Sri Lanka’s west coast is a haven for wide sandy beaches and Kirana Villa overlooks one of its most pristine coastal stretches – the quieter southern end of Bentota Beach. Those staying here wake up to panoramic ocean views framed by swaying coconut palms, and can wander directly onto the beach for sea swims in season.
Kirana means ‘ray of light’, and its west-facing position means that some of Sri Lanka’s most illuminating sunsets are served up daily. The villa – a sister property to Santani Wellness Resort – was designed by leading Sri Lankan architect Channa Daswatta, and is a tribute to contemporary design, tropical aesthetics and open-plan living. The four ground-floor guestrooms – two double bedrooms with king-sized beds and a two-bedroom Family Suite (double/twin bedroom) – feel spacious and have garden views.
By day, relax in the open-plan living space, dip into the generous 20-metre swimming pool, read a book beneath coconut palms or explore the beach. Life is relaxed, and the villa’s staff team discretely look after each and every guest. Nourishment is all part of the experience, and like at Santani Wellness Resort, the gourmet menu is based upon the Ayurvedic concept of Rasa Haya, which balances each meal according to six tastes – sweet, salty, sour, pungent, bitter and astringent.
Part of the villa’s attraction is its local area. Things to do include visiting ancient Buddhist temples and an Edwardian mansion, enjoying water sports in Bentota, visiting a sea turtle hatchery and exploring mesmerising gardens designed by the famous Bawa brothers – Lunuganga and Brief – each different yet equally attractive tropical estates.
Key facts
- Four spacious a/c bedrooms with enquite bathrooms
- Two bedrooms form part of a two-bedroom Family Suite
- Contemporary, open plan design conceived by Channa Daswatta
- Large garden with 20 metre swimming pool
- Located on a desirable beach with sea swimming possible
- Fully staffed, including butlers and a private chef
- Exceptional food based on Rasa Haya or taste-based nutrition
- No railway track crossing separating the property from the beach
Experiences
- Spend your days relaxing in the garden or have a dip in the ocean
- Have an indulgent massage in your room or in the garden (on request)
- Join the chef on a market visit and embark on a Sri Lankan cookery class
- Visit the mass nesting sites of sea turtles at a local conservation initiative
- Enjoy a variety of water sports including jet skiing at Bentota
- Visit Lunuganga and Brief, each an exotic estate and garden
- At Galpota Temple, see Buddhist murals and a 2,500-year-old dagoba
- Explore Richmond Castle, an Edwardian mansion near Kalutara
More Information
- The hotel is located at the southern end of Bentota Beach
- The nearest train station is Bentota, 3km to the north
- The air taxi landing spot is 3km away on the Bentota Lagoon
- Distance to Colombo is 75km or 1.5-hours (via the Southern Expressway)
- Distance to the Bandaranaike International Airport is 108km or 1-hour, 40 minutes’ drive (via the Southern Expressway)