Escape to Paradise: Temple Tree's Luxury Awaits in Bentota!
Escape to Paradise: Temple Tree – Where Luxury Meets a Bentota Beatdown (in the BEST Way!) - My Messy, Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Temple Tree in Bentota, and my brain is still trying to unscramble the sheer gorgeousness (and occasional charming chaos!). This isn't your perfectly polished, robotic review. This is me – warts and all – spilling the tea on this place. Buckle up, because it's gonna get messy.
Metadata – Because Google Wants to Know:
- Keywords: Temple Tree Bentota, Luxury Hotel Sri Lanka, Bentota Beach, Sri Lanka Spa, Wheelchair Accessible Hotel, Bentota Restaurants, Sri Lanka Family Resort, All-Inclusive, Ocean View, Swimming Pool Sri Lanka, Romantic Getaway, Sri Lanka Honeymoon, Spa Treatments, Bentota Activities, Accessible Travel, Free Wi-Fi, Air Conditioning, 24-Hour Room Service
- Meta Description: My chaotic, honest review of Temple Tree in Bentota, Sri Lanka! Find out if the luxury lives up to the hype, from the stunning pool to the surprisingly accessible features, the food, and the little quirks that make it truly memorable. Warning: May contain enthusiastic ramblings!
Accessibility – Bless Their Hearts, They Try!
Let's be real, accessibility in Sri Lanka isn't always top of the list. BUT, I was genuinely impressed with Temple Tree’s efforts. They've got facilities for disabled guests, including ramps and elevator access. I saw a few folks using wheelchairs (and bless them for navigating some of the uneven pathways!). I’m not in a wheelchair, and even I found some of the paths a bit…rustic. Some areas felt more "suggested" than truly accessible, but hey, this is Sri Lanka, and they're clearly putting in the effort. They even have facilities for disabled guests, which is a HUGE win. They should really advertise all of this more openly, though. The more people know, the more they’ll consider it!
Wheelchair Accessible: (YES, Kind Of…but Read the Small Print)
They have ramps, some elevators, and a generally thoughtful approach. Just…be prepared for a little adventure!
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges (Check!)
I noticed that all of the restaurants and lounges have ramps.
Food, Glorious, Sometimes Problematic Food!
Okay, the restaurants are a mixed bag. They really try to deliver on the luxury front.
- Restaurants: They have a few, each with a different vibe. Think Asian cuisine, Western cuisine, and a general fusion of amazingness.
- Breakfast service is a big deal, with both buffet and A la carte in restaurant options. The Asian breakfast was divine. Seriously, I piled my plate with hoppers and sambal until my eyes were watering with happiness. The Western breakfast was also decent, though a bit…predictable. I think the cook tried to make eggs benedict 5 days in a row.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant is plentiful. Thank goodness.
- Poolside bar: Ahh, the poolside bar. Where dreams are made…and mojitos are sometimes forgotten. (Just kidding, the service was generally good).
- Poolside bar: They also have a fantastic happy hour.
- Desserts in restaurant: Okay, the desserts? Worth every single calorie.
- Alternative meal arrangement: They are pretty accommodating if you have dietary needs.
- Room service [24-hour]: Because what luxury hotel isn't complete with 2 AM french fries? The room service was efficient and super friendly.
- Snack bar: Quick bites are available too.
The "Small" Food Problem: The occasional service hiccups, the slightly uneven execution, some dishes were truly amazing, others…less so. The menu descriptions sometimes don’t match the dishes. Expect little surprises and quirks. Don't be shy about sending food back – politely, of course. They're eager to please.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Where the Chaos Reigns (and I Love it!)
Okay, let's be real, the food is where the "Temple Tree Experience" really shines – and, occasionally, stumbles adorably.
- Asian & International Cuisine: Amazing and delicious. The variety is what you crave.
- Bar: Drinks are delicious, but the bar isn’t always open, which can be a problem.
- Bottle of Water: Every time! Always provided.
