I stayed here in December 2012 with my husband and another couple and we very very well looked after. We were greeted pretty early in the morning due to our rather unsociable flight times, by Kevin and Jill, and Ben, who were very welcoming! We were shown to our room immediately as there was no one staying there before us, or in fact, for the duration of our 3 night trip there so we had the whole place to ourselves which was a real bonus, as I can imagine that if it was full (there are 6 rooms, so max 12 ppl) it could get quite busy in the communal seating area! The food was really delicious and we were asked what we wanted for lunch and dinner each day so we knew the food being cooked was totally fresh, although if you ask for dinner (which I think they buy in especially each day) you do need to commit to it. The rooms we stayed in were the Mango Suites with AC and hot water and were very spacious and well appointed, with huge beds, I couldn't fault them. And there was a large balcony overlooking the Garden etc, so you could read/play cards away from the main restaurant etc if you prefer. The whole team at Nisala tried to make our trip as comfortable as possible, there is plenty to do e.g. early morning fishing trips, and the house tuk tuk, or the open top Morris minor is on hand to take you into Bentota or to the beach etc! The Garden was really well looked after, and there was a lovely pool too. I would definitely recommend Nisala Arana to anyone wanting to get away for a bit of peace and quiet but with plenty of activities if you want them.

Nisala Arana is one of the best and most unique places we stayed during our 2 week trip to Sri Lanka. The rooms and grounds are just gorgeous, the service very friendly and personal. I agree with the other review--It is more like paying a visit than staying in a hotel. We especially appreciated one of the staff volunteering to take us out on a morning bike ride through the countryside roads to his favorite birdwatching place (we were not big birdwatchers but this was a great introductory lesson). My husband had arrived with a cold and a cough so the host, Ben, had a Ayurvedic medicinal tea delivered to the room--it helped enormously and they even sent us off with an extra supply of the stuff. My daughter and I adored their 2 friendly and gentle dogs, Simba and Vino--we requested their company often! Lovely outdoor dining, good food, very nice pool and the rooms are spacious and pretty--our favorite were the bathrooms, open to the outdoors (but of course private) where you shower next to a palm tree. There are nice day trips from Nisala Arana but reserve extra time just to "be" there. Once you're there, you won't want to leave. Oh, and yes, don't miss the Arraq Sour cocktails.

This is the first review that we have posted on Trip Advisor and we felt that it was absolutely necessary to write, given the experience we have just had at this wonderful hotel (and it is very difficult to call it a hotel as you feel like you are staying with the most wonderful and charming hosts).
We chose this location for a 3-night trip to Sri Lanka and were not disappointed. From the first conversation we had with Ben (who is a fantastic host) to being greeted at 2am by Harry and Tony (two permanently smiling and endlessly helpful members of staff), we knew that this was going to be special!
The grounds are absolutely stunning with a beautiful freshwater pool and an amazing open-air dining area in the centre; every need was catered to and we wanted for nothing.
We visited Bentota beach (rightfully one of the top 10 beaches in the world) and cycled out into the paddy fields for a glimpse of Sri Lankan life; but it was Nisala Arana - and her breathtaking gardens - that we gravitated towards and were never disappointed.
The food, accommodation, cleanliness, location and facilities are all of the highest standard and what you would expect in a 5-star hotel; however what makes Nisala Arana truly unique is that you feel like you have been invited by the owners into their home and looked after like family.
If you go to Sri Lanka, we urge you to visit this place and experience something truly special.

This was a highlight of our trip to Sri Lanka. The night we arrived the setting was magical. There was an incredible banquet of delicious food prepared in advance and we were seated at a candlelit table on the lawn. Many of our group had arrived from Europe that day so they were immediately transported into the magic of this country. The rooms were spacious, very comfortable and the bathrooms open to the outdoors. It felt a long way from the hustle and bustle of the busy areas of Bentota but close enough to go to lunch or the beach or shop. The staff, particularly Ben, were extremely helpful, accommodating and couldn't do enough to make our stay enjoyable. It's just small enough to feel like your the only ones there.