Bentota Bliss: Your Dream Family Beach Getaway in Sri Lanka!
Bentota Bliss: My (Somewhat Chaotic, Utterly Honest) Sri Lankan Beach Rhapsody - A Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the chai (and maybe a little sand) on Bentota Bliss. Forget those perfectly curated travel blogs. This is the REAL DEAL. And let me tell you, this place… it's a rollercoaster. A glorious, occasionally bumpy, family-friendly rollercoaster on the shores of Sri Lanka's beautiful Bentota Beach.
First Impressions (and a bit about Getting There):
Accessibility? Let's start there. Finding this place was… interesting. Google Maps led us on a scenic detour, which involved a thrilling drive down a bumpy dirt road that my rental car, bless its little engine, almost choked on. The accessibility within the hotel itself, however, scores high. Elevators and ramps were a lifesaver. (Accessibility, Facilities for disabled guests, and Getting around: Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking) are all good, but it's the getting there that needs a bit of a reality check! The hotel staff were super helpful with our luggage, though, which was incredibly appreciated.
Check-in & Security - Feeling Safe(ish):
(CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express],, Check-in/out [private], Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms). I felt pretty secure thanks to the multiple CCTV and security, but honestly, I'm a worrier. It made me feel a bit more relaxed. And the speedy check-in – after that drive, I appreciated it!
The Rooms (and the Glorious Freedom of Free Wi-Fi!):
(Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.) Okay, so finally, the Wi-Fi. (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, and Internet access – wireless) - bless you, Bentota Bliss, for this! Free, reliable Wi-Fi? That's practically a love letter to a traveling family. And the rooms themselves? Pretty darn comfortable. We had a "garden view" which turned out to be the side of the hotel, but who was I to complain? The air con worked, the bed was comfy enough, and the endless supply of free water? Genius! The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for those early sunrise wake-up calls from my youngest. The bathroom was a decent size and came with a full set of toiletries, plus the softest slippers I've ever had, but a minor thing was I noticed the hairdryer was a little old… but that's just me.
Food, Glorious Food! (and, ahem, the Occasional Culinary Challenge):
(A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant). Alright, let's talk food. Sri Lankan cuisine is everything! The breakfast buffet? An absolute beast. Ripe mangoes, fresh coconut, spicy sambals – my mouth is watering just remembering it. (Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant). The options were astounding. My partner, being a picky eater, gravitated towards the "Western" options which were also good. BUT… one night, we ordered room service (Room service [24-hour]) that wasn't quite as fantastic and arrived a little late. So, there's that. But honestly, the good far outweighed the occasional minor hiccup. Oh, and the poolside bar? Perfect for a sundowner. (Poolside bar, Happy hour).
Things to Do (or, How to Actually Relax):
(Things to do, ways to relax, Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]). Ah, the reason we were there: RELAXATION. Did Bentota Bliss deliver? Mostly, yes! The main swimming pool was a paradise, with a stunning ocean view. (Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view) I will say I was a bit bummed that the sauna and steamroom were closed during the COVID-19 times. However, the spa was amazing. I treated myself to a massage (the best I’ve ever had!) and a foot bath – a real treat! (Massage, Foot bath, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom). There's also a gym I went to. (Fitness center, Gym/fitness). Bentota Beach itself is beautiful, although the undertow can be a bit strong, so keep an eye on the kids!
For the Kids (and keeping them relatively sane):
(Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal). Honestly, this place is a gift if you have kids. The staff were incredibly patient and friendly with my two little tornadoes. They loved the kids' pool (separate from the main one, which was fantastic!), and there's a babysitting service if you need a break. (Babysitting service, Kids facilities, Kids meal). There wasn't a specific "kids club", but with the beach, the pool, and the general kid-friendliness of the hotel, it wasn't missed.
Cleanliness and Safety (because, let's be real, it's on everyone's mind):
(Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment). During these weird times, this was important. I was very impressed by the efforts to keep the place clean. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, staff masked up, and I saw them cleaning constantly. The dining setup was also very careful.
