Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is an exotic island with wild nature that is both simple and complex. The motto of the locals: “Arrived in paradise – don’t rush and enjoy life.” The motto of tourists: “Experience everything, participate in everything, be amazed, admire, remember.” Excellent service, water sports, azure sea, endless beaches, national parks with unusual flora and fauna, and a rich history dating back to ancient times.
5-star all-inclusive hotels in Sri Lanka are never empty. There are always adventure lovers on the planet, so you need to “stake out” a place under the hot sun and spreading palms in advance. Our special selection of the most popular hotels among tourists will help you choose the right one.
Riu Sri Lanka 5*
Located in the rather remote area of Bentota. For fans of excursions who love to explore the mysteries of the area during their vacation, it’s worth knowing that reaching popular tourist attractions from here is not easy. You have to leave early in the morning and return at night.
However, there are a couple of interesting places nearby: the Lunuganga estate (11 km) and Bentota Lake (13 km). The service in the hotel complex is at the highest level, and there is no time to be bored. The food in the all-inclusive system is top-notch.
The array of restaurants and bars offer various world cuisines: Mediterranean, East Asian, themed dinners with special delicacies, a well-thought-out diet and vegetarian menu, and children’s dishes for the little ones. Mini-bars in the rooms are diligently replenished with juices, soft drinks, mini-bottles of alcohol, and beer.
Daytime and evening entertainment for all ages. A magnificent beach area with soft, silky clean sand and clear sea with gentle, safe waves. The coastline is almost 2.5 km long, and there are few people, sometimes creating the feeling of being on an uninhabited piece of land somewhere in the ocean.
A collection of pools, including a children’s pool with slides, under the open sky with plenty of umbrellas and sun loungers. A hospitable spa center with many wellness and relaxing treatments. Room categories belong to the luxurious category: junior suites, suites, and premium suites.
Mermaid Hotel & Club 5*
Located in the fishing village of Mahawaskaduwa in the Kalutara area. The nearest large city, Colombo, is 39 km away, and the international airport is 74 km away. The accommodation types, although not distinguished by luxurious opulence, meet all the requirements of a luxury establishment.
Room sizes range from 33 to 40 square meters. Always present are tea and coffee stations, mini-bars, modern flat-screen TVs, terraces, or balconies with mesmerizing views of the surroundings. The views from the windows are divided into sea landscapes and garden thickets with exotic plants. The furniture and household appliances cover all the household needs during the vacation.
The range of services includes a spa area with wellness treatments, a fitness room with a range of equipment, room service, parking for rented cars, an outdoor pool, an ATM for currency exchange, and 4 bars with an excellent selection of light snacks, exotic cocktails, other drinks with and without alcohol, and sweet desserts.
Dining options vary: breakfast (BB), half board (breakfast and dinner HB), all-inclusive system. In the cozy restaurant with an ocean view, you can always taste dishes made from freshly caught seafood, and the best cuisines of the world have long been mastered by the chefs, choosing the most original dishes from different cultures.
The beach is less than a minute away, there is no competition for sun loungers and umbrellas, and there is enough space for water activities for everyone. The price-service ratio is at a fair level, and there are almost no complaints from guests.
Radisson Blu Resort Galle 5*
The first wonder that impresses guests is the captivatingly beautiful sunsets over the ocean. The turquoise body of water hums and worries a little, making forays onto the sandy shore, the water is enchantingly gentle and warm, and wave breakers stand guard against the waves.
There are countless “decorations” for colorful photos everywhere, enough to fill your personal memory archive. Guests even stop noticing that the rooms in the hotel complex are a bit “tired” from the endless stream of tourists and need a cosmetic overhaul. Five minutes after arriving, immersed in the warm wave of a hospitable welcome from the staff, tourists quickly forget all these minor shortcomings.
The food organization is sensibly varied. In the morning, everyone is offered a classic European breakfast. For lunch and dinner, the chefs love to prepare authentic dishes, characterized by the presence of spicy seasonings, but there are always other options. The wide assortment always includes meat, fish, chicken, and vegetables prepared without hot additives.
The bar is also a lifesaver with a whole army of baked goods with delicious ingredients, from pizza to sandwiches of all kinds. There is a large pool on the resort’s territory, but it is not very deep (1.2 m). So from morning to night, the man-made body of water, surrounded by sun loungers and umbrellas, is filled with joyful kids and their parents.
