The Villa Bentota by KK Collection
Bentota

The Villa Bentota by KK Collection is a chic, design-led boutique hotel on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, offering a seamless blend of heritage architecture, coastal luxury and contemporary style. Located just a 90-minutes drive south of Colombo and set on a former coconut plantation in the laid-back beach town of Bentota, the hotel enjoys a prime beachfront location and remains one of the country’s most iconic and sophisticated boutique hotels.

This intimate 15-room retreat was originally converted in the 1970s by Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s most celebrated architect and pioneer of tropical modernism. Bawa’s signature style - clean lines, open courtyards, and seamless integration with nature - is still beautifully preserved throughout the property. Now managed by British hotelier George Cooper as part of the acclaimed KK Collection, The Villa Bentota has been lovingly updated with smart, design-savvy touches that honour the villa’s architectural roots while delivering 21st-century comfort and service.

Each room and suite has been individually designed, featuring locally sourced antiques, oversized jute rugs, geometric textiles and a modern aesthetic that reflects the sophisticated flair of Paradise Road interiors. Most rooms come with private terraces or balconies, garden or sea views, and all feature thoughtful amenities such as air conditioning, minibars and ensuite bathrooms.

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, Bentota Lake provides the perfect location for other water sports such as kite surfing and jet skiing. You can also take a private boat out into the mangroves for bird and wildlife spotting. For those who want to enjoy the comfort of the hotel, guests can unwind by one of two palm-shaded swimming pools, indulge in a soothing massage at the small spa pavilion or relax with a cocktail in hand as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.

The food is particularly good and the restaurant serves a curated mix of Sri Lankan, Southeast Asian and Italian dishes. Guests can enjoy relaxed meals on the veranda or request private dining experiences for something a little more romantic. Whether it’s a candlelit dinner in the garden or a sunset cocktail by the pool, the atmosphere is always effortlessly elegant.

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. The Villa Bentota by KK Collection 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.

Whether you’re planning a romantic honeymoon in Sri Lanka, a relaxing end to a cultural tour or seeking a stylish beach escape, The Villa Bentota by KK Collection offers one of the most refined and intimate stays on the island’s southern coast.

My favourite thing is to go where I've never been.
Diane Arbus