Rock Villa in Bentota by Taru Villas is boutique hotel, set on a beautiful, un-crowded stretch of coastline in the southwest of Sri Lanka. Originally a 170-year-old Walauwa (Heritage House) it is spread over 2.5 acres of private tropical garden, fronting the Indian Ocean. With original terracotta tiled roofs, wraparound airy verandas studded with rattan sofas and cooled by slow whirring ceiling fans, this picture-perfect setting jumps straight out of a 19th-century movie scene.
Inside the Rock Villa, high white ceilings characterise the colonial-feel with six spacious guestrooms, spread across the property. All are elegantly styled with fine original terracotta-tiled floors, antique artefacts and contemporary local art. Those looking for more space can book the two-bedroom Pool Suite, complete with comfy beds, inviting sofas and a pretty alfresco dining area. Mod cons in the room include TVs, DVD players, air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms with rain showers.
There is a dedicated team of staff with an experienced chef who creates a contemporary menu with fresh seafood and local ingredients. Dining at Rock Villa is very relaxed so you have a choice to eat when and where you like. Guests can walk down to the beach where the hotel organises sundowners or you can relax in the lovely large pool situated in the middle of the garden. Rock Villa is ideally located roughly between Colombo and Galle Fort to make easy day trips.
Amenities
Bar/PubConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableFamily RoomGardenLibraryMultilingual StaffOutdoor PoolPrivate BeachRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesWi-Fi AvailableStay Rock Villa features just six guestrooms. These include two Deluxe, two Superior and the Wallawwa Suite. Deluxe Rooms have a modern, beachy feel, with plenty of white timber furnishings and comfy double beds. Those wanting outdoor space can opt for the spacious Superior Rooms with sofa-studded verandas. The original two-bedroom Wallawwa Suite has a living and dining room opening out to a private veranda with garden views. All have ensuite bathrooms with hot/cold showers.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at Rock Villa, Bentota. The two-bedroom Walauwa Suite is ideal for families and offers lots of private space, including a master bedroom with king-sized four poster beds and twin beds, a central living/dining area, a pantry, a TV corner and a long, furnished veranda with garden views. Kids under 6 stay for free.
Dine Dining at the Rock Villa is a casual affair with philosophy of ‘eat when and where you like’. Breakfasts range from continental fare to full English to Sri Lankan. Lunches are available all day and you will have a choice between couple of set menus for the evening meal. Expect daily changing 3-course menu of modern Chinese and Thai to western combinations, prepared with fresh seafood and local ingredients, and served in the spacious open-sided dining pavilion.
Relax Facilities at the Rock Villa in Bentota include a 15-metre swimming pool, surrounded with beautiful 2.5 acres of garden, fringed with coconut palms. Next to the pool is the pavilion where you can get; relaxing massages with prior notice or relax in hammock, strung between the trees in the garden. Other facilities include: a TV lounge, books and board games and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Experience Bentota is a small resort town known for its long Bentota Beach that stretches north. Guests at Rock Villa are well placed to explore this strip, known as Paradise Island that runs parallel to Bentota Lagoon. Coral-rich dive sites include Canoe Rock. Southeast is lakeside Lunuganga, the estate and gardens of architect Geoffrey Bawa. Venture inland to explore the rich palm-sprinkled tapestry of villages and Buddhist temples as well as the ancient Kahandavihara Temple.
Location Rock Villa is set back from the sea on the coast at Bentota, off the Galle road, south of Colombo on the west coast.
Getting there Fly with Sri Lankan Airlines to Colombo, followed by a 2-hour drive to the hotel.
When to go Sri Lanka is a year-round destination with consistently warm temperatures and lots of sunshine. There are two monsoon seasons but they only bring rain to the west and south-west coasts from May to September; and the east coast and northern region between October and February. The rest of the year is sunny and dry but the months of December to April are probably the best time to visit. Colombo and the low-lying coastal regions have an average temperature of 27°C.
Destination
Beaches, Sri Lanka
Featured
Discover sides of Asia you never knew existed, revealed by people who know every facet.
Featured
June 01 - 1, June 01, 2025
Featured
June 01 - 1, June 01, 2025
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said us recently.
“I would like to thank Asian Geographical Expeditions staff for organising a perfect holiday for my family to Dubai, Sri Lanka and the Maldives…”
“We are grateful for the exceptional planning and care taken by Asian Geographical Expeditions to ensure our holiday was perfect.”
“… organised by Asian Geographical Expeditions following a recommendation from a close friend. He wasn’t wrong! Asian Geographical Expeditions immediately showed us their professionalism, care and attention to our wishes.”
“Thank you for suggesting the helicopter ride to Everest Base Camp and breakfast with a view of Mt Everest—a truly spectacular moment.”
“The history and cultural specialists also deserve a mention for the way they illuminated the heritage of the places we visited, as does the Buddhist scholar with his apparently boundless knowledge.”
“We were very impressed to learn that its CEO had led some amazing first-ever expeditions … Clearly, he’s still an ace at organising expeditions.”
“Tibet was a revelation … it surely was a blessing to travel back to the region after 50 years … Thank you, Asian Geographical Expeditions, for making this possible.”
"Everything went smoothly, and we want to thank our friendly guides and driver who shared their personal stories and the rich histories of their countries. That is the AGE difference."
"A heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Asian Geographical Expeditions who made this super trip possible."
"… we had a stress-free trip, ‘hands-free’, enabling us to enjoy the sights and rich cultures of Dubai and Oman ."
"The meticulous care, support and guidance provided by Asian Geographical Expeditions made the trip extra-special."
"The itinerary was as we expected... the Asian Geographical Expeditions did a fantastic job, going the extra mile to ensure we had the best holiday ever.”
"The attention to detail shone through every aspect of our journey … we gained a deep understanding of a region that remains enigmatic to many. Thanks for a remarkable travel experience!"
"I am deeply grateful to the entire team at Asian Geographical Expeditions for their dedication and hard work in crafting such a memorable holiday."
"The guides were exceptional—they clearly loved sharing their knowledge and insights into the local culture and history."
"We were really impressed with the immaculate organisation ... The Asian Geographical Expeditions team kept in communication during the tour, ensuring that each of our members was comfortable."
"The detailed itinerary and thoughtful pre-trip information removed all stress from our travels, which went off without a hitch, allowing us to dive deep into the stunning landscapes and rich cultures of Central Asia."
"The hospitality was truly remarkable... we are immensely grateful to the team for their efforts and look forward to our next adventure with Asian Geographical Expeditions."
"Every detail of our trip was superbly executed... (and) the exceptional attentiveness of the guides added a feeling of luxury and comfort that was much appreciated."
"The guides were not only knowledgeable but also truly passionate about sharing their rich cultural histories, which added a personal touch that was deeply appreciated."
"Every aspect of the trip, from guides to accommodation and the well-planned itinerary ... was seamlessly orchestrated. We will always recommend Asian Geographical Expeditions for anyone looking to explore Central Asia in unparalleled depth and comfort."