The Little Extras (that make a difference):
(Services and conveniences, Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center). The concierge was super helpful with booking excursions. The gift shop had some lovely souvenirs (because I needed to bring back something for my mum, obviously). The laundry service was a godsend after our kids' epic beach adventures (those kids REALLY know how to get messy!).
The "Meh" Bits (because honesty):
- The room decor was a little dated. I guess the "bliss" was slightly missing in the style.
- The beach vendors can be a bit persistent. It's part of the experience, but sometimes a "no, thank you" isn't enough.
- The elevator was slow. Really slow. But hey, it's better than the stairs, right?
Overall Verdict: A Solid YES!
Bentota Bliss? It's not perfect. Nothing ever is, especially with kids in tow. But it's a fantastic choice for a family getaway. It's safe, clean, offers a ton of amenities, has great food (mostly!), and that beach? Chef's kiss. It's perfect if you are looking for a (Couple's room, Family/child friendly)
**The Offer: Your
Pattaya Paradise: 8-10 Person Luxury Villa w/ Pool & Pool Table!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your sanitized brochure itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL, the messy, glorious, sometimes-chaotic adventure that is a family getaway to Bentota, Sri Lanka. Prepare for sand in places you never knew existed and a whole lot of laughs (and maybe a few tears, let's be honest).
The Bentota Beach Bonanza: A Family's Unfiltered Escapade
Pre-Departure Mayhem (aka the Days Leading Up To the Apocalypse…I mean, Vacation)
- Day 1-3 (The Pre-Trip Frenzy): Oh. My. God. Packing. The sheer terror of having to corral a family of four (two teenagers who think they're too cool for everything and a husband who packs like he's planning a survivalist expedition) is enough to trigger a full-blown existential crisis. Let’s be honest, the most important thing is the beach bag, and the beach bag must have all the essentials, the rest is negotiable. Remember.
- A Tale of Two Suitcases: My suitcase? Minimalist chic. My husband’s? An entire wardrobe, a first-aid kit that could rival a small hospital, and enough protein bars to feed a small army. We argue. A lot. The kids, meanwhile, are packing enough technology to launch a small satellite.
- Ticketing Tango and Visa Vomit (Metaphorically, of course): The visa application process ALMOST broke me. Seriously. Don't even get me started. Then the constant refreshing of the airline website to see if the prices have magically dropped. Spoiler alert: they never do.
- The Night Before the Great Escape: Sleep? Ha! I tossed, I turned, I double-checked the passports (three times), and I worried about everything from rogue mosquitos to the kids getting food poisoning. My husband snored blissfully. Ah, the joys of motherhood!
Day 1: Touchdown and Turtle Time (and a Slight Breakdown - Mine, Not the Turtles)
- Arrival in Colombo (CMB): The humid blast of Sri Lankan air hits you like a warm, fragrant hug (once you've escaped the airport lines, that is…). So long, sanity! Hello tropical paradise! The taxi ride to Bentota is a sensory overload: vibrant colors, honking tuk-tuks, and the occasional cow chilling on the side of the road. My teenagers were unimpressed, but I was secretly loving it.
- The Hotel Hustle (A.K.A. Finding Our Fortress): We chose (after endless deliberation) a beachside hotel. The first hour? A blur of check-in, room reveals (ours was decent, the kids' had a balcony that overlooked the ocean!), and unpacking. My husband had to take a nap immediately, and the kids were immediately glued to their phones.
- Beach Day: Round One (and a Near-Disaster): The beach! The crystal-clear water! The glorious sunshine! I was in heaven. Until… My youngest son, bless his adventurous heart, decided to "explore" the tide pools. Cue frantic shrieking when he found a crab. Cue me, sprinting across the beach, looking like a deranged seagull.
- Turtle Hatchery Visit: This was… a whole experience. Seriously, cute baby turtles trying to make their way to the sea. The kid's were super into it. I got completely emotional. Watching these tiny creatures scurry towards the ocean, facing, well, the whole world, it's life!
