We just came back from Sri lanka after staying at the Bentota beach hotel.We found it on a web site called Island Escapes,it was all inclusive for £770 each with transfers at £22 each way to and from the airport.What a cracking place,you take a 5 minute boat ride to get to it as it has a lagoon on one side with the beautiful Indian ocean on the other not 2 mins walk from your room.The beach is superb and totally empty for miles.pure White sand and the warmest sea you will ever feel.The rooms are simple but nice and clean,don't expect the quality of the Hilton but the showers are good.The service is very good and everyone is very friendly as is the whole country really.The food is good with lots of choice,drinks are easily available throughout the day,liked the tea and cake at 4pm each day.I have been to a lot of far off countries and hotels and this is up there with the best.
One downside,the travel.God.The transfer was 3 hours by car,it's like travelling through London for 3 hours,fortunately they are opening a motorway in the next 2 months so it would then be a smooth hour,we only did a local tour as the elephants were 6 hours away.
My advice is go,you will love it and the country.One more thing you don't get hassled for tips or by touts or beggers.
