Located just off the southern coast of India, the teardrop-shaped island of Sri Lanka is a paradise. As we were continuing our family holiday from Kandy, we were very excited about our stay in the coastal town of Bentota mainly because of the hotel. We have tried Taj properties before and were aware that this time too we will be spoilt with top-notch hospitality.
Vivanta by Taj – Bentota boasts incredible views of the Indian Ocean while the unending coconut tress add to the sublime setting. You will definitely be forgiven for spending all your time relaxing on the beach and chilling in the pool. This hotel has given us some of the best memories that will last a lifetime!
Location:
The hotel is a 2 hour 30 minute (110km) drive from the Colombo International Airport. Surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking the Indian Ocean, this place is an absolute retreat.
This luxurious beach resort is located along the finest beaches on the South Western Coast of Sri Lanka and enjoys close proximity to most of the tourist locations. Also a local railway line runs behind the hotel.
Check In/ Check out:
After a six hour drive from Kandy we were more than happy to arrive at this luxurious property. At the entrance we were greeted and were taken to the check in desk immediately. Since we arrived at night, our room was ready and so were the check in forms. The procedure barely took us two minutes after which we were escorted to the sofas in the lobby. Some hot towels and a few glasses of juice were ready to help us get refreshed after our exhausting journey. Well, these are little things that matter the most. The checkout was also fuss free and it took us five minutes to complete the procedure.
Hotel Interiors:
The hotel is stylish and modern and boasts post card views from all corners. The solid wood high ceiling in the lobby is complemented with stunning chandeliers and a beautiful floral arrangement.
Room: Superior Charm Sea View
Offering spectacular views of the Indian Ocean these rooms are located on a higher floor, have a private mini terrace and are designed in pastel shades. They are huge enough to fit three people comfortably and also fully equipped with a tea/ coffee maker, mini bar, 24 hour room service, etc. The terrace has deck chairs where you can relax and enjoy a beautiful senset over the ocean. We also received a plate of candies the moment we entered the room.
Restaurants:
No holiday is complete without good food and this hotel just raises the bar. With a variety of restaurants that Taj has to offer, one is indeed spoilt for choice. The food in each of these is delectable and flavorful. (Palms was my favourite)
-Shack: This seafood dining spot offers an amazing experience right under the stars (open only for dinner). You can sip on a cocktail and indulge in some mouthwatering seafood with the sound of the live band clashing with the waves.
-Oriental Pavillion: This Chinese restaurant is perfect for lunch.
-Palms: This is the main buffet restaurant which is by the poolside. The breakfast here includes an amazing spread of Indian delicacies like dosa, appams etc to Continental and American varieties like eggs, sausages, muffins. Not to forget the fresh coconut water served here everyday. This place was perfect even for an evening snack by the poolside. At night, they have a buffet and a-la carte option.
-Sea View: Choose from Continental, European, Italian, International and Western cuisine and dine with a stunning view of the Indian ocean.
-Sea Lounge: A perfect place to grab a cocktail and enjoy some bar snacks.
Spa:
The Jiva Spa is an oasis of calm set away from the hotels main ground. The walk in the woods will excite you enough to try one of their treatments. The authentic remedies here are complemented with Indian herbs and aroma therapy oils.
Pool and Other Activities:
For me a resort holiday is all about the pool and this one was picture perfect. Apart from serving snacks and drinks by the poolside, they also had a mini library where you could choose books. Some of their pool chairs faced the beach and you could just lie there all day and soak in the natural beauty. They also have various activities like beach volleyball, parasailing, yoga, cricket etc. The hotel also has an access to the beach (a must visit during sunset)
Excursions:
The hotel concierge desk also arranges for day excursions like the Galle Fort Trip, Kosgoda Turtle Conservation Project, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Village experience on a Tuk Tuk, Whale watching in Galle, Madu Ganga River Cruise and many more.
Ideal for: A family holiday or a romantic getaway.
Service:
Like I’ve mentioned in my previous Taj review, you definitely cannot go wrong with the service here. Taj is the epitome of good hospitality. The staff here will go out of their way to make you happy and leave no wish unfulfilled.
During dinner at Palms, Chef Dalip was kind enough to personally come to our table for requests and feedback. The staff at the help desk was amazing too. Every evening, we would receive little complimentary snacks in our room. Since my flight to Mumbai was at night, I requested for a late check out. They obliged but told me to change my room since that floor was overbooked. I expected to be put up in a deluxe room but to my surprise they shifted us in their garden view suite. I am always very impressed with the service in all Taj hotels and this time was no different.
Note: I would highly recommend you to take the sea view room.
Contact: www.vivantabytaj.com/bentota-sri-lanka
National Holiday Resort, Bentota 80500, Sri Lanka
Phone:+94 34 5 555555
Bentota is home to some of the best hotels on the island but this property strikes a perfect balance between top class hospitality and natural beauty, making it the perfect choice. You can enjoy some of the most exotic scenery and have a blissful holiday here. I can’t wait to go back again!
Click the gallery below to view pictures!
Awesome and very helpful review, can’t wait to be there next week!
Thank you! Glad you liked it 🙂 I hope you enjoy your stay..