Avani Bentota Resort

Guests enter the hotel through an open-air walkway that leads to a striking white lobby with angled ceilings, each lined with dark wood beams. Look around closely and spot interesting Asian statues and wall hangings while checking in, where a staff member will offer two kinds of welcome drinks. The property was designed by famed local architect Geoffrey Bawa over 40 years ago, which gives this particular hotel major clout and character. It became an AVANI in 2012 (part of the Bangkok-based hospitality company, Minor International, that also owns Anantara Resorts); this line of properties focuses on fresh and contemporary decor, service, and value. Major renovations occurred before the opening, but the common areas and main hallways still reveal Bawa's distinct Sri Lankan style, and guests can expect airy spaces, gardens, and ponds containing colorful fish and lotus flowers.

This is a smaller resort that is spread out on two- or three-story shingle-roofed sections across a large green lawn sprinkled with tall palm trees and wooden sun loungers. There is a public access pathway dividing the resort from the public beach, with a few tuk-tuks and vendors. Guests can enjoy long beach walks and swims, but many choose to catch their rays inside the property's perimeter near one of the two pools. It's a relaxed routine: Mornings start with a big buffet breakfast, followed by light snacking near the pool, and then dinner at two a la carte restaurants (great for those who abhor the idea of eating buffet-style for all three meals). Nightlife include boardgames, drinks, cigars, and occasional live music in the lounge. Young couples and surfer types may want to seek out livelier options, for this hotel is better suited for those in search of family-friendly simplicity. Don't forget to bring a good book.

The resort is located in Bentota, a small coastal town in southwestern Sri Lanka a two-hour drive south of Colombo and just over an hour's drive north of Galle. While great for photographing local life and picking up sundries, Bentota does not contain much appeal for tourists, which is why most tend to stick to the resort, save for the occasional excursion. Boasting wide, clean beaches and a consistent break, surfers are frequent visitors, especially farther south. The region also offers temples, a turtle hatchery, and the Brief Garden designed by landscape architect Bevis Bawa, who also happens to be the older brother of the hotel's architect. 

Guests typically choose to arrive by taxi service from Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. More adventurous types can save money by catching a train from Colombo to Bentota, as the train station is just a five-minute walk from the hotel.   

There are 75 rooms at this hotel (in Standard, Superior, Deluxe, and Suite categories) in either two- or three-story sections; all face west for potential ocean and/or sunset views from patios accessed through double doors. Though the structure is over 40 years old, interiors seem modern as AVANI completely refurbished the hotel in 2012 when the company took the property over. Rooms have laminate-style wood floors and contemporary dark-wood furnishings, 40-inch flat-screen TVs, DVD players, AC units, work desks, and armchairs. Free bottled water, tea and instant coffee, as well as mini-fridges restocked daily with beer, soda, and water. Cupboard-style closets have an umbrella, two bathrobes, and two pairs of rubber flip-flops, and bathrooms have glass walk-in showers, spacious countertops, rain showerheads and AVANI brand toiletries (towels, however are limited). Due to the property's age, there may be occasional maintenance issue. 

Patios in the Standard rooms are not private, as neighbors can be seen from either side. Superior Room balconies offer more privacy, though the amenities and room size feels similar to Standard Rooms. Deluxe rooms are much larger with a living room, dining table for two, and a large bathroom with a separate jetted tub. These rooms also have two AC units, espresso machines, and more minibar items. Suites are the largest category -- well-suited to families and honeymooners -- with separate living/dining areas and large private balconies with sun loungers. These rooms also come with wine, chocolate, and fruit on arrival.  

The resort has a nice location along a wide stretch of sandy beach with steady waves, which are good for boogie boarding and learning to surf (though most surfers head farther south for a more consistent and challenging break). The clean sand stays free of crowds despite neighboring hotels, and is great for long walks in either direction. There are occasional vendors who wander up selling clothes, excursions, and wares, which can be a bit of an annoyance and keeps most guests from lying out on the beach (also, the sand can get hot during the day). 

Two outdoor freshwater swimming pools sit on either side of the property, and there are plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas both here and in the large lawn space between the them. A pool attendant provides towels, chair cushions, and umbrella service. The main pool has a great kiddy area separated by a small walking bridge, and the ambience is relaxed, with many adults chilling out with a good book. Though there is a pool bar hut, it typically does not have enough business to stay open so guests are sent to the nearby Chatters Bar to purchase snacks and drinks. This is the hotel's central drinking spot, open throughout the day, with several tables and chairs for sipping cocktails and smoking cigars. Occasionally, there is live music especially when the hotel is at full occupancy. Couples will want to check out the Loft Bar on the far southern end of the property, which sits on the top floor above the snack bar. This is a romantic spot to watch the sunset with pre-dinner drinks -- and not many guests make use of it. 

A number of excursions, including boat safaris, snorkel or scuba diving adventures, and trips to nearby temples and gardens can be arranged by the guest services. Next to the beach is a water sports area where guests can rent boogie boards or sign up for wake boarding, windsurfing, and jet skis. 

The AVANI spa has four air-conditioned therapy rooms in a quiet area of the hotel and offers massages, jet-lag tonics, and skin treatments. There is a pretty lawn with bright purple lounge chairs and umbrellas for relaxation after the treatment. Next to the spa is a fitness center with modern cardio machines and weight resistance machines. The lobby area offers an air-conditioned lounge with books, TVs, billiards, boardgames, chess, and the local game Carom. Near the entrance is a gift shop with souvenirs, sundries and essentials. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel. 

Since the town of Bentota does not have much selection, most guests tend to dine on-site for all three meals; rates typically include breakfast. Breeze is the main restaurant located near the lobby and offers outdoor seating in the shade or indoor seating in a sleek air-conditioned dining room with armchairs with views of the pool. For breakfast, there is an ample buffet set-up with live cooking stations, and most guests tend to have a large meal here and then simply snack at the pool during the day. A takeaway counter can be found on the far end of the property selling sandwiches and snacks, or smaller items can be purchased from Chatters Bar. For a proper lunch that feels quite elegant, guests can take a break from the heat and dine at Breeze, which converts from breakfast buffet to a gourmet a la carte restaurant. 

For dinner, guests choose between Breeze, which serves an ever-changing a la carte menu for dinner, or Frangipani Restaurant, which focuses on Asian food and quality wines. Private dining on the beach or on the lawn is also available.