Room types: ocean view suites (95 sq.m.), “Grand Deluxe” sized 57 sq.m., which also offers picturesque water views, and more concise deluxe rooms with an area of 39 sq.m., all with those same sea views.
Citrus Waskaduwa 5*
Located near Ratmalana Airport (81 km), which is considered a definite advantage by local standards. It is 140 km to Bandaranaike International Airport. A transfer from/to the airport can be pre-booked and is provided by the resort complex’s staff.
The location makes the complex unsuitable for lovers of traveling around the beautiful island. To get to even the smallest notable ancient attractions, it takes at least 1-2 hours one way. Vacation on these shores is usually chosen by tourists who intend to indulge in beach activities and are not keen on exploring Sri Lanka in detail. The reference point is the town of Hikkaduwa.
The highlight is the cute turtles that wander over to guests while they lazily bask in the sun by the ocean. It takes 3-5 minutes (350 m) to walk to the endless sandy “prairies” with interesting inhabitants, and the excitement of the encounter is guaranteed for everyone.
There is a beach area with golden sand and closer (1 min. walk), but guests consider it less exotic. Another highlight of the establishment is the qualified Ayurvedic massage center, which always has many people wanting to try this famous procedure.
The range of other service offers is wide: rental of vehicles from cars to bicycles, laundry services (dry cleaning, washing, ironing), a safe, currency exchange operations, room service, parking for rented vehicles, a spa area, an excellent outdoor pool, a bar with a decent selection of cocktails, soft drinks, strong alcohol, light snacks, and sweets.
Room categories: small standards for 2-3 people with a balcony (23 sq.m.), deluxe for 1-3 guests (17 sq.m.). Meals are organized in the restaurant with a pleasant design called Lemon Fish. The chefs’ specialty is different world cuisines in classic execution. The favorite of the tourist fraternity is the Summer Salt Bar in the open air, where people come to chat leisurely, exchanging impressions of the local authenticity over a glass of wine or a cup of aromatic coffee.
Heritance Ahungalla 5*
Location – Bentota town. The distance to Colombo is 76 km. Known for its impeccable staff, ready to make any concessions, even those affecting financial aspects. Any household problems are solved instantly.
Among the popular advantages for tourists: magnificent large outdoor pools, a spa center, a fitness room, direct access to the ocean shore to a beach with soft yellow sand, a private golf course, tennis courts, a cafe with a karaoke area where Russian tourists love to entertain with their singing talents. A suitable “repertoire” for warming up is available.
The excellently equipped rooms vary in size (28-65 sq.m.) and type: deluxe, premium standard, suites. The views from the windows captivate and lift the mood: ocean, tropical greenery oases, neat garden alleys. The territory is a sight to behold; you can walk in a new place every time, it is so big and interesting.
There are places to hide from the midday heat and prying eyes, to be alone with a book or favorite gadget. Monkeys come to visit the guests from the thickets for a banana treat, they don’t beg loudly, patiently waiting to be fed with treats from the restaurant, and the tourists are happy to oblige.
Where else can you dive into such “wild” entertainment alone with nature. After all the adventures, it’s time to visit the Wadiya restaurant. On the buffet line, there are dishes designed for the all-inclusive system, but you can also order an individual, exclusive meal à la carte. According to seasoned travelers, the chef here fantastically cooks seafood, you immediately don’t understand what masterpiece has been served.
Heritance Negombo 5*
Location – Negombo town, which is just 40 minutes away from the unofficial capital of the island, Colombo. The distance to Bandaranaike International Airport is very small by local standards (20 minutes by car), making the hotel complex convenient for transit stops of 2-3 days.
Among the service offers is a transfer from/to the airport for “ridiculous” money. Travelers well-versed in the intricacies of vacations in Sri Lanka often specifically book places here to then embark on further journeys through the island’s relics or national parks.
Moreover, the establishment itself manages to penetrate tourists’ hearts with its beauty, amenities, and hospitality of the staff, resulting in them extending their stay. The resort’s territory is large, well-kept, and guarded from outsiders. The rooms are well-equipped, all without exception allowing you to admire the serene Indian Ocean from the windows. The outdoor pool is good, and there is free parking for rented cars.
