Paradise Road, Villa Bentota
Bentota

Set on a former coconut plantation and just a stone’s throw from a dazzling golden-sand beach, is Sri Lanka’s first and one of the most sophisticated boutique hotels. Paradise Road The Villa Bentota is a unique and private beachside hotel located just 1.5 hours’ drive south of Colombo in the charming beachside town of Bentota.

Converted in the 1970s by world-renowned and iconic Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa, it is today managed by Sri Lanka’s lifestyle guru and design entrepreneur, Shanth Fernando, who founded Paradise Road in 1987. Paradise Road The Villa Bentota comprises of 15 individually designed rooms and suites scattered around the grounds, all beautifully decorated in the typical Paradise Road interiors, with carefully selected Sri Lankan antiques, oversized jute rugs and geometric fabrics. The rooms also come with modern amenities and fantastic services.

With the beach just on your doorstep, there’ll be plenty to keep guests occupied; from December to March the beaches in Bentota are perfect for swimming, and at other times of the year, surfing is possible or just enjoy the coast for long walks along the sandy beaches. Just ten minutes down the Galle Road, the Bentota Lake provides the perfect location for other water sports and boat safaris for bird and wildlife spotting. For those who want to enjoy the comfort of the hotel, there are two swimming pools in the grounds by which to relax. There is also a massage room for that extra indulgence. The food is also particularly good at the The Villa Café, which serves favourites from the sister restaurant, Paradise Road The Gallery Café, including the Black Pork Curry and Sri Lankan Prawn Curry. The menu also has an international influence and focuses predominantly on Italian and fresh seafood. The Villa Café is also open to outside guests.

A narrow-gauge railway runs at the bottom of the garden, and trains trundle past at various points of the day – fortunately most people find it adds to the charm of the hotel rather than being a disturbance. Paradise Road The Villa Bentota is an excellent choice for honeymooners or those looking for a bit of romance, and works perfectly at the end of a Sri Lanka tour for a spot of beach relaxation.

I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.
Bill Bryson