Ananthaya Beach

This is an amazing spot. I could not believe it was not a 4 star hotel but now I know this is due to room numbers. The staff are so wonderful and from day one we were made to feel like nothing was too much. Nishan looks after the grounds and is just the most lovely gentleman, looking after us, bringing us aloe Vera from the garden to help with sun tan/ burn. The guys in the bar are so very lovely and I could not mention one over another, so thanks to all for their wonderful sri lankan welcome. The food is great. The sri lankan breakfast is a must have. We had a sea view room and it was so beautiful. The beach is so quiet and beautiful, alrhough you need a torch on a night, tk find tour way home. Try sitting on the balcony for the sun rise at 6.20 with a cup of tea or coffee. We did not do Yala this time but went to the turtle conservatory and had a great evening, although is was organised chaos. Try a facial or spa experience. Sandaraka was just so professional, but friendly and I felt so relaxed afterwards. I will definitely come back again.

What a fantastic hotel, amazing setting overlooking the Indian Ocean. Quiet location ideal for chilling out while visiting Sri Lanka. Accommodation was clean and provided for all our needs. Food in stunning open restaurant was authentic Sri Lankan. Would love to return in the future.

We stayed here for three nights and absolutely loved it. The view from your balcony and the pool area is to die for, it’s really something. The staff and owner are really friendly and can’t do enough for you, they just want you to have a nice time. They are great! Our room was perfectly fine, nothing fancy, just a big high ceilinged room, that was very clean and all we needed, it slept two adults and two young kids - admittedly the youngest had to sleep in with us. As they only provide a king size bed and one single. Not sure if you can request an extra bed but for three nights we more than comfortable. The pool and loungers are really nice. The kids loved the pool and seeing the wildlife too. The sunrise here is spectacular but the way. The food was ok - breakfast was included and there’s a varied choice and dinner is from a menu and it’s ok, very cheap, but quite small portions. A family of four can eat for £25/£30 We choose to eat out a couple of times and that’s nothing more than a short Tuk Tuk ride away. I also highly recommend the local bird sanctuary - what a day out that was. We didn’t venture out too far on the beaches as the dogs (lots) scared our kids, they seemed perfectly harmless but the barking frightened our little ones. They seemed quite territorial. The owner of hotel assured us they don’t bite, but sadly our kids and us to be honest felt a bit intimidated by them. We would 100% stay here again and I think 3 nights is about right if you are foodies like us. Thanks for their wonderful hospitality and we hope to return one day.