Guests sing praises to the chefs’ art after visiting the restaurants. The dishes are always delightfully prepared, tastefully and stylishly presented, and original in concept. The all-inclusive system pleases with an abundance of offerings. A lot of people usually gather in the seafood restaurant with enchanting views of the silent ocean.
The comfortable beach is only 100 meters away, and it is so good that even locals prefer to come here to swim, making the coastline quite crowded.
Le Grand Galle by Asia Leisure 5*
A bright landmark nearby is Galle Fort, which tourists can visit for an exciting walk (700 m). The surrounding infrastructure is rich: a collection of more modest eateries with interesting authentic dishes, a series of shops and souvenir stalls, and more sophisticated restaurants with a wide assortment of fish and seafood dishes.
The territory is enchantingly exotic: a large outdoor pool with a relaxation area, low competition for a “place in the sun” on the beach, in the bar, and in the restaurants. The architectural designs of the complex’s builders and the aristocratic tone of the room designs and all other premises please the eye.
Dining in the establishment’s restaurant will not disappoint, the cuisine is international, but spicy national masterpieces are also guaranteed. Staying here is affordable not for everyone, so the audience is mainly among wealthy people accustomed to luxury and impeccable service.
One proof of this is the presence of a jewelry boutique with very intricate, rare, and even exclusive items with precious stones. The crown jewel of the collection is a stand with high-quality diamond jewelry. Buyers receive all necessary certificates confirming the origin and legitimacy of the goods.
Room categories: deluxe with a balcony (45-49 sq.m.). To keep the body in good shape, the spa center offers a variety of pleasant treatments. Bicycle rentals are available, and lovers of walking promenades will be pleased with the proximity to the picturesque Mahendra Amarasuriya Park (500 m).
Araliya Beach Resort & Spa Unawatuna 5*
Location – the Unawatuna area. Nearby is a beautiful bay with a gentle entrance to the water, making it convenient for families with young children. A tip from seasoned travelers who have chosen this accommodation – it’s better to go swimming 50 meters to the side, there are no people, and the ocean is even cleaner and more beautiful.
The establishment delights guests with huge rooms, functionally furnished with everything necessary for relaxation. The rooms are bright and cozy, the beds are perfect for a sweet sleep, and the panoramic views from the balconies of Unawatuna village and the coastline are beyond praise, words can’t describe how impressive and charming they are.
In the restaurants within the all-inclusive system, a wide range of meat, fish, poultry, and vegetable dishes is guaranteed, the desserts are delicious in taste and appearance, and there are always fresh fruits. The only thing the local chefs should consider is their too obvious love for spicy and hot seasonings, making many culinary products too specific and spicy, sometimes you have to adapt to learn to choose something less piquant in taste.
All rooms are equipped with modern, diligently working household appliances. Climate control systems, large plasma TVs, and excellent sets of cosmetics and hygiene items in the bathroom are good. Lazy relaxation zones are equipped all over the territory.
There are areas in the sun to get a chocolate tan in comfort, and there are secret corners in the blessed shade to read or nap to the sound of the surf. The outdoor pool is not the largest, but there are enough places around it for everyone, and the ocean is so good that everyone prefers to give more credit to the natural body of water with its warm and gentle water.
The Blue Water 5*
Location – Wadduwa town on the west coast of the island. The conditional capital of the region is only 35 km away, but Bandaranaike International Airport in its vicinity is almost twice as far (68 km).
Guests have access to rooms of various categories, from executive and club suites with an area of 65-73 sq.m. to more modest deluxes measuring 42 sq.m. with a cozy balcony and a view of the coastline. The food in the restaurant for those who chose the all-inclusive format is organized at a high level.
The cuisine is international, there will be no surprises that the menu will only have spicy authentic culinary creations. The choice of dishes is rich, varied, thought out to the smallest details for all age categories, vegetarians, and those who prefer dietary versions of food. Visits to breakfast, lunch, and dinner always bring true pleasure to guests, no one wants to finish the meal quickly.
