Highlights
- Colonial plantation villa
- 2 swimming pools
- Ayurvedic massage room
- Boat safaris nearby
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 855 686 7694
EnquireThe Villa Bentota is a chic and elegant seaside retreat set in two acres of picturesque gardens. Once a colonial era plantation villa, it now belongs to the Paradise property portfolio. In 2009, the villa underwent a significant refurbishment that transformed it into the beachside boutique hotel it is today. A new swimming pool was added, rooms were modernized and an entire new wing was constructed, though care was taken to ensure it blended in well with the original building. The property is located in the town of Bentota, which lies on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast and is about an hour and a half from Colombo, the country’s capital.
The accommodation comprises 15 rooms and suites, all offering a range of convenient amenities, such as air conditioning, comfortable Egyptian cotton bedding and a mosquito net. Each room is unique in design, layout and style. There’s a room just for solo travelers, as well as a two-bedroom suite for families or large groups of friends. Most of the rooms and suites offer views of either the property’s gardens or the sea, and some of the suites even have their own plunge pool.
The property has two swimming pools set amongst the lush landscaped gardens, as well as a shop and gallery selling a variety of arts and crafts, homeware and pieces of contemporary Sri Lankan art. There’s also an Ayurvedic massage room. Food is generally served at The Villa Cafe, though you can choose to dine in your room or by one of the pools if you so wish. One of the more unique aspects of this hotel is the railway line that runs between the gardens and the beach. Some guests find it adds an extra level of charm to the property, while others may find it somewhat intrusive. Near the hotel there are lots of activities to enjoy, from water sports and visiting a turtle hatchery, to shopping in the Bentota town centre or going on a boat safari to see mangroves, ruined temples and of course, plenty of local wildlife.
Children are welcome, although parents should be aware that the hotel doesn’t offer any specific facilities for children, such as childcare or play facilities. Since there’s an in-use railway line running through the resort, parents are advised to keep an eye on their children at all times. Most of the property’s rooms can fit an extra bed or a baby cot, and larger families may want to consider the Mohotti Suite, as it has two bedrooms.
Dear Lisa. On behalf of the three generations of the Rowland family. Thank you, so much, for organising our wonderful holiday to Botswana and the Victoria Falls. The trip of a lifetime. The week mobile camping in the bush, with our guide Nandos and his crew was a fantastic adventure. How they manage to cook such wonderful food on an open fire is amazing. The sites were constantly visited by monkeys and once by elephants. We were even lucky enough to see two packs of wild dogs, once with a kill. Waterberry Lodge on the Zambezi River is a wonderfully tranquil place. Ideal to relax after the adventures of our safari and visiting Victoria Falls. Very many thanks once again
Godfrey R
reviewing Private Mobile Family Safari in Botswana
on 25 September 2023
We had a great time - even with the flight between Governors and the coast being two flights and a car! We also experienced a power cut At Nairobi airport on the way home so 2+ hours late taking off. Governors. Wonderful people and dealt with the flight delay very well - taking us back and letting us know that we could stay there if the flight was delayed overnight. The game drives were excellent and our guide (Erick) obviously very experienced and managed to find all the key animals - no rhino in that part of the Masai Mara but everything else in abundance - never seen so many herbivores (many many elephants as well as all the others) as well as two prides of lions. Could not have asked for more. The ‘tent’ was excellent and comfortable and well serviced. The only ‘complaint’ would be that the food - especially dinner - could be improved (I think we got a bit bored of soup as a starter for every meal bar one) and the main courses were not at the same level as Kinondo Kwetu and while all were explained there was no choice offered. The breakfasts were just what was needed after an early game drive. Kinondo Kwetu. What a great location and the welcome when we arrived at just gone 11.00pm was better than you could have ever thought possible - they we’re disappointed that we did not at that time want the full dinner experience! The rooms we’re comfortable. The food was excellent but again no choice was offered - other than for allergy reasons (which we do not have). May be some choice would be nice. Having said that the food we did have was excellent as were the wines (albeit a short list!) and other drinks. There were (as you know) lots of facilities/sports options - but we spent our time relaxing which was exactly what we needed and there were lots of places to do that. Overall. We would go back to both places - perhaps a few more nights at Kinondo Kwetu next time but 3 nights at Governors was perfect for us. Thank you for organising and recommending both places. That you and your colleague for trying to find out about the plane (flat tyre) but communication by the flight company left a lot to be desired (Governors were furious that they were not told and had taken us to the airstrip). Phil
Philip R
reviewing Masai Mara Safari & Kenya Beach
on 01 September 2023
It was certainly a holiday of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute!! The standard and location of each accommodation was excellent, as was the variety of each different accommodation type. Our schedule was perfect and we managed to achieve everything on our to-do task list. Your documents were also really helpful, as were the driving directions. We all thank you for making this such a wonderful holiday. Happy to leave a review publicly if you point me the right way. Best Steve
Stephen H
reviewing Classic Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari
on 01 September 2023