Saman Villas

Top choice


We would love to tell you just how incredible this place is, but the simple truth is that there are no words to describe the sheer opulence of this hotel complex. How opulent? Well, some of the rooms have private swimming pools – inside the bathroom!

If you prefer more communal swimming, there’s also a heavenly infinity pool that merges into an ocean horizon. But the real clincher is the impossibly romantic private dining: a single table set up on a deck above the rocky headland with overwhelming sunset sea views.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Galapata Raja Temple

2.08 MILES

About 3km inland from Bentota, on the south bank of the Bentota Ganga, this unexpected 12th-century temple has some lovely murals and a 2500-year-old…

2. Aluthgama Market

2.31 MILES

Aluthgama has a bustling market every Monday, located across the train line, towards Dharga Town.

3. Brief Garden

4.84 MILES

You'll find the Brief Garden 10 kilometres inland from Bentota. A barely controlled riot of a garden out of The Jungle Book, the grounds are a lovely…

4. Kechimalai Mosque

5.73 MILES

The first recorded Muslim settlement on the island took place at Beruwela, 6km north of Aluthgama, in 1024. The Kechimalai Mosque, on a headland north of…

5. Madu Ganga

8.68 MILES

Between Ambalangoda and Iduruwa the muddy Madu Ganga dances around the coastline forming a complicated network of lagoons and off-shoots. It’s fantastic…

6. Galigoda Shailathalaramaya Vihara

10.24 MILES

This peaceful Buddhist temple, 5km inland from Ambalangoda, sits on a hill surrounded by cinnamon plantations. The temple has a 35m-long sleeping Buddha…

7. Ariyapala Traditional Masks

11.01 MILES

Ariyapala Traditional Masks is a small ground-floor museum starring a life-sized statue of the last king and queen of Kandy. It also has a shop selling…

8. Ariyapala Mask Museum

11.04 MILES

This museum, with its dioramas and explanations in English, gives an interesting insight into Sri Lankan masks and the meanings behind them. It also sells…