Residence jasmine

Ben N.

about 1 month ago

Great family experience on the river

We had a wonderful time at this family-friendly spot by the Bentota River. The river cruise was fantastic, and during our brief 24-hour stay, we truly couldn't have asked for more!

Sally W.

about 1 month ago

Charming family-run residence with great food

What a wonderful find! This family-run residence is incredibly welcoming. The rooms are spotless, and the food is top-notch. The pool is beautifully maintained. Your hosts are very helpful, assisting with transport to any destination you choose. I highly recommend the river safari. We did it from 7am to 9am and enjoyed breakfast upon our return. We spotted a variety of birds and animals, and even fed peanuts to the gentle monkeys. While at the residence, we also saw a hooded or Indian golden oriole that made a unique hiccuping sound, plus a peacock made an appearance as well. If you have time, visit Brief Garden. You can negotiate with the tuk-tuk driver to wait for you while you explore, and an hour is sufficient for a visit. We also enjoyed watching the sunset at Bentota Beach. Don't miss the TunaTurner restaurant!

Food

4

Service

5

Value

4

Ambiance

5

Emily M.

about 1 month ago

Fantastic family-run riverside retreat

Residence Jasmin is located right at the river's end before it meets the sea, making it easy to reach the beach by boat. It's a little removed from the busy areas, yet a tuk tuk ride can quickly take you to restaurants and shopping spots. A supermarket, banks, and small shops are all just a short walk away. The accommodations are spacious, spotlessly clean, and equipped with effective air conditioning, hot water, and lovely views. The pool is stunning, and you can listen to the ocean, enjoy the river scenery, and take a dip in the pool. However, what truly makes this place special are the family members running it. Sammy, Dinesh, his wife, Ninesh, and the kids are fantastic. They offer various water sports and arranged a fishing trip, a river safari, jet skiing, and inflatable tow rides for us. They also provided us with recommendations for restaurants and tuk tuk rides, including one to Brief Garden. Traveling with a child, they assisted me in getting food and snacks whenever necessary. Breakfast is simple yet delightful, and the coffee is top-notch. They also have very cold beers available to unwind after a long day. The team, including Dinesh, Ninesh, and their dad, are truly exceptional. Ninesh guides you on fishing trips and river safaris. He has a knack for spotting wildlife — we encountered crocodiles, various birds, frogs, tiny bats, lizards, monitors, and monkeys. He also makes fishing enjoyable. I highly recommend both activities, which are reasonably priced. Ninesh is humorous, kind, and great with children, and his expertise regarding the water and wildlife is impressive. Dinesh oversees the guesthouse and is always available to assist with anything you need. He also conducts the water sports safely and knowledgeably. Sammy, their dad, has decades of experience working with guests and is a wonderful man who is often around for a beer and a friendly chat. It was an amazing experience, and I plan to return. This is the perfect first or last stop if you're in the south, just a short drive to Colombo. I highly recommend it. Outstanding.

Food

4

Service

5

Value

5

Ambiance

4

robertknght

about 1 month ago

Memorable Stay with Welcoming Hosts

Our first destination in Sri Lanka remains one of my favorites even after the trip. Nimesh and his family were incredibly welcoming during our stay. The accommodation is a charming villa located right next to their family home, alongside the bank of the ...

Service

5

Rachel H.

about 1 month ago

Charming stay with great amenities

We spent one night here and received a warm welcome. Our room and bathroom were lovely and spacious. Having a swimming pool in a beautiful garden with a view of the river was a real treat. You can also borrow a kayak to paddle across the river to the beach on the other side, where you can swim in the gentle waves and enjoy the incredibly soft sand. It's a delightful place to visit.

Shihan L.

about 1 month ago

Beautiful views, average food

Situated alongside the Bentota River, this place offers stunning views of both the river and the sea in the distance. The rooms and bathrooms were tidy, though the bed was just okay and the pillows left something to be desired. Additionally, I noticed there was no shampoo or soap provided in the bathroom. The staff were friendly and efficient. However, the food was only average in both taste and quality, which could use some enhancements. Parking is also limited.

Food

3

Service

4

Value

3

Ambiance

4

Volker W.

about 1 month ago

Charming stay with great service

This small hotel, featuring just a handful of rooms, offered us a wonderfully warm welcome. Throughout our holiday, we relished our time thanks to the impeccably clean rooms and the well-maintained grounds. The air conditioning functioned flawlessly, the pool was pristine, and we always had the option to take a boat to the beach. Breakfast was impressively fresh and thoughtfully prepared. Lunch could be ordered as we wished, while dinner options included meat, fish, pasta, or local cuisine, catering well to European guests. The staff stood out with their exceptional friendliness, always eager to meet our requests. They were consistently available and very accommodating.

Food

4

Service

5

clair01

about 1 month ago

Lovely family-run spot in Sri Lanka

This place is truly impressive. It's managed by a lovely family and has such a laid-back vibe. The rooms are fantastic and impeccably clean. The food is excellent, and the family embodies the warm hospitality typical of Sri Lanka. We also enjoyed a river safari, which was amazing.

Food

5

Service

5

Ambiance

5

dilhan S.

about 1 month ago

Great family-friendly hotel

This hotel in Aluthgama is perfect for families. I highly recommend it for its safety and cleanliness. I had no trouble reserving a room, and the pool was well-maintained. The staff were incredibly friendly. I also booked a boat package through them, and everything was satisfactory. The prices are reasonable, and I plan to return soon. ❤️🙏

Service

5

Value

4

Didi E.

about 1 month ago

Charming riverside retreat with great vibes

This place is beautiful and tranquil, situated by the river and very close to some of the finest restaurants in Bentota, along with a stunning beach. I felt safe and welcomed during my stay, and the family atmosphere was really nice, thanks to the amazing people here. I would definitely consider staying again. Sammy and Nimesh are fantastic hosts, two of the most wonderful people I encountered in Sri Lanka. Only love and good vibes! They also provide an incredible boat safari and watersports on the river, which Nimesh leads with genuine passion and care for his guests. 6 stars!

Service

5

Ambiance

5