Description
Formerly `Mohotti Walauwa’, this beautiful manor house, a maze of courtyards and verandas, was originally refurbished in 1970 by Sri Lanka’s infamous architect, the late Geoffrey Bawa. The property is now under the loving management of Shanth Fernando, a Sri Lankan lifestyle designer whose signature design and creativity has transformed The Villa Bentota into an exquisite boutique hotel with 15 luxurious rooms and suites. The Villa Bentota’s extensive coconut grove estate stretches all the way up to the beach, but is divided into two sections as a railway line runs across the property. The villa itself is situated within walled gardens ensuring plenty of privacy.
All rooms and suites are stylishly furnished with king-sized beds dressed in fine linen and ensuite bathrooms with rain showers. In-room facilities include LCD TV screens with cable channels, mini-bar, electronic safety locker and tea/coffee making facilities.
The Villa Bentota has plenty of spaces to relax and unwind including an outdoor pavilion by the pool and an exquisitely designed bar lounge. The Villa café serves fusion cuisine prepared with fresh meats, seafood and vegetables purchased daily. There are several other dining options including in the privacy of your own suite, in the garden scattered with coconut palms, or by the poolside. The 75-foot swimming pool is a new addition. The original smaller swimming pool designed by Bawa for Mohotti Walawua still remains within one of the lounge areas and can be used as a plunge pool. Other facilities include The Villa Gallery, where contemporary Sri Lankan art can be bought on its meandering corridors, a quality gift shop; an array of books and board games and complimentary wireless internet access.
Bentota’s beaches are broad and sandy and arguably the most family-friendly on the island. Numerous watersports are on offer nearby at Bentota lagoon including surfing, snorkelling, and jet skiing while all myriad of excursions out to sea, up the river and over land are all on your doorstep.
Accommodation
There are 15 air conditioned ensuite rooms of which seven are Standard Rooms and eight are Suites. Most rooms and suites have magnificent sea views. The Suites are more spacious and have a day bed that can convert into an additional bed. All suites have a private balcony or terrace with sea views, and some have private plunge pools. The very special `Mohotti Suite’ consists of two double rooms and private living room with surrounding glass windows that allow for beautiful views of the garden and sea beyond.
Childcare
Children are welcome at the Villa Bentota hotel but there are no specific facilities.
Facilities
Facilities include wireless internet access, beach access, 2 swimming pools, bar/lounge with board games, the 'Villa Café' – Paradise Road menu with optional dining anywhere on the property, the 'Villa Shop' – Paradise Road gift store with 10% discount for residents, the 'Villa Gallery' – gallery space featuring local contemporary artists with art for sale, several lounge areas within the hotel property, the 'Villa Spa' managed by Spa Ceylon Ayurveda offers treatments on appointment.
Activities
Activities in and around the hotel include swimming and watersports at the nearby Bentota lagoon including surfing, snorkelling, and jet skiing while there are also excursions out to sea, up the river and over land.
Services
The Villa Spa managed by Spa Ceylon Ayurveda offers treatments on appointment.
When to travel
From May to August the Yala monsoon brings rain to the island’s southwestern half. The southwest has the highest rainfall – up to 4000mm a year. There is also an inter-monsoonal period in October and November when rain can occur in many parts of the island. Colombo and the low-lying coastal regions have an average temperature of 27°C. The sea stays at around 27°C all year. Climatically speaking, the driest (and best) seasons in Sri Lanka are from December to March for the west and south coasts.
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Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
South Coast, Sri Lanka
Villa Bentota is right on the beach at Bentota, just off the main Colombo-Galle road, south of Colombo on Sri Lanka's south west coast.
How to get there
10-hour 45-minute direct flight to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. From the airport to we recommend leaving 2-hours for the journey to The Villa Bentota.
