Rock Villa
Bentota, Sri Lanka
At a Glance
A boutique villa hotel that can be taken on its own or room by room
A 170-year-old wallawwa (manor house) set in 2.5 acres of garden
Rock Villa has 6 bedrooms: 4 en-suite doubles and a 2-bedroom suite
The swimming pool stretches for 50 metres
A single-gauge railway track separates Rock Villa's garden from the beach
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
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.
Insider's View
If you are a family of 4, even 5, the private suite is perfect for you. Not only do you get a fantastic veranda where you can have breakfast, but a vast amount of space for great value.
Ask the staff to take a cool box down to the beach, and enjoy a sundowner in the evenings.
If you're not going for the private suite ask for deluxe superior room number 1. This is slightly separate from the rest of the property and has a lovely garden area.
Take a day trip into Galle whilst you are here. It's a city that you just must see.
Try the Harrisa chicken skewers at lunch, they come with a mint and yoghurt and are so delicious!
Call us on 020 3993 8476 to start planning your holiday to Rock Villa or take a look at our itineraries to South Coast
Description
Rock Villa is a six-bedroom wallawwa, or manor house, set back from the beach on Sri Lanka's west coast Bentota, south of Colombo. Rock Villa, contemporary in style with traditional flourishes and an intimate atmosphere, is set in tropical gardens.
Set in 2.5 acres of tropical garden at Bentota on Sri Lanka's west coast stands Rock Villa, a 170-year-old six-bedroom Wallawwa, or manor house. The villa can be taken exclusively or on a room by room basis.
The main villa comprises of the private suite, which is 2 bedrooms, a kitchen, living (TV room) and lovely large veranda over looking the garden. The suite is perfect for a family and really great value for its size.
To get to the beach you must cross a little used railway line, so do make sure you check before crossing. Once on the sea side you are treated to one of Sri Lanka's best beaches on the west coast. The hotel will organise for you to have sun downers on the beach in the evening and take the deck chairs down during the day if you like. Otherwise the is a lovely large pool situated in the middle of the garden.
Bentota is perfectly placed to explore some of the more lively cities in the area whilst basing yourself on the coast. The property is only 1.5 hours to the south of Colombo and an hour to the north of Galle meaning you can do a day trip to see the fort city and dabble in a little souvenir shopping whilst you are there.
Accommodation
There are 6 rooms in total. 1 large private Suite with 2 bedrooms, a kitchen, living room and TV room, which dominates the majority of the villa. There are then 2 double rooms, and then 2 deluxe superior rooms, which both have outside space. All the rooms have a modern feel to them but the villa also retains a real heritage feel by retaining vestiges of the old decor.
Facilities
There is a lovely big pool in the 2.5 acres of garden and one main restaurant. The restaurant serves a la carte lunch menus and set dinner menus, which change everyday.
Activities
The hotel would be happy to organise day trips to Galle, sundowners on the beach and destination dining, and massages. All you have to do is ask.
Reviews
Jack Mace (Staff)
Rock villa is a lovely option for those looking to explore the south west coast of Sri Lanka. Its 9 rooms are set in a 2.5 acre plot of land just back from Bentota Beach. To get over to this sandy, long stretch of beach you have to cross the railway track. Now this does mean that quite a few times a day you have a train passing through the end of the garden but I didn't find it an issue. In fact, I actually liked it. The train is Sri Lanka is one of the countrys best assets so to hear it come past is actually a nice thing to see in my opinion. The villa itself has two family villas which has two connecting rooms which are perfect for families (obviously!). The pool area was great with lots of space to relax by and it's even long enough for a few lengths if you're into that! Just behind the pool is the restaurant which serves up lovely food all day - even an afternoon tea which came as a lovely surprise for me.
Jessica Cator (Staff)
I really enjoyed this villa. It's in a beautiful setting and the food is delicious. I was really blown away by the private suite and thought it was a wonderful option for families. All I would mention is that the private suite dominates the majority of the property, and if you are not staying there, there is not a huge amount of living space in the rest of the villa.
Experiences
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Explore Galle Fort
While staying in the Galle Fort take the time to discover this fascinating colonial town, filled with history. Founded in 1588 by the Portuguese, the fort was subsequently occupied by the Dutch and the British, so there is plenty to explore.
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Explore the Kapu Ela River by boat & Cycle through Rural Galle
Enjoy a scenic and immersive tour through the beautiful countryside surrounding Galle. Your journey will take you down the Kapu Ela River by boat and then by bike across the paddies, ending with a traditional Sri Lankan meal and a lesson in hopper making.
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Galle Cooking Experience - Food for the Soul
During your time in Sri Lanka you are sure to dine on some soul-stirring dishes, including the traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry. Food lovers will love this cooking experience, from the vibrant market of Galle to cooking in a local village.
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Hopper Cooking Class at Why House
The foodie in you will love this hands on cooking class at the beautiful Why House. A delectable Sri Lankan staple, hoppers are iconic in Sri Lanka and are delicious when served with a range of chutneys, sambols and curries.
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Kanneliya Rainforest Trek
One of Sri Lanka's hidden secrets, Kanneliya Rainforest Reserve is an enchanting forest reserve which is home to some incredible wildlife. Within the thick canopy, explore this wild and undisturbed scenery, accompanied by your wildlife tracker.
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Sailing & Snorkelling Excursion
Climb aboard a beautiful 48ft catamaran, and sail along the south coast of Sri Lanka stopping at private coves to stand-up paddle board, snorkel over colourful reefs, swim or soak up the sun while your crew take the helm.
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Visit a Cinnamon Plantation
Today head to Villa Mayurana, close to Koggala on Sri Lanka's South Coast. Learn about the process of growing cinnamon and the history that goes with it. Still a major export, cinnamon has medicinal values as well as being used in everyday cooking.
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Weligama - Deep Sea Fishing
Enjoy some deep sea fishing in the waters of the southern town of Weligama. Perfect for beginners or those more experienced at fishing, let your skipper help you catch some big game fish from sharks and tuna to marlin and swordfish.
Location & directions
Bentota, Sri Lanka
Rock Villa is set back from the sea on the coast at Bentota, off the Galle road, south of Colombo on the west coast.
How to get there
10-hour 45-minute direct flight with Sri Lankan Airlines to Colombo, followed by a 2-hour drive to the hotel.
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