“Stunning, relaxing spot on the riverfront.”

What a beautiful place Ira and Chani have. The riverfront location is stunning with pool, gardens and nature all around. The villa is large, well thought out and beautifully furnished, with everything you could need. Ira and Chani were fantastic hosts who really made us feel looked after (alongside Ginger!).

“Fantastic location, very nice accommodation but the kitchenette facility needs to be reinstated”

My wife & I loved the location of Chaleni Villa, on the river, with spectacular views, the nightly swarm of fruit bats from the nearby river island and at night the fireflys would twinkle in the night sky. The part of the villa allocated to us was of ample size for the length of our stay providing a comfortable king size bed with mosquito netting, a small but unavailable kitchenette area, a large bathroom with shower, you also have your own perfectly adequate small terrace area where you could sit and enjoy the view. Ira, our hostess, provided breakfast and her eggs were simply delicious and all served by, her companion Chani. You have ready access to a small swimming pool, towels provided and two very good quality sun beds, with an umbrella. Chani provided a very useful Tuk Tuk service as well as taking us on a great day out on his motor boat, which is moored at Chaleni

“A nice stay in a residential area”

A very spacious, clean room with lots of hot water. Bed with mosquito nets as there were a few in the mornings. Ira and Chanaka are good hosts and were very helpful to us by letting us have a very late checkout. I would have no problem to stay here again if in Bentota.

“A short sentence would not do justice for our stay just go you will not be disappointed”

Beautiful location run by beautiful people and gin and tonic the dog.just go there ire and chani are super hosts we will be back xxx

“A peaceful riverside stay filled with laughter, unforgettable moments, warm hospitality.”

This small, cosy homestay in Bentota is an absolute gem — riverside, peaceful, and full of personality (human and animal). The location is stunning, right on the river with a beautifully kept garden, clean swimming pool, sun loungers, and terrace views so heavenly you may forget what day it is. Despite feeling wonderfully tucked away, it’s only 5–7 minutes by tuk-tuk to the centre, with a couple of restaurants within easy walking distance. Breakfasts were fantastic. Chani and Ira checked in every morning to see how we wanted our eggs — and I’m convinced they could cook them in ways not yet officially recognised. The traditional Sri Lankan breakfast was absolutely divine, though possibly not designed for those with a small appetite. Chani and Ira are exceptional hosts: warm, welcoming, knowledgeable, and never pushy. Chani is happy to arrange tours (or not), depending entirely on your mood — a refreshing, no-pressure approach. Between them they speak several languages, including excellent English, and are always on hand with advice or help. The garden is full of nature — including one surprise visit from a large water monitor (don’t worry, he fled faster than we did). You’ll also be greeted each morning by Ginger, aka GinTonic, the friendliest dog imaginable and a true professional in warm welcomes. One evening turned into a spontaneous nightcap on the terrace, complete with laughter and Chani practising his Sri Lanka X Factor auditions on a microphone — unforgettable. We were also lucky enough to witness the Bentota Perahera, a once-a-year festival with elephants, dancers, musicians, and fire jugglers — an incredible cultural bonus. All in all, this isn’t just a place to stay — it’s a place to feel at home, laugh a lot, and make lasting memories. Highly recommended.

“I wish we had a few more days here!”

The villa is located on a river bank and it's absolutely stunning. The space is well done with all the required amenities and the smallest of things like hangers, laundry basket are taken care of. The host is very helpful and proactive. The space seems new and very clean. It has options for food delivery as well. It was the best hotel we accommodation we stayed in on our entire Sri Lanka trip.

The location next to the river. Chan was very helpful, offering advice and tuk tuk lifts to and from the beach and restaurants.

It is little Paradise and (Chani) was outstanding as host. Very helpful with everything and he has big knowledge about adventures in the area. Beautiful garden and pool. We felt very good . We have a good feeling and can highly recommend the host and the place.

“Wonderful - totally rested & ready for the next stage of our journey”

Location awesome given that we were on the river but only 5 mins from the sea. Chanaka would take us to the beach as well as our chosen locations of Lunaganga , Brief and a variety of shopping expeditions . The large room looks out over the River & is a super way to start the morning. The bed is comfortable and the aircon & fan very efficient . Plenty of wardrobe space . A lovely terrace to eat the breakfast. Sunloungers down by the river & pool. It has all the ingredients for a great holiday.

“Peaceful, lovely people, wonderful location”

Chanaka and the lady owner were lovely. Ginger, the dog, was a delight. Peacocks, water monitors and monkeys in nearby trees. Really peaceful on the lake. Breakfast was the best we had in Sri Lanka. Both the usual and the Sri Lankan

“Best start to our sri lankan holiday”

The friendliness of the hosts. The view from the villa. The gardens and the quiet location + the pool and their gorgeous dog. The villa had its own balcony but the hosts were always on.hand to offer advice on restaurants and daily lifts. We became good friends after just a few days and.it was the best start to our holiday. The water safari was one we will never forget!!! We definitely be back!

“Amazing lakeviews sweetest people”

The kindness of the hosts doing everything to make your stay as good as possible! They have a own boat and they can take you on the lake inside the mangroves awsome to see ! Great sri lankan breakfast! Our best stay in sri lanka so far ! To bad was only for 1 night !

“Great!”

Fine pool, beautiful garden and a nice room. Good service and very helpful hosts.

Friendly host, very welcoming, inviting and caring people. Highly recommended for the view this property offers.