Hotel Review: Sri Sharavi, Marissa, Sri Lanka

Sri Sharavi Beach Villas & Spa

Sri Lanka In Style

Located just 10 minutes from the idyllic coastal town of Mirissa on the southern tip of Sri Lanka, the Sri Sharavi Beach Villas & Spa provides breathtaking executive accommodation for the most discerning business and luxury travellers.

Guests of the Sri Sharavi can choose from 4 beachfront or 2 garden villas, the former of which provides panoramic, 180-degree views of the pristine, endless waters that stretch uninterrupted from south Sri Lanka to Antarctica.

With only a small number of villas on the property, Sri Sharavi is the perfect choice for corporate getaways and romantic escapades alike. Each three-bedroom beachfront villa caters easily for 6 adults, and comes equipped with full ensuite facilities in each room, two with king-sized beds, one with two single beds, and a dedicated staff member ready to cater to your every need.

While there is a dedicated tuk tuk driver at the property that will happily cart you into nearby Mirissa to enjoy dinner out on the town, chances are you won’t want to move a muscle.

That’s because Chef Dilam, the resort’s resident culinary master, prepares a daily pre-set menu of Sri Lankan and Western specialities, as well as delicacies cooked to order upon request, with a little notice.

Be sure to sample the BBQ seafood served banquet-style, and don’t forget to wash it all down with a glass (or three) of the locally-distilled, coconut based spirit Ceylon Arrak.

While the ability to accommodate 25-30 adults makes the Sri Sharavi perfect for executive accommodation and corporate retreats, couples and families will find the resort aptly suited to their needs as well.

Parents with young children will enjoy the 43-meter pool with kid’s play area, easy access to the beach and the ease with which extra beds and cots can be added to each villa. They’ll also relish the luxury of having a dedicated staff member to serve drinks, wash dishes, and clean up after everyone (including the kids!).

Couples will adore the liquid-pink sunrises and sunsets as viewed from the terrace of their ocean side villa, and long walks on the pristine beach. And since there can never be more than a couple of dozen guests at the resort at one time, privacy is practically guaranteed.

The proximity of Mirissa, Matara with only a short trip to Bentota and the historic colonial town of Galle means an endless array of sightseeing options for travellers.  Day trips are a breeze from Sri Sharavi, where the staff will happily offer recommendations, arrange transportation, and secure tickets to the attractions of your choice, you might even want to try whale watching or deep sea fishing.

Spa treatments, airport pick up, and the opening of a unique food and wine cellar in winter 2014 make the price tag of a stay at Sri Sharavi more than worth it. While US$1,250 per night during high season might give some pause for thought, a garden suite during low season can be booked for as little as US$120, making Sri Sharavi accessible for almost any budget.

Besides the requisite mosquitoes and sand flies at dawn and dusk, the only consideration for short stays of this resort is the location. At 9 hours from Singapore door to door (including airport wait times), “off the beaten track” might be an apt description, with the up side of much fewer ‘tourists’ around to upset your stay.

However, those staying at least a week will find the private, pristine natural surroundings, 5-star service, and breathtaking beachfront to be well worth the journey.  Sri Sharavi would also provide a great short stay to break up a longer trip around Sri Lanka.

Sri Sharavi Practical Information