- Breakfast [Buffet]: A feast! Asian and Western dishes. A little messy, but I love it!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Perfect.
- Poolside Bar: Great during happy hour!
- Room service [24-hour]: A must! For your midnight snacks!
- Snack bar: Perfect for quick bites.
Cleanliness and Safety – Seriously Impressive (Especially Post-Pandemic!)
I’m a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge!), so this was HUGE for me. Temple Tree takes safety seriously in a post-pandemic world.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: YES!
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Saw them in action!
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Peace of mind.
- Hygiene certification: They've got the official nods!
- Individually-wrapped food options: So they are super careful to prevent the spread of viruses.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Enforced when possible.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Check!
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Huge comfort.
- Safe dining setup: They make it work.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Felt safe always!
- Sterilizing equipment: Good to see!
- Breakfast takeaway service: convenient!
Rooms – My Little Sanctuary (with a Few Quirks!)
The rooms are where the "Escape to Paradise" really kicks in.
- Air conditioning: Essential.
- Bathrobes: Luxurious!
- Balcony: Absolutely, my room actually looked out towards the ocean and I loved to sit down in the morning with my coffee.
- Blackout curtains: Nice for a good night’s sleep.
- Coffee/tea maker: Yes!
- Free bottled water: A lifesaver in the heat!
- In-room safe box: Peace of mind.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Great for families.
- Internet access – Wi-Fi [free]: The Wi-Fi was surprisingly decent.
- Mini bar: Yes!
- Non-smoking: Yes!
- Private bathroom: Spacious.
- Shower: Good water pressure.
- Smoke detector: Thankfully.
- Toiletries: Decent quality.
- Wake-up service: You know.
- Additional toilet: Not in my room, but available.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Spa Day Dreams & Gym Realities
Temple Tree knows how to pamper you.
- Body scrub: Bliss.
- Body wrap: Even more bliss.
- Fitness center: It's there, and it's functional. Don't expect a state-of-the-art gym, but it gets the job done.
- Foot bath: Ahhh…
- Gym/fitness: There!
- Massage: Essential.
- Pool with view: Absolutely stunning.
- Sauna: Yes!
- Spa/sauna: Excellent.
- Steamroom: Heaven.
- Swimming pool: Multiple, and gorgeous.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yes!
- Couple's room: Cozy!
- Room decorations: A little dated, but clean.
The Spa – My Own Private Paradise (Seriously, I Could Live There)
I had the most AMAZING massage. The spa itself is gorgeous. The therapists are skilled, and the whole experience…it's the definition of relaxation. I literally floated out of there. Do it. Just…do it.
Services and Conveniences – Dealing with the Little Things
- Air conditioning in public area: Cool and comfy.
- Business facilities: They have the basics.
- Cash withdrawal: Easy.
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: Spotless!
- Elevator: Good.
- Facilities for disabled guests: YES again!
- Ironing service & Laundry service: Convenient.
- Luggage storage: Handled with ease.
- Safety deposit boxes: Use them!
- Wi-Fi for special events: Yes!
- Check-in/out [express]: Easy!.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always there!
For the Kids & Families – Family-Friendly Vibes
- **Babysitting
Temple Tree Tango: My Bentota Breakdown (and Bliss) - A Messy Itinerary
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your pristine, perfectly planned travelogue. This is the REAL DEAL. This is me, your narrator, fresh (ish) from my Bentota adventure at Temple Tree Resort & Spa, armed with mosquito bites, a slightly sunburnt nose, and a brain crammed with memories you'd never find on a glossy brochure. Prepare for a rollercoaster, because trust me, it was one.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Luggage Lottery
Time: 8:00 AM - Arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo. (Or, rather, I thought I arrived. Turns out, half my luggage decided to take a separate vacation in Dubai. Don't ask.)
Transportation: The (miraculously efficient!) Temple Tree transfer. Bless them, because after that luggage debacle, I was already teetering on the edge of a full-blown meltdown.
