I stayed at the Aida, Bentota from the 22 December to 5 January and I could not have wished for a better hotel.
The staff were all willing to give us advice on what sites to go and see and spoke to us everday. They are friendly to the point of actually becoming your friends.
The food is a mix of traditional sri lankan food with many other dishes to cater for those who are less likely to try the spicy stuff!
The hotel is located near the river (great for watching wildlife - eagles, crocs, monitor lizard etc) and a short walk from one of the best beaches we have been to (great sand and shallow water).
The room was very comfortable (large room with a balcony) and clean (everday and night the room boys did a wonderful job).
We went to the Textiles shop where my partner had a 3 piece suit made (made to measure at a fraction of the price in the UK) and I had 2 dresses made (just needed to show them a picture of what i wanted and 'voila' - it really is amazing what they can do).
We also purchased some jewellery from the gem store on site (there are 2 shops / the workshop so you can see things being made / and the museum which explains all about gem mining).
The hotel is split into 2 and the holistic side is welcoming and has a lovely pool and the breakfast served is refreshing and actually makes you feel better! I had two treatments - a full body relaxing massage which was heavely and very reasonably priced and a full body mud wrap (only negative thing i can say was i didnt come out looking like the ladies on the advert - but my skin is still really soft!)
My partner proposed while we were away and the hotel was wonderful - reserving us a table overlooking the river and showering our beds with beautiful flowers. everyone seemed genuinely happy for us both.
I have tried to be as descriptive as possible as I cannot express how different our stay was to the negative reviews i have read.
Would i stay again..........we have already agreed to have our honeymoon in Sri Lanka at the Aida Bentota (if i can get there before I will!) x x