For leisurely gatherings, there are 3 bars, one of which works by the outdoor pool. If you don’t want to leave the room at all, room service will deliver food and drinks right to your door. Notably, the main restaurant Seven Seas does not close its doors 24 hours a day, so neither “owls” nor “larks” who like to fall asleep and wake up at different times of the day go hungry.
For travelers’ comfort, the hotel complex has 4 restaurants to suit any taste, including à la carte and buffet menus. For those who want to study the local exoticism in more detail, there is a tour desk right on the territory, an ATM for currency exchange, a spa complex, and a fitness room for active tourists.
The mini-bars in the rooms and tea and coffee “tables” are always fully stocked with everything necessary for snacks and quenching thirst. The staff adheres to the principle: the customer is always right, everything must be done for their impeccable rest.
Jetwing Lagoon 5*
Tourists rate this hotel highly for its excellent service and the staff’s ability to fulfill any tasks. The main contingent of guests is from European countries.
Accommodation types: family rooms, deluxes, suites with views of the ocean shore and a picturesque lagoon. Room sizes range from 63 to 118 sq.m. The rooms are elegant, decorated in an elegant manner with notes of aristocratic chic. There are programs for stays with treatment.
The wellness procedures are offered by a qualified spa center with a professional staff in this field. Another plus of the hotel complex is its convenient location for arrival/departure on the island. The distance to the airport of Colombo is 16 km, and to the exotic town of Negombo, it is only 7 km.
The beach with soft sand is close by, it takes no more than 1 minute to walk to it. Sun loungers, umbrellas, the measured splash of waves, and the hot sun await guests to pamper them with water activities. The outdoor pool can safely be called “Olympic,” its length is 100 m.
There are 3 restaurants on the territory with excellent cuisine, always offering something to choose from; meat and fish dishes are accompanied by a whole collection of side dishes from vegetables, grains, and pasta, and there are southern exotic fruits available. The pool bar offers a wide selection of soft drinks, original cocktails, light snacks, and sweets, so you don’t have to leave the pool for long if you get hungry.
For those who do not like the noise and bustle of restaurants, room service works faithfully. Chosen dishes and drinks from the menu will be delivered to the room without delay. Lovers of exclusive meals will enjoy a visit to the hotel wine cellar with a collection of grape nectars with degrees from different countries.
KK Beach 5*
The complex is popular among extreme lovers. Here, places for rest are usually booked by experienced drivers and bikers who can’t imagine a day without their iron friend. Motorcycle rentals are organized right in the establishment, while bicycles for rides around the area can be rented without additional payment for this pleasure.
Accommodation types are unusual for the usual understanding. These are penthouses (85 sq.m.) and suites in penthouses (105 sq.m.). So continuous exoticism on vacation is immediately guaranteed for everyone. The views from the windows of the ocean are magnificent, and the level of room equipment meets the highest world standards, the service prices “bite,” but the level of service is worth it.
The distance to the nearest secluded beach is 400-500 m., to the ocean coastline no more than 20 m., depending on which part of the land you choose to enjoy the endless azure body of water. Swimming and sunbathing will be enjoyable everywhere, the coastline is almost everywhere well-maintained.
In this corner of the island, there are many offers for exciting fishing in the open sea, no one returns without a fresh catch. There is an outdoor pool with a relaxation area on the territory. In the evenings, guests prefer to spend time on huge furnished terraces belonging to the room, where the views of Sri Lanka’s natural landscapes take your breath away.
For those tired of impressions, room service is available, delivering food and drinks to the room. The food in the restaurant is so delicious that every time you want to try something new, but you also want to revisit familiar dishes, making it a difficult choice for true gourmets.
Format: buffet with a cascade of culinary delights and à la carte menu orders. Guests are also not disappointed by the bartender’s bright ability to mix the most unexpected ingredients in a shaker, giving an unrivaled, original result.
Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort 5*
A network beauty working by the unyielding standards of corporate policy. Location – Bentota resort. Among the service offers are a multifaceted spa center with a range of wellness procedures of various kinds, you can always choose something suitable for yourself, and a fitness room equipped with the latest equipment. The dining system may vary depending on the guests’ preferences.
