Club Villa Bentota

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Club Villa Bentota

Bentota

, Sri Lanka

Nestled along the golden shores of Bentota on Sri Lanka’s south-west coast, Club Villa offers an intimate and tranquil escape steeped in architectural significance. Originally designed in 1976 by the legendary Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa as a four-bedroom holiday home for its owners, it gracefully transitioned into a welcoming hotel in 1980. Over the ensuing years, the property has seen thoughtful additions and enhancements by other respected figures in Sri Lankan architecture and art, including Channa Daswatta, Chevadurai Anjalendran, and Laki Senanayake, who contributed a remarkable, detailed mural depicting the Sinharaja rainforest. Today, Club Villa stands as an idyllic boutique hotel, set within two and a half acres of lush tropical gardens that stretch down to the beach. It carefully balances its rich heritage with modern comforts, creating a serene atmosphere that appeals to those seeking relaxation and a connection with nature. The villa’s philosophy centres on providing tranquillity, comfort, excellent cuisine, and warm Sri Lankan hospitality, making it feel like a sophisticated ‘home away from home’ for its guests, whether they are couples seeking romance or friends travelling together.

Our Rating: Luxury

Property Type: Beach

Accommodation

Club Villa Bentota provides a charming selection of 17 individually decorated rooms alongside an exclusive Club Suite, ensuring an intimate and personalised stay. The accommodation is broadly divided into Standard and Deluxe categories. Standard Rooms are conveniently situated on the ground floor, each featuring a private balcony that opens onto views of the verdant gardens. Positioned on the first floor, the Deluxe Rooms often offer additional space, sometimes incorporating mezzanine levels, and boast either private balconies or large bay windows looking out towards the gardens or the sea. For the ultimate indulgence, the Club Suite presents a self-contained living space complete with its own private garden area, a sea-view lounge, and an exceptionally luxurious semi open-air, split-level bathroom equipped with both a Jacuzzi bathtub and a separate rain shower. Each room, regardless of category, is air-conditioned and thoughtfully furnished with hand-picked pieces that evoke the Dutch colonial era, complemented by vibrant local textiles and art. Modern amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, a minibar, an in-room safe, premium bedding, and well-appointed ensuite bathrooms with showers, bathrobes, and complimentary toiletries are standard, ensuring a comfortable and restful experience for every guest.

Dining

Dining at Club Villa Bentota is a delightful experience, focusing on fresh ingredients and personalised service. The main dining area is an inviting, open-sided pavilion that allows gentle breezes and views of the surrounding greenery, creating a relaxed setting for meals. The culinary approach predominantly favours à la carte menus for lunch and dinner, offering a sophisticated blend of European dishes alongside flavourful and authentic Sri Lankan specialities. Given its coastal location, fresh seafood features prominently and is a highlight, sourced daily to ensure quality and taste. Breakfast is typically an all-day Western-style offering, providing flexibility for guests. Beyond the main pavilion, the hotel offers more intimate dining arrangements; guests can request a candle-lit table set up within the beautiful gardens or even arrange a private dining experience directly on the beach, perhaps enjoying a special seafood barbecue complete with champagne under the stars. A poolside bar serves refreshing drinks throughout the day, and there is also a coffee shop for lighter refreshments. Room service is available during limited hours for those preferring to dine in the privacy of their accommodation.

Experiences

Club Villa Bentota provides ample opportunities for both relaxation and exploration. Within the hotel’s serene grounds, guests can unwind by the inviting freshwater swimming pool, which includes a Jacuzzi section, or find a peaceful spot in the expansive lawned garden, perhaps lounging in a hammock strung between palm trees or on one of the scattered sun loungers. The garden leads directly onto the beautiful Bentota beach, perfect for long walks along the shore or simply enjoying the coastal scenery. For indoor relaxation, there is a library and a selection of board games. Those seeking rejuvenation can indulge in spa services, including massages and various body treatments. Beyond the villa, the Bentota area is renowned for its activities. The nearby Bentota River is a hub for water sports, offering everything from water-skiing and jet-skiing to leisurely river boat tours through mangroves. Cultural excursions are easily arranged to sites like Brief Garden, the former home and captivating landscaped garden of Bevis Bawa (Geoffrey Bawa’s brother), or Geoffrey Bawa’s own iconic Lunuganga Estate. Visits to local temples like Galapita Vihara, the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, and mask-making workshops in Ambalangoda offer further insights into local culture and wildlife conservation efforts.

Why we love this place

The most defining characteristic of Club Villa Bentota is undoubtedly its connection to Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s most celebrated architect. His initial design laid the foundation for the villa’s unique aesthetic, which masterfully blends elements of tropical modernism with a sensitivity to the local environment and historical echoes, evident in the high ceilings, simple yet elegant woodwork, and seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. This architectural pedigree, further enriched by contributions from other notable Sri Lankan creatives like Laki Senanayake, whose Sinharaja mural is a distinct feature, gives the property a unique artistic soul. Beyond its design, the intimate scale of the hotel, with only seventeen rooms and one suite, fosters a sense of exclusivity and allows for highly personalised service, contributing to its ‘private villa’ ambiance. The careful curation of Dutch colonial-inspired antique furniture adds a layer of historical charm. Furthermore, its location within beautifully maintained tropical gardens that offer direct access to a long stretch of golden beach, combined with an overarching sense of peace and tranquillity (punctuated only occasionally by the charming rumble of a passing coastal train), makes Club Villa a truly special retreat.

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Club Villa Bentota