The hotel is located on the west coast of Sri Lanka, 3 hours from the airport and just 10 minutes from the wide sandy beaches of Bentota.

Guests have the option of staying in either the original Doctor's House, which has been lovingly restored to its former glory or the newer Coconut and Mango Wings. The Doctor's House is ideal for a family because it is self-contained and shares a bathroom, but for other guests the Coconut Wing has a light and airy design with lovely open air bathroom. The Mango Suites have recently been upgraded and benefit from air-conditioning which the other accommodation does not have. The Mango Suites also have flat screen TVs, large King Size Beds and great views from the balcony across the garden and pool.

The property is set in 4 acres of lush garden, that teams with wildlife, birds and plants selected originally for their medicinal properties. The garden also houses a decent sized pool and stunning pavillion where meals are taken.

Meals work on a set menu basis, but the proposed dishes are discussed with guests early in the day in case of objections. We enjoyed a Sri Lankan omelette for breakfast, a marvellous crab curry for lunch and a calamari salad for dinner. There is nightly wine recommendation, a full range of spirits and the house Arrack Sour is to die for.

The one thing guests are most likely to remember about Nisala Arana is the overwhelming hospitality of the Pereiras. This is a family run hotel and it is not uncommon for Kevin and Jill Pereira to dine with their guests when they are in residence which is usually about six months of the year. The family are warm and great fun, but so good when it comes to respecting guest privacy.

Nisala Arana is so calm and tranquil that it requires great motivation to move from the pool. If you do manage it though why not take the bicyles along the palm shaded riverside road into town. It’s a very gentle route, but can get a bit hairy if you make it as far as the Bentota bridge so best to dismount at that point.

For a less energetic outing why not ask to see Kevin's fantastic collection of vintage cars, which when you ask nicely will be proudly rolled out to take guests on a guided tour of the local town. The hotel also has a private white Tuk Tuk (3-Wheeler) for transfers to the beach & town which is always available and a Luxury Viksund Boat for snorkeling, fishing and leisure cruises.

Key Features:

Swimming Pool
Stunning Gardens
2 Air-conditioned Bedrooms
Restaurant

'We stayed here for a week at the end of a busy 8 day tour of Sri Lanka. We booked via a UK Company called Fleewinter. We were in the coconut wing and had a large room and amazing outdoor bathroom. Showering in the rain together really is romantic! Ben, Kevin and Gill the owners and the staff look after you in every way possible. The setting is tranquil and the food is first class and at a price that it’s not worth getting a tuc tuc to town (or the hassle). Ben looked after us a treat and nothing I mean nothing was too much trouble. Doing Yoga in the gardens was a great way to unwind and having treatments in the gardens a lovely treat. We were sad the Morris Minor was off the road but our trips in the Tuc Tuc were great. All the staff are lovely and kind people." ET - Dec 07