The range is wide: buffet (all-inclusive for breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with an excellent selection of dishes from different world cuisines or only a concise continental buffet (all-inclusive for breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with an excellent selection of dishes from different world cuisines or only a concise continental breakfast. There are four “combat” units of restaurants: S Kitchen (seafood, grill/barbecue dishes), SHO Lounge (open for breakfast and afternoon tea, offering classic European cuisine), OLIVE (famous for pizza and other Mediterranean delicacies), BLU3 Rooftop Bar (specializing in national cuisine, with orders made from the menu).
Room categories: deluxes with a charming garden view for two people, similar rooms with an ocean view, premier rooms with a private pool, junior suites with a balcony and a view of the coastline, and suites with an area of 108 sq.m. with balconies overlooking the picturesque seashore.
Guests have access to Kosgoda Beach, which is nearly 2.5 km long, combining unusual natural beauty, civilized comfort, clear turquoise water, a convenient entrance to the ocean, and a row of umbrellas and sun loungers scattered on the gentle sandy cover.
The distance to the beach is 200 meters. One of the guests’ favorite pastimes is watching the magical, almost mystical sunsets over the ocean from the rooftop of the building.
Anantaya Resort & Spa Chilaw 5*
Location – the village of Chilaw, a legitimate domain of island fishermen, of whom there are many in the area. The abundance of boats going out into the open ocean for fresh catch daily creates the impression that there are almost no tourists around, and you are relaxing here alone.
Nobody ever interferes with anyone’s relaxation, releasing negative emotions, and healing the soul. This secluded corner of Sri Lanka seems to be specially created for those seeking unity with nature. The distance to the capital, Colombo, is only 65 km, an hour or two by car, and you are already in the midst of noisy events.
Around the seaside establishment, the picture is different: silence, a row of palms, melodious bird songs, rare piercing cries of birds, tricks of pesky crows, incredibly sweet fruits, especially honey pineapples, with yellow juicy flesh shimmering in the sun.
Everything is organized at a high level: the operation of two outdoor pools, cozy relaxation areas near the water, a sandy beach with clear aquamarine water, comfortable rooms with lovely views from the windows of tropical vegetation or the ocean. Accommodation types vary not only by room type but also include additional service packages.
Fans of this hotel complex most often choose overwater villas, guaranteeing sea trips and special meal prices. The rest of the options include standards, deluxes, and suites ranging from 66 to 135 sq.m. The highlight of some rooms is a romantic bathroom, where the bathing tub is designed for two people, providing pleasant sensations for lovers.
The restaurant, The Ocean, prepares dishes of European and authentic cuisine. For the spicy and hot taste, authentic culinary products have long been dubbed “miracle curry” by travelers. The form of serving: buffet and à la carte menu orders. The nearest cluster of public eateries on the island is about 10 km away, so the all-inclusive system in the accommodation facility comes in very handy.
Amaya Beach Passikudah 5*
Location of the spacious, hospitable resort complex is in the northern part of the island. The surrounding area is sparsely populated, making it easy to hide from the world and accumulated problems. A small disadvantage of the location is the long road to the hotel complex from the airport.
It will take 5-6 hours on the road, which can be tiring for elderly people and young children. It will also be challenging to explore the island in detail. It takes at least 2-3 hours one way to get to notable ancient landmarks and famous national parks.
The beach area’s feature is the presence of many small coral fragments, so swimming shoes won’t be unnecessary. The issue of safe swimming is easily solved by walking a little further along the shore. In all other respects, the hotel complex is an absolute paradise for fans of pristine nature.
The rooms offer stunning views of the ocean and breathtakingly beautiful sunsets. Throughout the year, there are so few guests that there are always plenty of free umbrellas and sun loungers by the pools and on the beach. There is no competition for dishes on the buffet line in the restaurant, everything is calm, quiet, and cozy.
The chefs work with enthusiasm, no matter how many vacationers are currently in the accommodation facility. Everything is incredibly tasty, satisfying, and originally presented. The staff treats guests with excellent hospitality, always smiling and helpful. Despite the establishment’s remoteness from civilization, this is where travelers want to return with particular passion, so much do the wild exotic notes impress their imagination.
You can pamper your body in the magnificent spa area with wellness treatments. Sit with a cocktail or a cup of aromatic coffee in the bar, stroll along the shoreline, admiring the leisurely waves. Everyone returns home from here well-rested and content with life.
