Paradise Road,The Villa Bentota
Indisputable unique locations and properties, contemporary design and superior service seem to be the key elements that characterize Paradise Road’s hotel collection. The architecture of the extension to the main building by Fernando is so seamless, any returnee to the property will have to look twice; he has managed to only extend the harmony between the surroundings and nature which has previously been solely Bawa’s key attribute.
Each detail is a tribute to absolute perfection and symmetry; a signature with Paradise Road design.
Blending the colonial style of this original Walauwa with contemporary interiors, The Villa Bentota is located just 1½ hours South of Colombo and is separated by the sea by a sprawling coconut palm-dressed lawn. Fernando has cleverly built a raised area at the end of this manicured garden to allow guests to capture the view whilst dining or lounging.
A stunning pool pavilion lounge in Ambalama-style has been erected without compromising the original architecture and three tented private pavilions just increase the options for the visitor. This is separated from the main part of the property by a new 75’ swimming pool. The original pool has been retained, raised and re-tiled. In the evening these pools are decorated by candlelight; this is truly an elegant property.
Shanth Fernando, with his ‘interpreter’, Architect Phillip Weeraratne, have refurbished all areas, creating walkways, courtyards, new focal points and renovated bathrooms which will truly surpass visitors’ expectations.
A new bar/ lounge has been constructed opening out to the expansive lawn with adjustable awnings, allowing a candle-lit sunset drink undisturbed even through the monsoon period!
In its washed-out colours of soft greys, shabby chic cane and aqua glass accents, this area would also be equally appropriate for afternoon tea with a moist slice of Paradise Road Orange Cake!
A now, 16-roomed hotel, The Villa Bentota has 7 rooms, 7 suites and the grand Mohotti Suite which has 2 double rooms with a separate lounge with unrivalled views of the extensive lawn and beyond, the Indian Ocean.
The rooms are all equipped with LCD TV screens, personal safes, mini bars, air conditioning, mosquito nets and a very comfortable king-size bed.
The hotel also caters to travelers heading further down South who often search with difficulty for a place to have a good cup of coffee, delicious lunch, browse for design home ware, Sri Lankan contemporary art and gifts. This can now be done with the inclusion of The Villa Café, The Villa Gallery and The Villa Shop.
The Villa Café will allow guests and travelers in transit a chance to sample Paradise Road’s signature flavours, such as Lemongrass and Ginger Chicken, with a Strawberry Sundae and Espresso to conclude. A new authentic pizza oven has been built in the new show kitchen to allow guests a more casual style of dining which is more suited to the more relaxed state such visitors will no doubt be in.
To ensure the consistency of the flavours, the original Gallery Café Chef Nishantha Liyanage heads the extensive and modern Villa kitchens.
This kitchen will be able to cater for large functions such as weddings and private celebrations should the opportunity arise.
The Villa Gallery will feature Sri Lankan contemporary art for sale which again extends Fernando’s interest in the cultivation and promotion of Sri Lankan art and artists to locals, expatriates and tourists.
The Villa Shop will have a select range of Paradise Road items both relevant for use by the traveler and as souvenirs for a tourist or guest of their memorable stay at this unique property.
The rooms have been furnished using simple and honest materials and finishes in a truly contemporary and clean ‘no fuss’ sense which is a signature of Paradise Road. The ever-present stripes play an important role here and reflect a lovely correlation between this new property and its older sister in Colombo, Tintagel.
This hotel will no question allow a traveler to enjoy Sri Lanka in true Paradise Road style!