Destination: Temple Tree Resort & Spa, Bentota. (Finally! Oh, the anticipation!)
Vibes: Exhausted, slightly panicked about my missing suitcase, but also… giddy. The air smelled of jasmine and adventure. And possibly, a hint of jet fuel.
Observation: The drive from the airport? Breathtaking. Lush green everywhere! Elephants! (Okay, maybe I saw a statue of an elephant. But still!) The roads are a bit… lively, shall we say? Driving in Sri Lanka requires the reflexes of a caffeinated cheetah.
Impression of the Resort: First impressions? Wow. Just… wow. Temple Tree is beyond charming. It's a sprawling collection of old Sri Lankan houses, each lovingly restored and brimming with character. I mean, the vibe is just… relaxed. You could practically feel your blood pressure drop the second you walked through the gates.
Afternoon
- Time: 2:00 PM - Check-in and the search for lost luggage begins. (Still no suitcase, but the staff was AMAZING and promised to track it down. They even offered me a complimentary welcome drink – a potent concoction of ginger and something delicious. I needed it after my luggage saga.)
- Activity: Wandering around the property. The place is a maze of hidden courtyards, secret gardens, and plunge pools. I swear, I could have gotten lost for days (and maybe I did, a little bit). Found a hammock. Immediately claimed it as my own. Life. Made. Complete.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated bliss. I mean, I could feel the stress just melting away. The only downside? My missing suitcase. Still, it was the middle of the day, so my optimism was still strong.
- Dinner: Attempted dinner at The Villa Restaurant. The food was amazing! I ate way too much (which is practically a sport for me). The restaurant is outdoors, under the stars - magical.
- Quirky Observation: The resident monitor lizards. They sauntered about the grounds like they owned the place. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if they did.
Night: Sleep. Or, attempted sleep. My brain was still buzzing with jet lag and the anxiety of the Great Luggage Hunt of '23. But the bed? Oh, the bed was like sleeping on a cloud.
Day 2: Beach Bliss (and Breakfast Battles)
Morning:
- Time: 7:00 AM - Wake up. (Okay, technically, I was awake since about 5:00 AM, thanks to the jet lag, but let's not split hairs.)
- Activity: Breakfast at The Villa. Let's be real, the breakfasts at Temple Tree are legendary. Fresh fruit, fluffy pancakes, and enough coffee to revive a zombie. One tiny complaint: The birds! They're brazen. I almost lost my breakfast to a particularly persistent pigeon.
- Emotional Reaction: Joy. Pure, unadulterated joy. Except for the bird. That bird was a menace.
- Follow-up: Breakfast-related PTSD. The bird's memory still haunts me.
Afternoon:
- Time: 10:00 AM - Beach time!
- Activity: Walking along Bentota Beach. Gorgeous. The sand was the color of warm honey, and the waves crashed with a rhythmic lull. I spent hours just wandering, collecting shells, and feeling the sun on my skin.
- Transportation: A short Tuk-Tuk ride to the beach. Another fun ride, the drivers are crazy.
- Emotional Reaction: Serenity. Absolute, blissful serenity. This is why I travel, people! This is what it’s all about!
- Imperfection: Sunburn starting. I’m a pasty person with very delicate skin. I spent too much time in the ocean.
Evening:
- Time: 6:00 PM - Sunset. (Spectacular. Seriously, the sunsets in Sri Lanka are worth the trip alone.)
- Activity: Cocktails at The Bar. There are cute little bars on the resort, with awesome cocktails.
- Emotional Reaction: Tipsy happy.
Day 3: The River Safari and a Dive Into Sri Lankan Soul
Morning:
- Time: 9:00 AM - River Safari time!
- Activity: This was incredible. We cruised along the Bentota River, glimpsing mangrove forests, and spotting crocodiles. Seriously. Crocodiles. Big ones. I also saw countless birds, monkeys, and even a water monitor lizard. This was an authentic Sri Lankan experience.
