Thambapanni Retreat is a charming, small boutique hotel that has been recently totally renovated and upgraded in 2014. It really does offer very good value for money. The hotel itself is set in luxuriant jungle foliage, in a quiet area of Unawatuna about a 5min walk from the beach. It is set hard up against the hill and unusually, some of the rocks are used feature walls in some of the rooms. There are a number of steps to some of the rooms.
This hotel was originally a colonial bungalow dating back to the 19th century but having been renovated it is now an extremely elegant boutique hotel which retains many of its original architectural features but does have a very contemporary feel to it with the use of black, white and natural colours. The 2 acres of gardens are shaded by many tropical trees, and there is a long slate lined the pool to relax by. The main Colombo to Galle railway runs between the end of the gardens and the beach- some can find this intrusive. The beach is a short walk away
This is a laid back hotel that offers exceptionally good value for money and is perfect for those who just want to just get away from it all or take advantage of the yoga retreat or surf camp. There are 8 villas set in 4 acres of beautiful tropical gardens which lead down to a fantastic secluded beach which is generally calm for safe swimming (but you do need to ask at the hotel if it is safe when you are there)- there is a fantastic 20m pool if you find the sea is too rough. Children under the age of 10 years are not allowed during December and January.
This is a well-established eco-resort that has a very definite back to nature feel with its octagonal shaped wooden cabanas under swaying palms in a lush tropical garden. By their nature, the accommodation is more basic in the cabanas. With the addition of some modern villas, the hotel now caters for those who would like a little more luxury. The hotel fronts a beautiful sheltered cove.
This is a beautiful small boutique hotel about 10 minutes inland from Bentota in a peaceful location in the village of Kommala. The Doctors House is a 150-year old Walauwa (manor house where the Ayurvedic doctor lived) which is retained many of its splendid architectural features such as columns, central courtyard and verandah. All the rooms have antique furniture. The lush gardens are a real haven of peace and tranquillity, interspersed with tropical trees, a delightful pool and the dining pavilion. Weddings can be arranged here.
La Maison Nil Manel is a stunning colonial style small boutique hotel with 6 rooms exquisitely decorated with superb antiques from the Portuguese, Dutch and British former colonies with vibrant silks. Don’t miss the stunning sunsets to be seen from the beach which is a two minute walk (200m) down a small lane. The beach is actually very private and is several kilometres in length. If you are not too concerned about being right on the beach this is the perfect location to escape to!
They do not accommodate children under the age of 7yrs.
