Sri Lanka Travel Magazine

A secret spot on the sandy shores of the Southern coast, Saman Villas provides both seclusion and privacy in its chic villas nestled in tropical gardens. Promising warm, tropical seas, mouth-watering cuisine and carefree sun-filled days, this is truly paradise on earth. Saman Villas is all about privacy, seclusion and total relaxation, a special place that is a true piece of paradise.

Perched on a rocky headland dividing two long seemingly endless, surf swept, unspoilt beaches of golden sand, backed by the luscious greenery of coconut plantations, in the quiet fishing village of Aruruwella Bentota is where you’ll find the award winning magical hideaway Saman Villas, Sri Lanka’s first boutique hotel. This is the perfect place to really get away from it all.

Attentive staff are dedicated to giving every guest a flavour of authentic Sri Lankan hospitality. With the choice to do as much or as little as you like, this intimate retreat feels like your very own sanctuary.

Neutral tones interspersed with hand sourced vibrant fabrics and rich wood lend the hotel an air of gentle grandeur – with a modern twist. Look out for hip touches, like the uber stylish and butter soft Natuzzi leather sofas in all the villas, private dining platforms and perched right beside the ocean, the open-fronted restaurant that serves up just-caught seafood and contemporary cuisine with local flavour with panoramic views.

Lose yourself in the gourmet delights of renowned Executive Chef Madhi who has created an exceptionally well curated menu highlighting local produce and the freshest ingredients. His experience gained from working at some of the best high-end luxury properties around the world like the Four Seasons, The Belmond, and the Gansevoort make him the perfect fit for Saman Villas. A culinary symphony of creative, modern food that highlights in particular the freshest local seafood and produce is what you’ll find on the menu, lightened to create a supremely elegant and not heavy dining experience. Chef Madhi’s ethos of keeping it simple and allowing the produce to really shine allows him to create exquisitely plated cuisine with generous flavour that maintains the expected high standards of Saman Villas guests.

At Saman Villas luxury comes as standard and ‘getting away from it all’ takes on a whole new meaning. Discover inner harmony with a pampering spa session or escape inside your suite to discover a cool, airy space peppered with Sri Lankan charm. Expect traditional décor, handcrafted furnishings, private terraces and gardens with breathtaking views – not to mention thoughtful touches such as fresh flowers and fruit. Take a dip in your private pool, the main infinity pool or kick back on one of the decks set in the rocks above the ocean.

Wander down to the pristine beach and take a dip or listen to the soothing sounds of the waves. Later, relax on your terrace for an early evening cocktail accompanied by the smell of Saman flowers as the sun goes down before indulging in a delicious dinner. Saman Villas is an undeniably romantic boutique hotel that defines a luxury escape.

This article originally appears on DailyFT.