- Dinner Drama: Dinner at the hotel restaurant? Let’s just say ordering a "mild" curry proved… optimistic. My husband and I were sweating, while the kids, predictably, opted for pizza. It’s like they actively try to thwart my attempts at cultural immersion.
Day 2: River Rambles and Fishy Fiascos
- Bentota River Safari: A Floating Adventure (and a Chance to Witness My Husband's Fear of Crocodiles): This was fantastic! We hopped into a boat and cruised along the Bentota River, and it was just… everything! We saw mangroves, lizards, birds, and monkeys. My husband, bless his heart, was convinced a crocodile was going to leap out and eat him. His reactions were hilarious.
- The Fish Market Frenzy: Armed with a strong stomach (and a nose plug), we headed to the local fish market in the afternoon. Fresh seafood galore! The kids were, predictably, horrified. Too many guts, too many smells, and one rogue fish that looked like it might jump out.
- Cooking Class Calamity (or How I Almost Burned Down the Kitchen): We tried – TRIED – to take a cooking class. I envisioned myself whipping up a delicious curry in an idyllic setting. The reality? I set off the smoke alarm. My husband saved the day.
- Sunset Stroll and Sandcastle Sovereignty: The evening brought a glorious sunset. We built a sandcastle. It was promptly destroyed by the tide. Life.
Day 3: The Temple & The Train (and a Teenager’s Tantrum)
- Galle Fort Exploration: A UNESCO World Heritage site, steeped in history and charm. The kids, initially, were bored. The fort’s architecture was interesting. I enjoyed taking photos. One teenager had a full-blown meltdown because "there's no Wi-Fi." Ugh.
- The Train Ride to Hikkaduwa: It was AMAZING. The views were spectacular: emerald rice paddies, bustling towns, and the sparkling turquoise ocean. The kids were glued to their phones, but I didn't care. It was beautiful.
- Beach Bliss (and the Surfing Saga): Hikkaduwa Beach: Big waves, cool vibes. My husband and I gave surfing a try. I lasted about five seconds before wiping out spectacularly. My husband, on the other hand, managed to stand up for a whole two seconds. The kids, of course, were effortlessly cool.
Day 4: Relaxation, Exploration, and a Final Farewell
- Beach Bumming and Book Bliss: One whole day dedicated to nothing but sun, sand, and the soothing sound of the ocean. The kids got their fill of water sports (which kept them happy). I finally finished that book I'd been trying to read for months. Heaven.
- Massage Mania (and My Husband's Snoring Symphony): Spa day! A traditional Sri Lankan massage was pure bliss. My husband, apparently, thought the massage was a lullaby.
- The Farewell Feast: One last seafood dinner, savouring every flavour. As we sat and enjoyed the last moments.
- Packing Purgatory 2.0 : The dreaded moment. Somehow our luggage, despite my best efforts, was even heavier now. We did our best to fit our belongings into the luggage.
- Departure Delirium: The drive to the airport. The endless security lines. The final glimpses of Sri Lanka through the airplane window. A mix of relief, exhaustion, and the bittersweet sadness of leaving paradise.
Quirky Observations and Final Thoughts:
- The Sri Lankan Smile: The people are incredibly kind, warm, and welcoming. Their smiles are genuine and infectious.
- The Food (mostly): Delicious, flavourful, and often surprisingly spicy (even the "mild" dishes!).
- The Mosquitos: They are real. Bring repellent. Lots of it.
- The Kids: They complained, they whined, they rolled their eyes. And yet, they also laughed, explored, and (dare I say it?) enjoyed themselves. They'll never admit it, of course.
- The Husband: He's a worrier, a snorer, and a bit of a klutz. But he's also my rock, my partner in crime, and the person who makes me laugh the most.
- Me: I survived. I'm tired. I'm sunburnt. My hair is permanently salty. But I'm also incredibly grateful for this crazy, chaotic, beautiful family vacation.
Would I do it all again? Absolutely. Maybe I'll pack less next time… maybe.
Reggio Calabria's BEST Beauty House: Unveiled!
