Villa Nelum

10/10

Eraeliya Villas and Gardens is a small boutique hotel set upon a palm tree lined hilltop over looking the surf in Weligama. An oasis amongst a fast moving pace of a traditional fishing village. We stayed in Villa Nellum set in our own private gardens. The bath tub was a very luxurious and welcome addition after long days travelling or surfing. Breakfast is served each morning, complimentary to your villa with a big range of choice western or Sri Lankan. We had some special lunches served on the hill top or by the pool. The food within the villas was delicious and affordable. My favourite was the tuna Ambultiyal .Beetroot long grain rice - red bean mix combo. Served with spring onion shredded coconut lime zest chilli un ripe tomatoes side. The staff were friendly, efficient and always welcoming. Perfect for couples, families and groups. I look forward to my next trip in season when the surf pumps at Jungle beach.

10/10

Very relaxing hotel with superb location and excellent facilities. A little bit away from local amenities but this is a small price to pay to stay in such a lovely hotel. We stayed here after a 3 hour drive from Colombo airport - great place to re-charge the batteries in preparation for 10 days or so travelling around Sri Lanka. We had evening meal for two night on the beach at nearby Marissa which was very pleasant but it does require a tut tut drive or a taxi

10/10

We really loved the Eraeliya Villas resort. Everything about the place exudes elegance and taste without being garish. The accommodation is in private villas and apartments dotted about the grounds and you never really feel you are in a hotel. Dining is also private and you eat all meals on your terrace or balcony. We enjoyed the fact that meals were a la carte, although the menu was only loosely based on what you would actually receive when you ordered, especially the breakfast menu which sometimes bore absolutely no resemblance to what the chef would prepare! For example, "poached eggs with spinach and hollandaise" would arrive as poached eggs with bacon and sausage! I think menu consistency needs to be improved, but this is not something which we felt we wanted to knock off a star for. The location is just perfect, with a stretch of (almost) private beach a few steps down. The sea can be rough with cross currents so be careful when swimming and extremely cautious when snorkelling. We stayed in the very cute Muhudu Bella villa with a unique snail shaped bathroom and. We felt this was the nicest villa of the bunch as it was the most romantic and secluded and had a Maldivian charm about it. The bathroom was lovely with a spacious shower area but is in dire need of more lighting. At night you practically shower in the dark. Service was very good, with all staff being very polite, friendly and helpful at all times. Overall a gorgeous place for a tranquil getaway in Sri Lanka.