Villa Republic, Bentota

Bordering the Bentota River, the elegant 5-bedroom Villa Republic elegantly sits over a manicured tropical garden. Being a few walks away from the beach, the villa is full of swaying palms and exotic red blooms. It exhibits an open-plan design that is extremely friendly. A master bedroom and four double bedrooms are well spacious to accommodate a multi-generational family. Oriental furnishings are used liberally to embellish the rooms and also the wardrobes and dressers. Dining table here is long enough to reach the garden, thus accommodating a large family.

Bentota has a lot of fun activities for water sport enthusiasts when an individual or family. Visitors can choose from fishing, waterskiing, jet skiing, banana-boating and windsurfing. For those who are not so thrill loving can hop in the villa’s private jetty from the front of the garden. Other than water activities, one can opt for sightseeing in the local temples, fish markets and also take scenic bicycle ride in the beautiful inland. A few walks away from the villa are many good restaurants, shops and spas for a fun day out.

Accommodation

Rooms and Kitchen

All the living and dining spaces are linked with one to another to create a connection. The front entrance takes you to a huge foyer that has comfortable wicker chairs. From here the doors lead into an L-shaped living room that is furnished with striking white sofas and a dining table to accommodate ten people. All these stretches extensively till the slender timber pillars amid the garden and pool. The living room has a portrait of Mao Zedong along with squashy sofas and book topped coffee table. Following the living rooms is the kitchen that is spacious and equipped with hi-tech appliances.

Bedrooms

Villa Republic has five bedrooms with a garden terrace and swimming pool. Four of the bedrooms, identical to each other are located on the either side of the dining area. They come with double beds which are two queen size and two standard; with side tables, built-in cupboards and ensuite bathrooms with showers. What set them apart is the thematic artwork, with Vietnamese posters and photos of Soviet freedom fighters and American boxers.

Master suite is super spacious and river facing; it has tall glass panels to the front thus providing the best of aquatic views. Inside is a four-poster bed, wardrobe, dressing table, chest with a flat-screen TV and DVD player. Warm timber floors and black leather sofa add to the comfort and beauty of the suite. The big ensuite bathroom has twin sinks and a shower.

Dining

In the villa, a visitor gets a magical dining experience in the area that faces a spacious landscaped garden with a swimming pool.  Whether traditional Sri Lankan cuisine or Western; every dish is prepared with perfection, by the in-house chef. As the sun goes down, the villa’s soft light create a great ambiance to enjoy a poolside dinner with drinks.

Excursions

Villa Republic Bentota provides motorised and non-motorised water sports in the best areas of the Bentota Beach. Amid a stretch of golden sand fringed with palm trees, one can visit the boutique stores and turtle hatcheries just a few walks away from the villa.

Places and activities here are:

Water Sports

Bentota, water sport capital of Sri Lanka is directly connected with the villa with jetty and a boathouse that is just next door. Guests are offered an easy access to boat rides, kayaks, jet skiing, wind surfing and other water sports.

Lunuganga Estate

Located a few minutes away from Bentota, Lunuganga Estate is the famous country home of the renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. After his demise in 2003, the estate has been opened to the public.

Brief Gardens

The brainchild of Geoffrey Bawa’s brother, Bevis Bawa, this beautiful property is located a short distance from the villa. Once a rubber estate, the garden is thematically landscaped. The house, which was the home of Bevis Bawa has an eclectic range of artwork on display.

Shopping

Town of Bentota has numerous souvenir shops in every nook and corner. Spare a day for shopping here and take home a memento of your holiday.

River Cruises

Guests can choose the option of cruising along the scenic Bentara River, which is home to many species of exotic flora and fauna.

Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery

In 1981 the Wildlife Protection Society established the famous Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery to protect Sri Lanka's turtles from extinction. Visitors to the hatchery can see tanks filled with hatchlings that are fed and cared for until they are two - four years old. They are then taken to the beach and released during the night. The main laying season is from October to April, but some eggs can be found at Kosgoda throughout the year.

Galapota Temple

Just a few kilometre on the south of Bentera River is the 12th century Galapota Temple which is home to some impressive Buddha Statues.