- Emotional Reaction: Soaking up the atmosphere, a deep sense of belonging. This is the REAL Sri Lanka, beyond the tourist traps.
Afternoon:
- Time: 1:00 PM - Cooking class, where I learned to make several traditional Sri Lankan dishes. I thought I was a good cook, but my creations were awful - and I blamed everything besides myself for not using the right spices.
- Emotional Reaction: I failed miserably. At least the food was good when the instructors prepared it!
- Opinionated Language: I am the worst cook ever!
Evening:
- Time: 7:00 PM - After the safari, there's nothing better than a massage. This was a deep-tissue massage, and it was really rough, but it was an amazing experience.
- Activity: The spa here is fantastic! The masseuse was amazing!
- Emotional Reaction: My body has been rejuvenated.
Day 4: The "Almost Lost My Passport" Drama and Departure
- Morning:
- Time: 9:00 AM - Panic! (Goodness, this is where my stress levels truly peaked.)
- Activity: Packing. Or, attempting to pack. Remember my missing luggage? Well, the resort staff was AMAZING and managed to locate it! (Huzzah!) But the joy was cut short by a frantic search for my passport. Turns out, I'd left it at the bottom of my suitcase. (Face palm.)
- Emotional Reaction: A combination of sheer terror and overwhelming relief. Almost lost my passport? That’s the stuff of nightmares. But at least my luggage was on its way?
- Quirky Observation: The staff at Temple Tree is like a well-oiled machine of kindness and efficiency. They handled my crisis with grace and calm, even when I was a sweaty, babbling mess.
- Afternoon:
- Activity: Final dip in the pool. Said goodbye the amazing staff and made my way to the airport.
- Emotional Reaction: Overwhelming sadness, wishing I could stay longer!
Departure:
- Time: Early evening. (Still not sure about my overall experience.)
- Transportation: Back to the airport.
- Destination: Going home.
- Overall Impression: Messy. Gloriously, wonderfully messy. Sri Lanka, and especially Temple Tree, has a way of getting under your skin. It's a place of contradictions – beauty and chaos, relaxation and adventure. And even with the luggage drama, the near-passport-disaster, and the bird attacks, it was one of the best trips of my life. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. (And maybe next time, I’ll learn to cook. Or at least, not scare the birds away.)
Escape to Paradise: Temple Tree's Luxury Awaits in Bentota - The REALLY Honest FAQ!
1. Okay, spill. Is Temple Tree REALLY as idyllic as those Instagram photos?
Alright, alright... let's get real. Those photos? Gorgeous. Temple Tree? Also gorgeous. But... and there's always a "but," isn't there? I went expecting rainbows and unicorns. And, well, the rainbows are definitely there – especially after a good rain and that humidity. The unicorns? Not so much, unless you count the occasional peacock strutting its stuff, which, admittedly, is close. First impressions? Stunning. Like, jaw-droppingly beautiful. Think lush tropical gardens, historic houses transformed into suites… you feel like you've fallen into a Wes Anderson movie, if he did a Sri Lankan getaway. But the floors in my room? They weren't *immaculately* clean. Like, I'm talking a *teeny tiny* bit gritty underfoot. And I’m a barefoot kind of gal, so I noticed! But honestly? It didn't bother me all that much. Because the sheer *vibe* of the place just washes over you. It's that kind of place where you relax immediately, you know? Except... and I'll get to this… the relaxation wasn't immediate for *me* because... (see question 3!)
2. Can I REALLY get serious "me" time there? Or is it all honeymooners and families?
Okay, *this* is key. I went solo (gasp! Yes, *solo*). And I'm an introvert. I NEED my alone time. And Temple Tree mostly delivers on this. There are definitely couples, absolutely, but they’re mostly off doing their own thing. Families? Yes, a few, but the layout is such that you don't feel *overrun*. The houses are spaced out, the pool area is large enough... you can find your own quiet spot. I found it incredibly easy to get lost in a book (highly recommend bringing a good one!) by the pool, or just sprawled on my verandah, listening to the birds and the waves. It's a place where you can genuinely switch off your phone (I eventually did, and it was GLORIOUS) and just *be*. But more on the "being" later. I mean, you're in Sri Lanka! You're *supposed* to be experiencing things!
