Accommodation in Sri Lanka has been transformed in recent years. Initially, Sri Lanka’s beach resorts were aimed primarily at the package holiday crowd and traditional travel operators and were only located on the west coast. But the past decade has brought a major change, with the growth of villas, boutique hotels, and small independent hotels offering a huge array of choice. This list presents the best Sri Lanka Beach Resorts, as rated by visitors.

Designed with a strong Dutch influence, the colonial style residence of Jetwing Era Beach features two colonial-styled bungalows with sloping tiled roofs . An additional two-storey section houses the bedrooms and blends in seamlessly.The beaches of Unawatuna and Mirissa located nearby and are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and surfing. The in house restaurant serves a range of dishes with a Mediterranean and Asian influence prepared with fresh seafood.

The charming Club Palm Bay is situated in the sleepy fishing town of Marawila, bordering an unspoiled beach on Sri Lanka’s northwest coast. Secluded amongst spacious gardens and resting beside a lagoon dotted with mangroves, the beach resort offers standard guestrooms with modern amenities. The hotel is in a perfect position for fishing expeditions, boat rides to the marshes and Negombo Lagoon where numerous species of birds and fish, dragonflies and monitor lizards can be spotted.

Jetwing Blue is located at Negombo, a popular resort town on Sri Lanka’s Western coast. Surrounded by graceful palms, the Jetwing Blue features a total of 112 guest rooms. The hotel was built in 1970, and then named Blue Oceanic Hotel, it marked the beginning of Jetwing Hotels. It has grown from a small 6 room hotel to one of the most prominent beach resorts in Sri Lanka.

One of the top beach resorts in Sri Lanka and Galle, the Jetwing Lighthouse offers all the facilities guests would expect of a deluxe hotel. The resort is comprised of low rise adjoining buildings in yellow with red tiled roofing set amongst lush gardens and two outdoor pools. Guests can choose from the fitness center, pools, spa and tennis. The deluxe rooms are decorated in a colonial style, with colorful wooden shutters. Each room is very large in size and equipped with air-conditioning, television and a private balcony with sea views.

The Weligama Bay Resort is located on the beachside in the middle of beautiful Weligama Bay on the southern tip of Sri Lanka, between the historical port town of Galle and the provincial center Matara. The newly built beach resort features 24 rooms, bungalows, villas, suites and a large garden with palm trees and other tropical plants. Guests can enjoy relieving spa treatments, waterfront dining, tea lounging, snorkeling, sailing, game fishing and much more.

Located just a 1.5 hour drive south of Colombo, the Paradise Road The Villa Bentota is a unique and private beach side hotel. It offers 15 individually designed Rooms and Suites with all modern amenities and services. Each room features amenities such as air conditioning and wifi. The hotel also offers a pool, shops, a restaurant, airport transfer and tours.

The Amanwella resort is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, approximately 15 minutes by car from the village of Dickwella. The resort is situated amongst a coconut grove facing onto a white sand beach. Most suites are dotted along the hillside and connected by pathways that also lead down to the main public areas, infinity pool and beach. The Ocean suites enjoy clear views of the ocean and feature a six by four meters private pool. The resort is contemporary in design and constructed with many traditional materials, including Sri Lankan roof tiles and hand-hewn stone.

The recently opened Fortress Resort Galle, is located near Galle and borrows its style from the ancient Dutch Fort, but puts a modern, 21st century spin on it. The hotel is located right next to Koggala beach and comprises a total of 49 rooms. Guests may enjoy taking a boat trip on the lagoon and Kogggala Lake to see the surrounding small islands, known for their fantastic bird watching.

The Saman Villas resort offers a completely secluded beachfront setting. One of the best Sri Lanka beach resorts, it is situated amidst golden sand beaches, perched atop a headland facing the Indian Ocean. The spacious villas come with sweeping ocean views. Guest can dine under the stars by candlelight on the beach, in the pool pavilion overlooking the ocean, or even in a water garden. In addition to its many dining choices, Saman Villas has a poolside lounge bar and the fabulous Sunset Bar, located on the upper floor and featuring a panoramic view of the coast and hills.

Just 8km east of the fortress port of Galle, Apa Villa Thalpe is an elegant and, discreet retreat by some of the Sri Lanka’s most gorgeous beaches. Three distinctive villas house 7 luxurious suites, where the mood is “stylish and leisurely”. To unwind, guests can enjoy the leisure facilities provided on the hotel’s property, including jacuzzi, water sports , and an infinity pool by the Indian Ocean.