Taj Bentota Resort & Spa

If you're looking for a luxurious stay with breathtaking views, Taj Bentota is the probably the best option within Bentota. Upon arrival, our family was upgraded from a partial sea view room to a full sea view room. The room itself was very nice and spacious with all modern amenities. The property is sea facing and you would always have the a sea full to enjoy your morning tea/coffee. The breakfast spread boasted many options including decent vegetarian ones and was indeed delicious! Highy recommend!

First of all a big thank you to Mr Sawe (Director rooms) for arranging everything seamlessly. Easily 1 of the best hotels in Sri Lanka.I did a lot of research online before finalizing this property and boy I was not disappointed at all. Huge property with huge grounds with a beautiful swimming pool (and a kid's pool). I was travelling with a toddler and obviously the room got messy, but way the room was cleaned everyday (twice) by the house keeping was commendable and rooms were spotless. the view from the balcony was just awesome, although I wish the balconies were a bit bigger. I was skeptical about the washrooms after reading some recent reviews here, but it was spotless. The only reason I gave 4 and not 5 was the breakfast. If this was my 1st stay/travel to a 5 star hotel, I would have given a 5 star to the breakfast as well. But since I have traveled to a few countries and stayed at the best hotels, believe me I have had a lot better breakfast spread. My breakfast suggestion would be to have 1 different dish everyday. I really liked the fish curry in 2 of the 5 breakfasts I had. Also liked the egg hoppers (it was different). The chicken curry in the breakfast was passable! It would be great if you can have a Thai & Indian dish once a week. The pillow menu in the room was something I only heard off earlier but never experienced - really liked it. You have property in an absolute exotic location, then why have a closed spa with false sound of waves? I would have preferred an spa facing the sea directly. Although the masseurs were too good and I had a good time at the spa. This suggestion goes out to the management team - think about it sirs! 1 more suggestion to the team would be to get rid of plastic water bottles. I am sure you hotel had around 200 rooms, so if it runs in full capacity, in a day you are dealing with 400 bottles (if not more) of plastic waste!! I would suggest you to invest in a water purification plant and have glass bottles in every room which can be refilled multiple times by the housekeeping. The last 2 suggestions - Spa and glass water bottles comes from my recent experience to a resort in Koh Samui (Thailand). There is boutique hotel there by the name of Saree Samui where I experienced the above 2 - they had clean glass water bottles and I had the best spa experience there - their spa was on a small cliff facing the sea!! Anybody travelling to Sri Lanka should not blink an eyelid booking this hotel. Me my wife and my kid loved your hospitality.

The view from our room took in the pool, the gardens and the sea. We were on the top floor which was both peaceful and accessible by lift or by stair. The room was impeccable every day thanks to our amazing room boy who took pride in his attention to cleanliness and small details like placing a lace mat for our toiletries to be placed in an orderly fashion. We had a different towel sculpture on our bed every day, ranging from elephants to flowers and a small note to wish us a wonderful day. All the staff are very welcoming and greet you with a smile at all times of day, they are eager to help when and if you need them. They are not forceful or intrusive which makes a pleasant relaxing stay, the days ebb on for eternity in this serene environment. All restaurant staff are wonderful from the waiters who are amazing in their role to the chef's who take pride in speaking with you to ensure your meal was enjoyed and to introduce themselves to all guests.We had an amazing romantic meal in the Sea view restaurant, out on the balcony, just my husband and I. We were tended to like royalty, the food and waiter service was out of this world. We have also attended the Shack Seafood restaurant. Sisil is quite a character and great company. He makes sure you are well looked after and cares for all your needs even down to an escorted umbrella walk back to the building when raining, the man's energy knows no bounds. We had prime front table in an amazing lightning storm which complimented our King prawns and Calamari perfectly. We were invited to the Christmas Cake mixing ceremony which is a yearly Taj tradition. The fruits were all presented in an amazing collage on a huge table top with dishes of spices and glass flasks of spirits. We were all adorned with Christmas aprons, hats and food preparation gloves.The hotel chef's, management staff and guests all then proceeded to pour the spirits over the dried fruits and mix vigorously by hand all to the sounds of a pianist. The colours were like jewels as it was all mixed together. This then was placed in airtight containers to steep until Christmas. It was great fun, wine and canapes completed the event. The pool is very clean and the pool guys are very good. He knew the spot we preferred to lay and prepared the area for us, down to the table and umbrella. Unfortunately I cannot remember everyone's names but they are all in well deserve of praise. Dinesh and daily duty managers are never too busy to stop for a chat and ensure you are enjoying every aspect of your stay.