Sri Lanka is back on the holiday map and after hearing glowing reports from visitors over the past couple of years we thought it about time we paid the island a visit.
The West coast has the best beaches and it’s here we decided to hole up and overcome our jetlag, in the small town of Bentota. Bentota itself might be one of the more touristy destinations on the island, often referred to as the ‘Pearl of The Indian Ocean’, but the vast beaches and low tourist numbers in general mean that we found a spot of completely deserted sand and clear blue waters just a 20 minute walk away from the hotel.
Beaches aside Bentota is also home to some of the best hotels on the island, ours the Vivanta by Taj recently had a refurbishment and has no less than four restaurants, bar, swimming pool, spa and gym. We arrived a little weary from the flight but soon came around after an ice-cold welcome drink and the addition of fresh flower garlands that were placed around our necks. Holiday mode had hit, even more so when we arrived at our room with it’s floor to ceiling windows and views of the pristine grounds, pool and beach below.
After a dip in the picture perfect pool we headed straight for the spa, an oasis of calm set away from the hotel with a good selection Ayurveda treatments to ease away the aches and pains of a long haul flight. Relaxed and revived it was time to hit the bar and enjoy a cocktail with the soothing sounds of the live band before heading outside to the SHACK to indulge in some fresh seafood. We picked the juicy lobster and jumbo prawns grilled to order, served with the sounds of the crashing waves and yet another live band playing. Bliss!
Two early nights, more of the same treatment and we were finally ready to face Sri Lanka…
Vivanta by Taj, Bentota, Sri Lanka is a 2 Hours & 30 minute drive from the Colombo International Airport serviced by flights from the UK. Rates start from £150 per room per night on a double occupancy basis inclusive of breakfast.