms. The restaurant regularly hosts cooking demonstrations.
Evgeniya Avdeeva, Rostov-on-Don. We rested with friends for a whole week. The hotel was chosen because of its location in a quiet location on the ocean. The rooms are clean and spacious. We had two balconies. There were 2 sun loungers, you could even sunbathe. The views are fabulous. The hotel staff is thrilling. The breakfasts are delicious. We can safely recommend this hotel to anyone who is in love with Sri Lanka. You won’t be disappointed.
Taru Villas
A quiet area, privacy and tropical nature – all this awaits those who stay in one of the villas “Taru”. The hotel complex is located south of Bentota, 600 m from a wide sandy beach. The hotel includes 11 cozy villas located in a well-kept garden. Taru Villas offers guests a variety of pastime:
- gym to maintain good physical shape;
- outdoor swimming pool, where you can swim all day long;
- area for board games;
- bike rental for exploring the scenic area.
Breakfast is served in the villas. Guests of the hotel can enjoy lunch and dinner in the restaurant area. The menu includes dozens of names of local dishes and drinks.
Galina Ovsienko, Bryansk. Lovely hotel. My husband and I wanted to relax in a quiet place among tropical nature. Villas “Taru” 100% met our wishes. Clean green area. Luxury villas. Beautiful nature. Delicious breakfasts. What more could you ask for? There are no complaints about the employees. We have not met such a smiling and friendly staff for a long time. Near the hotel, by the way, there are many good restaurants and shops. We reached the beach on foot in about 5-7 minutes at a slow pace. The ocean amazes with its vastness and power, which is felt thanks to the noise of high waves. A great place to relax for people like us – lovers of nature, tranquility and home comfort.
Avani Bentota
In the middle of the beach of Ventura, covered with soft golden sand, are the buildings of the five-star hotel “Avani”. In the long buildings of the hotel there are 75 cozy rooms. Rest in Avani Bentota will suit those who dream of the ocean, clean beaches, comfortable conditions and a variety of summer leisure. For hotel guests there are several opportunities to fill their free time:
- gym;
- swimming pool with children’s section;
- a spa offering several types of massage;
- an area for relaxing in the shade of tall branching palm trees.
There is a river to the north of the hotel. To the east of the buildings is a coconut palm plantation. The hotel has several gastronomic establishments open for visitors:
- Breeze β a cozy restaurant of international cuisine;
- Chatters β stylish bar;
- Frangipani is a restaurant that serves Ceylon and Asian dishes.
Elizaveta Kryukova, Penza. My husband and I spent five beautiful days at the Avani Hotel. Thanks to the staff, we were able to understand the peculiarities of the local cuisine and the lifestyle of the Sri Lankans. I know English quite well, which helped a lot in communication. The main advantage of the hotel is the location in the middle of a long beach. The room is clean. Cleaning and change of linen were carried out regularly. The breakfasts are delicious. Each time the cook tried to surprise with something new. When the vacation ended, I wanted to be here a little longer.
Which hotel to choose?
Each of the 10 named hotels meets the requirements of modern tourists, offering equipment, services and pieces of furniture, without which now, in the 20s of the XXI century, it is difficult to imagine a holiday at a seaside resort. Of the listed hotels, the most suitable option is the Taj Bentota. The hotel combines all the qualities that are partially repeated in the other mentioned establishments. But every time something is missing. In the case of the Taj Bentota Hotel, tourists get a complete set of things to desire: the beach, a variety of leisure activities, the ocean, the green area and the friendly staff.
Selection of hotels Bentota on map