3. Let's talk about the service. Is it as attentive as the brochures suggest?
Ah, the service. Okay, so, here's the thing. The staff are incredibly friendly, genuine, and *trying* to be helpful. And they *are* helpful. But... there were moments. Let me explain. I got royally and utterly lost trying to FIND my room the first day. My sense of direction is, shall we say, *challenged*. There are all these charming little houses with slightly confusing names, and I just… couldn't. I wandered around for a good 20 minutes, sweating, and feeling like a complete idiot before finally flagging down someone for help. The second day, my power outlet wasn't working, and it took two trips to the front desk and a slightly exasperated maintenance man (who *apparently* was very busy. I mean, who *isn't*, right?) to finally get it fixed. And ordering room service? It sometimes took a little... *longer* than expected. But you know what? It's Sri Lanka. Things move at a different pace. And honestly? The staff were so genuinely apologetic and helpful once they understood the problem, I couldn't stay annoyed. They were *lovely*. It's a cultural thing, I think. Things aren't as slick and polished as some other luxury places. And you know what? It actually made it feel MORE authentic. Less… *stuffy*.
4. About the food... Is it worthy of the price tag?
The food. Oh, the *food*… This is where they really nail it. Mostly. The breakfast, included, is incredible. Fruit, fresh juices, incredible Sri Lankan curries (they’ll adjust the spice level to your preference, thank goodness!), and Western options. I’d go just for the brekkie! Lunch is a little more hit-or-miss, depending on where you eat and what you choose. The fine dining restaurant sometimes had amazing things and sometimes were a little bit too fancy for my tastes especially after the humidity gets to you! But the dinners? *Chef's kiss.* Seriously. The curries are phenomenal. The seafood is fresh and cooked to perfection. And the presentation? Gorgeous. I remember one particular dinner, a grilled snapper with a spicy mango salsa... Oh. My. Goodness. I'm drooling just thinking about it. The price tag? You are paying for something luxurious, but you’re also getting a taste of paradise. But honestly, if you're a foodie, go! You won't regret it.
5. What activities are there? Should I get bored quickly?
Bored? Never! But... it depends on *you*. If you're the type who needs constant stimulation, then maybe. But for me? Utterly perfect. You can spend your days lounging by the pool, reading, getting massages (the spa is divine, by the way!), or exploring the local area. Bentota Beach is just a short walk away (and the waves are AMAZING). You can take a boat trip on the Bentota River (highly recommended - the mangroves are beautiful!), visit the Brief Garden (amazing!), or go to the Lunuganga (the residence and gardens of Geoffrey Bawa – you *must* go!). I also took a cooking class, which was a blast! The staff can organize everything for you. And for you, the adventurous kind of person, you will likely want to go windsurfing or paddleboarding! Some other activities are the water-sports center. The point is, there's plenty to do if you want to, but the beauty of Temple Tree is also that you don’t have to. The relaxed atmosphere is just as satisfying. But you'll have to decide whether you want to sit and relax or go wild.
6. Spill the tea: Were there any major downsides? Anything I should be prepared for?
Okay, real talk. The main downside? The mosquitos. They're fierce. Seriously. Bring DEET. Slather it on. Sleep with a mosquito net (they provide them, thankfully). I got eaten alive the first night by not heeding the warnings. And the second "downside" is not really a downside, but a heads-up. The area around Bentota *isn't* super-developed. You're not going to find massive shopping malls or a bustling nightlife. Which, again, is a *good* thing, depending on your priorities. But if you're expecting a super-slick, modern resort experience, maybe this isn't the place for you. It's all about the charm, the tranquility, the feeling of getting away from it all. But the mosquitos... did I mention the mosquitos? And one more thing… Stayin The Heart
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