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The Villa Bentota is a stylish beachside villa, set outside the town of Bentota, on Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast. Originally a `Mohotti Walauwa’, a beautiful manor house, it was renovated by iconic Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa into a gorgeous boutique hotel. Now owned by design guru Shanth Fernando, it has been transformed into a chic, seaside retreat but without diluting its original charm. It is ideally located close to a sandy strip known as Paradise Island.
Housed within the walled gardens of an extensive coconut grove estate, The Villa Bentota has just 15 air-conditioned rooms and suites. All are stylishly furnished with king-sized beds draped in fine linen, minibars and en-suite bathrooms. Expect beach-facing balconies with super sea views, garden-gazing bath tubs in Superior Suites and private plunge pool in an Executive Suite. Contemporary Sri Lankan and Western dishes are served in the Villa Café and delectable cocktails in the adjoining bar.
There are plenty of spaces to relax and unwind at the Villa Bentota including a nearly 23-metre swimming pool. In the surrounds, 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. Inland tour include visit to the Cinnamon Island, Kosgoda Turtle Conservation Project and visit to the nearby Geoffrey Bawa's house, Lunuganga.
Amenities
Stay The Villa Bentota has just 15 rooms and suites. Each has its own unique character, but all share the same signature Bawa-inspired monochrome style: an artful combination of contemporary and classic leanings. The smaller Standard Rooms may have direct garden access, Superior Suites are much roomier and come with a private veranda, balcony or roof terrace. The luxurious `Mohotti Suite’ consists of two double rooms, living room and freestanding bathtub with garden and sea view.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at the Villa Bentota hotel but there are specific facilities available for children.
Dine Dining at the Villa Bentota is in the Villa Café, an open-sided pillared pavilion. The cosmopolitan a la carte menu is created by head chef, Nishantha Liyanage, who came from Paradise Road’s celebrated Gallery Café in Colombo. As such it includes many of its signature dishes such as Black Pork Curry and Sri Lankan Prawn Curry as well as ginger chicken and grilled lobster. There’s even an authentic pizza oven, plus homemade ice creams. The cafe is linked to a bar which spill onto a deck.
Relax For relaxation there are two swimming pools at the Villa Bentota. Guests have an easy access to the beach and the 'Villa Spa' managed by Spa Ceylon Ayurveda offers treatments on appointment. The 'Villa Shop' – Paradise Road gift store offers 10% discount for residents and the 'Villa Gallery' has space featuring local contemporary artists with art for sale.
Experience Set on the southwest coast, the Villa Bentota offers a wide range of activities at the nearby Bentota lagoon including surfing, snorkelling, and jet skiing. Cruise through the Madu Ganga River mangroves and explore its river islands, home to over 111 bird species. Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Conservation Project and view some of the endangered species. Culture tour can include a visit to the Galle Dutch Fort, Kande Viharaya that dates back to 1700s and Geoffrey Bawa’s gardens at Lunuganga.
Location 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.
Getting there Fly to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. From the airport we recommend leaving 2-hours for the journey to The Villa Bentota.
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.
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May 04 - 19, May 19, 2025
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