Taj Bentota Resort & Spa

This beach hotel is located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka along the "Golden Mile" of Bentota beach. Its unique setting on a large headland overlooks the Indian Ocean. The resort lies at the confluence of the river after which the village is named. Palm fringed beaches stretch for several miles along the coast and it is here where most hotels in the area are located. The hotel is just 40 miles south of Colombo, Sri Lanka's capital.

The resort has a lift and features 162 rooms. The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to answer any questions. Amenities include a baggage storage service, a safe and a currency exchange service. Wireless internet access is provided in public areas. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. The complex has a range of facilities for guests with disabilities. Wheelchair-accessible facilities are available. A number of shops, including a supermarket and souvenir shop, are great for shopping or just browsing. The grounds of the resort feature a playground and a lovely garden. Additional facilities include a library. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the garage or in the car park (no extra charge). Further services and facilities include a 24-hour security service, a babysitting service, a childcare service, a car hire service, medical assistance, a transfer service, room service, a laundry service, a hairdresser, a coin-operated laundry and a hotel shuttle bus. A bicycle hire service provides all the necessary equipment for exploring the surrounding area. Complimentary newspapers are available. The business centre is on hand for guests' business requirements and provides a fax machine.

Air conditioning and a fan ensure that rooms maintain comfortable temperatures. Guests can relax and enjoy the sea views from the balcony or private terrace of some rooms. The rooms have a queen-size bed and a sofa bed. Separate bedrooms are available. Children's beds and extra beds can be requested for younger guests. A safe, a minibar and a desk are also available. Additional features include a refrigerator and a tea/coffee station. Further amenities include an ironing set and a trouser press. A direct dial telephone, a TV, a DVD player and WiFi (no extra charge) provide all the essentials for a comfortable holiday. The daily newspaper is laid out for guests in the the rooms. A hairdryer and bathrobes are available in the bathrooms, which are equipped with a shower and a bathtub. Guests can also book wheelchair-friendly rooms with wheelchair-accessible bathrooms. The resort has family rooms and non-smoking rooms.

The outdoor pool complex includes a children's swimming area and is ideal for working out or just relaxing. Refreshing drinks at the pool bar and a relaxing soak in the hot tub offer the perfect way to unwind. A sun terrace, sun loungers, and parasols are available. The resort offers outdoor sports, including cycling/mountain biking, tennis, beach volleyball, volleyball and fishing. Guests can take part in a comprehensive water sports programme, which includes canoeing, sailing, snorkelling and diving, with water skiing, windsurfing and jet skiing available for a fee. Sports enthusiasts are also offered a wide range of indoor activities, including a gym, table tennis, badminton, billiards, darts and yoga. Various wellness options are available at the resort, including a spa, a sauna, a steam bath, a beauty salon, massage treatments, anti-ageing treatments and Ayurveda treatments. Entertainment options and leisure facilities include an entertainment programme and a nightclub.

Dining facilities include a restaurant, a café and a bar. Catering options include half board, full board and all-inclusive. All-inclusive holidaymakers enjoy special extras like snacks, in addition to a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. A generous breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner offer plenty of delicious variety. Diet meals, gluten-free meals, vegetarian dishes and children's meals can be prepared on request. The resort also offers special catering options. The show cooking is a particularly special attraction.