Bentota

Sri Lanka’s southwest coast is where the Indian Ocean is at its most generous
— long arcs of golden sand, safe swimming lagoons, and water warm enough to stay in far
too long. Bentota is our preferred southern beach base: far enough from Colombo to feel
truly removed, but close enough to reach with good road. The Madu River, which flows into
the sea here, is one of Sri Lanka’s most fascinating waterways — a mangrove ecosystem rich
with bird life, river otters, and monitor lizards, best explored by local wooden boat. Turtle
hatcheries on the beach allow guests to participate in conservation work. Water sport
options range from jet-ski to calm lagoon kayaking