A chic and stylish beachside boutique villa, Bentota is set amidst extensive gardens scattered with coconut palms with the Indian Ocean a five-minute stroll away. This newly refurbished, colonial-period villa provides a relaxing and peaceful escape.
Great, good value food in the garden pavilion
A glorious combination of older architecture and modern interior design
Within good reach of Galle and Colombo
A railway line runs between the gardens and the beach: some guests wave at every passing train, but others are less enamoured by the intrusion - we think it's fun but be aware in advance
The Villa Bentota was formerly `Mohotti Walauwa’, a 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 property'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 en-suite 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.
When to visit
Until they have a liquor license, buy some of you favourite tipple to enjoy during your stay in advance.
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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.
10-hour 45-minute direct flight to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. From the airport we recommend leaving 2-hours for the journey to The Villa Bentota.
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