Location

Ranweli is an eco-friendly resort situated on a coastal wetland about ten miles north of the beach resort of Negombo. This secluded holiday resort is reached via a short paddle-ferry which glides you to a peninsular surrounded by two rivers, a lagoon and the Indian Ocean - an ideal retreat for nature lovers. Ranweli's ecological commitment has been officially recognised by the World Tourist Organisation.

Why you should book with us

Ranweli has a loyal clientele who value its gentle adventure experience. Situated on a peninsula where mangrove forests and winding rivers converge to meet the Indian Ocean, it combines the authenticity of an eco lodge with comforts comparable to a decent hotel. Its 72 chalet-style bungalows and 12 family rooms blend sensitively with the natural environment. Ranweli has a strong commitment to the local community, in terms of employment, use of local materials and produce and encouragement of ancient crafts. Its protection of the habitat is also seen in a strong recycling philosophy, and the insistence of environmentally-friendly facilities.

There are 72 spacious chalets with river or sea views and 12 river view rooms situated in light woodland. The bungalows are constructed with locally available materials resembling a typical Sri Lankan village. All rooms have a/c and solar-powered h/w showers. The spacious rooms also have a sitting area, overhead fans, and telephone. The interiors are decorated with local fabrics, terracotta pots and local artifacts.

Ranweli's restaurant serves Sri Lankan and western cuisine. Vegetarian meals are provided during buffets and on request. The Pavilion Bar by the swimming pool serves snacks and beverages. A fruit stall near the bar offers fresh fruit juices and nutritious herbal drinks. Meals are prepared using fresh fruits and vegetables purchased from the village market as well as from Ranweli's organic vegetable gardens. Ranweli's Ayurvedic centre provides a range of curative and relaxing therapies, under the care of an in-house Ayurvedic medical practitioner. Yoga and guided meditation sessions are also held regularly. For the more active there is tennis, squash, beach volleyball, badminton, basketball and several indoor games including table tennis, pool and billiards, and board games. Ranweli also offers traditional Sri Lankan wedding ceremonies. In keeping with a philosophy of community development, villagers are invited regularly to demonstrate indigenous crafts and skills. Shops include an eco shop where local crafts and eco-friendly products can be purchased. A conference facility is often used by many nature and wildlife organizations.

Ranweli offers numerous excursions including birding walks, butterfly watching, nature walks, cycling/habitat tours, fishing in the lagoon and river. Watersports include wave boarding, boogie boarding, paddle boating and canoeing. Experience Negombo's colonial heritage including the ruins of the Dutch Fort. For those interested in nature and the wilderness, take a boat ride into the Muthurajawela marshes and the Negombo Lagoon - home to numerous species of birds and fish, dragon flies and monitor lizards.

• General
  81%
• Food
  77%
• Service
  79%
• Room
  78%
• Location
  88%

Important note on prices : Red Dot prices include all government taxes and service charges. Some properties and websites exclude these charges from their direct quotes, which adds 24-26 per cent to your bill, so please check carefully before booking. Red Dot also guarantees to beat any lower published prices from other agents. Some property owners also request that we do not display our prices online. Please ask us for a quote - and tell us if we do not offer the best value.

Why you should book with us