Eraeliya Villas & Gardens

This is the best place we have ever stayed. Ever. We stayed here for 4 days at the beginning of our honeymoon, and then later on were booked at a 5 star hotel (Anantara Peace Haven). We literally left early from Anantara, despite the fact that it was non-refundable, and booked two additional nights at the Gardens. The setting is absolutely beautiful, the dinner area overlooks the ocean, where you can see surfers and sunsets every night as you have curry and wine. The rooms are completely unique from one another with incredible attention to detail. And then we move to the service. The staff is small, and you get to know them by the end. I will miss them all. Dulshan the concierge is professional, relaxed, kind. Sandun, Rex, Dean, and Jayntha of the restaurant staff are always positive, attentive, and work extremely hard. The kitchen is wonderful with Sri Lankan and western dishes. We are from the US, and its a long trip to Sri Lanka. However, if we come back, we will definitely be staying here again.

Immediately when we arrived, we were welcomed with juice and a complementary massage. Special thanks to Rex who made our trip amazing, always being attentive. The view of the beach is amazing. The kitchen was solid. Drinks were excellent. Overall, best value of everywhere we stayed in Sri Lanka. Truly wonderful experience we will remember forever.

The hotel was a dream! The whole area was a wonderful garden with different buildings, very nicely placed. The main building is a beautiful house, the unconventional hotel lobby was very inviting. We were given a large room with a veranda, right next to the pool. We liked it so much that we immediately extended our stay by 2 nights. The staff were also extremely friendly and helpful, also in organising transport/taxis. We have already recommended the hotel several times.

Stunningly beautiful. The hotel is located in front of the sea in a colonial style villa with a garden and old world furnishings and beautiful artwork. Our suite was spacious and had an enormous terrace overlooking the pool and the sea where we had breakfast each morning. Unfortunately, the level of the service was not at the standard one would expect from such a facility. There was hardly ever someone at reception. Usually the receptionist could be seen roaming the garden on her cell phone. One always had to ask for beach towel since the bin labeled “clean beach towels” was always empty. Surprisingly there was no turndown service in the evening which meant we had to lower 5 or 6 blinds on the doors to the terrace. This was complicated by the fact that some of the blinds were in disrepair. The price for a massage was $50 on the villa website but $63 in the in-room brochure and an espresso cost $12. We asked if we could keep our room until 1PM instead of 12 noon and were told that the latest was 12:30. We left the room at 12:30 and sat in the lobby waiting for the receptionist to appear 20 minutes later and send someone to get our bags. Clearly there was no urgency to make up the room.

Eraeliya is fully deserving its 5* rating. The rooms, suites and villas are tastefully and uniquely decorated with much love and attention to detail. The beautiful grounds and gardens are maintained immaculately. The undisturbed oceanfront location affords stunning views over the ocean with unforgettable sunsets. Even though jungle beach is a favourite launching point for surfers, the sandy cove is also one of the few Sri Lanka beaches for safe swimming. The high level of service and quality of food are additional highlights. Breakfast is huge and stunning, and the catch of the day is the freshest and most tastefully prepared fish you will find anywhere. The owner Njuri, and the entire staff are fully dedicated to pamper their guests, and ensure their wellbeing. They provide service at its best! The relatively small size of the estate with only 9 rooms and villas affords a much more private and intimate atmosphere. Once you arrive, you have no desire to go outside again. Truly, a small slice of paradise!

Our beachfront villa was simply perfect, enjoying the view from our private terrace was amazing. The style and design of the villa in beautiful. The main area with pool is the perfect spot to spend your day relaxing on the sunbeds or the hammocks. The staff is very nice and the food is delicious.

We loved our stay at Eraeliya, it was amazing to wake up right in front of the beach and enjoying a delicious breakfast served right on our private terrace. Our villa was beautiful and the main area with pool is great to relax during the day. The staff is very nice and kind.