Tucked away down a by-lane of Bentota, Taru Villas is a romantic haven found at the quiet end of Bentota beach, away from the larger resort hotels.  Conceived by Taru, one of Sri Lanka’s foremost fashion designers, as a source of inspiration and a means of escape from the stress and tensions of contemporary living, Taru Villas is a wonderful addition to Sri Lanka’s growing choice of boutique hotels.

Accommodation
Taru Villas offers nine individually designed, supremely comfortable rooms, decorated with antiques from Sri Lanka’s rich colonial heritage. All rooms have en suite bathrooms with hot water showers and balconies or terraces. Fresh ocean breezes and overhead fans cool most rooms, but air-conditioners are available in six rooms. Other facilities include telephones in the rooms, laundry service, and room service. No televisions.

Facilities
Cool cement floors, a garden full of frangipani blossoms, a turquoise swimming pool, individually designed antique-furnished rooms, king size beds and an uncrowded beach just a few steps out of the garden, across the still-rural railway line, all combine to make Taru Villas a very special hideaway.  Meals times are flexible here and the food is excellelnt.  A varied a la carte menu with Sri Lankan and fusion cuisine is on offer.  Ayurvedic massage is available by appointment.

Excursions
The beach lies beyond the garden, across the simple West coast railway line.  Galle Fort is a one hour drive to the south. Bevis Bawa Gardens are well-worth visiting and Lunuganga, the plantation hideaway of Geoffery Bawa, Sri Lanka’s most famous architect, will appeal to those interested in art, sculpture, gardens and architecture. Bentota lagoon offers a variety of watersports.