Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa

Spent five nights here at the beginning of February and was very happy with the hotel. We had a deluxe ocean facing room which overlooked the pool as well as the ocean in the background. A large room, comfortable and with seating outside on the balcony. When we arrived, after the amazing river crossing, we took up the offer to pay a reasonable cost to upgrade to half board to get an evening meal there. So glad we did as there isn't much on the opposite side of the river. We thought the food was of a high quality with a wide variety of choices: curries, international, good breakfast egg hoppers or omelettes, juices, breads & pastries etc. The American head chef is often around and is very passionate about the food on offer. I really recommend a visit to the 360 restaurant too where we had an amazing meal. I could tell the quality from the start by the gorgeous fish chowder soup. We treated ourselves to a fantastic seafood platter. I suspect it's not busy possibly because people think it's expensive and why bother when you have paid for the buffet. But what needs to be pointed out is you get a 50% reduction off the cost because you have already paid for half board. It's eye watering to think what that amazing seafood platter would cost back in London! Also in general our experience of the staff was that they were genuinely friendly, helpful and efficient. Very happy to change some of our large notes into smaller 100 rupees at reception. Enjoyed drinks at the Ceylon bar which also has some live music on some nights. Also had a fantastic relaxing massage in the spa, which I recommend. When you get off the boat they can arrange a tuk tuk for you to come inside the gates. But only a couple of non aggressive drivers were immediately outside in the street anyway. We made a trip to Galle, which is an hour away or so by train. We managed to get a seat going but coming back my husband had to stand and I sat in the stairwell. So perhaps bear they in mind. Finally to the beach and pool. It is a beautiful beach and very quiet and empty I suspect because many people, me included, don't like swimming with the waves crashing over them. But it does afford fabulous walks along it with the sun coming down. Now onto my favourite thing...the swimming pool is to die for. Vast, practically empty a lot of the time, or in any case so big to accommodate everyone. It was also clean and warm with no problem getting sunbeds in our experience, even in the shade. Also a lovely bar there with good service which provides a happy hour 2 for 1 (OK the same one!) cocktails between 4.30-6pm. Many thanks to the hard working staff and we highly recommend this lovely hotel.

Nissanka who served us took great care of our special meal preferences. Lovely location.Relished the food and enjoyed the experience thanks to Chef Christopher .The rooms are amazing.The pool rejuvenating..Walk down to the Bentota beach