If you are “stuck” behind your desk at the office or the kitchen counter at home and dreaming of that perfect sun-soaked vacay at the beach, then Bentota should be the place you head to next. This idyllic coastal town in Sri Lanka offers the perfect escape to enjoy by yourself, with the family or that special someone. Of course, if you have never been here before, you may not be fully convinced… just read on and you soon will be!
Sublime Beach
When it comes to beaches, Bentota is one of those places that ticks every box. It has golden sand that begs you to stretch out with a good book, work on your tan or build sandcastles with the kids. Families can unwind on the shore, while couples can wander hand in hand along the water’s edge as the sun paints the horizon in fiery shades of orange and pink.The waters here are calm in certain seasons, making it safe for paddling and swimming (ensure it’s at a time when the waves are not rough), while the vast open beach means you never feel like you are jostling for space. It’s easy to lose track of time here… the kind of spot where hours melt away and you only realise how late it is when the stars begin to appear.
Plenty of Water Sports
Now, if you are someone who thinks “I can only sit still for so long,” then here’s some good news. Bentota is often hailed as the water sports capital of Sri Lanka, and with good reason. Out on the ocean or in the river, you can try everything from jet skiing, windsurfing and banana boat rides to wakeboarding, mono skiing, and kayaking. Scuba diving is also on the menu, and the waters off Bentota are home to coral reefs, vibrant schools of fish, and the occasional sea turtle gliding by.
Accommodation Overlooking the Ocean
One of the true joys of a getaway here is that many resorts are set right along the beach, with rooms that let you wake up to the sights and sounds of the ocean. There’s something special about stepping onto a balcony in the morning, coffee in hand, as the sea breeze drifts in. And come evening, you will want to linger there to watch the sunset put on its spellbinding “show”. Such accommodation options can be found at properties like NH Bentota Ceysands Resort, which also offer sprawling pools, Jacuzzis, gyms, kids’ clubs for families, and restaurants serving everything from seafood and local dishes to international favourites. Of course, you will also find on-site spas, but more on that aspect coming up!
Holistic Wellness Rituals
If your idea of bliss goes beyond lounging, you can stay at a hotel in Bentota, which also doubles as a wellness haven. The ideal spa will offer holistic experiences inspired by Ayurveda, Sri Lanka’s ancient system of natural healing. This may include a full-body massage with herbal oils that smell faintly of spice gardens. For something unique, try a detoxifying Ceylon tea bath too. You can also dip into hydrotherapy at steam rooms, saunas, and Jacuzzis that melt away stress while the ocean “hums” in the background. Suffice it to say it’s the kind of reset that makes you feel lighter, calmer, and just a little more in tune with yourself.
Fascinating Things to Do
Of course, Bentota isn’t just about beaches and waves; it’s also full of rewarding discoveries. Glide along the Bentota River on a boat safari past thriving mangroves with a chance to see kingfishers, monkeys, and water monitors. Nature lovers can stroll through the enchanting Lunuganga Estate, designed by famed architect Geoffrey Bawa, and the nearby Brief Garden created by his brother, Bevis Bawa, each with its own charm. And if you like your holiday to leave a positive mark, visit nearby turtle conservation projects in Induruwa or Kosgoda… you might even witness tiny hatchlings making their brave “dash” to the ocean!