Looking for the most romantic hotel where you want to spend those intimate evenings and relaxing mornings ? It may seem like there are too many to choose from and at the same time, you can't seem to find the one hotel that has everything you want. This process can seem overwhelming.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

1. Do you fancy a luxury resort, a small bed and breakfast, a moderately priced hotel?
2. Does it have a perfect view to cherish that unforgettable time ?
3. Do you like lots of amenities on location?
4. How much can you spend per night?

Here’s a look at my picture perfect honeymoon option for you.

While the coast along downsouth, from Mount Lavinia to the seaside towns in Bentota, ooze style and tranquility, the sophisticated beach towns spoil visitors with endless days of sunshine, welcoming stretches of the beach dotted with the splendid resorts and beach huts.

Just an hour away from Colombo, I discovered a place I like to call a ‘true tropical paradise ’. From chilled towels to fruit sorbet, from an exclusive dining experience to an inviting spa treatment, the Bentota style-style luxury and pampering never ends at Saman Villas Bentota.

Saman Villas , the first luxury boutique hotel in Sri Lanka opened its doors in 1995 and is the proud winner of 3 Presidential Awards for the ‘Best Boutique Hotel’ in Sri Lanka. It is perched on 3.5 acres of a rocky headland splitting two seemingly endless surf swept, unspoilt beaches of golden sand backed by the luscious greenery of coconut plantations, in the quiet fishing village of Aturuwella in Bentota.

The resort is home to 26 luxurious suites housed in two storied beach villas, each set out as a private space overlooking the glistening waters of the Indian Ocean. The suites are equipped with a balcony or a terrace with a small garden, a day bed , dining & lounge area, dressing room, open air bath, courtyard with a shower and all other amenities you’d require for that perfect intimate getaway.My suite was a ‘Deluxe suite with a swimming pool’ one of the 5 categories of suites to choose from, including the most luxurious Saman Villa suite, Grand Deluxe suite with pool, Deluxe suite with Pool, Deluxe Suite & Superior suite.

A quiet well pampered intimate getaway remains a dream for most of us with our hectic & frenzied lifestyles in the city. It was time to awaken my spirit and rejuvenate my mind, body & soul through bespoke treatments that stimulated the senses through aromatherapy and caress the body with soothing massages at the ‘SAHANA SPA’ . Sahana which means ‘Relief’ , speaks for itself, bathed with the view of the Indian Ocean in the backdrop of a tropical garden complete with fountains .The friendly therapists at the spa are fully qualified and are able to provide an impressive range of treatments including massages, wraps, facials and exfoliations complemented by aromatherapy, reflexology and hydrating muds. I learned that all treatments are discovered on the basic principles of natural healing, using essential oils and fresh Sri Lankan herbs.

I found that the simple touches make Saman Villas extra special – like the staff arranged romantic candlelit dinner at the ‘Pool Pavilion’ or on a sandy outcrop by the sea, making that delectable dining experience,  all the more intimate. You could dine on the beach, in the tropical gardens or in the privacy of your own suite. I had the option of creating my very own menu when I had a chat with the Head chef of the hotel and I picked a scrumptious seafood (lobster being my favorite) dish accompanied by the Saman Villas Ceaser Salad and here comes the best part, I took a shot at the exclusive Saman Villas specialty, The Cinnamon Ice Cream. A desert that deserves a TOP NOTCH!

Saman Villas also offers a diverse selection of cuisines and resort specialties including the ‘Issan Indala’ & the Coconut ice Cream. You will also discover a range of world class wines to complement your intimate dining experience by the beach.

Very few people could say they’ve married in paradise , but with Saman Villas this can be reality. A traditional Sri Lankan ceremony for guests with their preferred modern touch, including a special platform on the top of the infinite pool or at the ‘Mangala Pavilion’ overlooking the ocean and dressed with the sunset and an exotic ceremony could be arranged with a traditional Sri Lankan blessing. 

I pledged ill return to the resort with my special someone in about 5 years :)

When I decided I needed a break from the beach excursion on the calmest beach along the downsouth coast, I headed to the Saman Villas Library , well stocked with a variety of over 500 books about Sri Lanka and over 200 music CD’s to suit your every mood.

The ‘Sunset Bar’ bathed with a panoramic view of the beach and the central hills, looked extra inviting for that time of leisure. The bar equipped with fine varieties of wines and efficient wine cellars is a perfect hangout spot at the resort. Other facilities at the hotel include a snooker table, boardroom facilities & a jewelry shop.

This sumptuous resort with a romantic heart is evident in the care and the attention of the hospitable staff and the breathtaking views visible from every corner. For me, it was a night and day of tranquility, serenity and an unimaginable resort experience.