River House Sri Lanka

Customer Rating
      
Our Customer Rating is an independent average score based on the judgment of Red Dot travellers who have stayed at the property during the last two years.Satisfaction levels can be influenced by expectations, price, weather and other factors.
Media Reviews
"The River House is just the kind of property Eden has in mind. Open for just a year, this five-room hideaway takes the idea of waterfront solace to an entirely new and special level."
Centurion , 2006
January 1900 More »
River House, Balapitiya
Swimming pool   Water sports   Cable TV   DVD library   iPod station   Restaurant   Licensed bar   Room service   Laundry service  
Location
The River House is an exquisite five-bedroom boutique hotel set on a hillock sloping down to the tranquil Madhu Ganga (river). Located just south of Bentota, half a mile up a narrow dirt-track road, the splendid River House slips into view. The journey from Colombo’s international airport takes about three hours depending on traffic. The historic city of Galle is one hour away.
Introduction
The River House, spread over seven acres of lush tropical gardens, is a haven of style and tranquility. The main house is perched on a grassy hillside, and lying beneath, the Madhu Ganga flows broadly and confidently towards the sea. There is no more entrancing holiday location in Sri Lanka than this. Thoroughly escapist; truly magnificent. The main house consists of four beautiful suites and the fifth suite is located down hill by the river. The River House is the stunning creation of Nayantha Fonseka, a Sri Lankan lifestyle designer and is owned by Asia Leisure which also owns boutique hotels in Colombo, Galle and the hill country. The villa is inspired by traditional South Asian designs and makes imaginative use of endemic Sri Lankan woods such as Kitul and Jak fruit. Handpicked antique furniture blends with hand-carved reproduction furniture based on traditional designs. Ample rest areas - inside and out, make use of rattan sofas, easy chairs, tapestries and carpets and drapes from India, Thailand and Indonesia. The staff at the River House has been here for many years and provides a pesonalised service which makes it a true home away from home. This is the ultimate property to finish or start any journey to Sri Lanka and is ideal for a restful holiday, romantic honeymoon, or even a special family celebration. The River House received a special recommendation from Trip Advisor for the year 2011
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Accommodation
There are five suites each opening out to a verandah and spectacular river or garden views. The rooms are furnished with king-size beds and have sitting and dining areas. All rooms have a/c, overhead fans, cable TV, DVD player, and coffee/tea facility. The stylish ensuite bathrooms have h/w showers.

Ging Suite: Located on the ground floor, this is a spacious suite with in-room dining facilities, and sitting area. The suite opens on to a private garden and the terrace with views downhill to the river. Ensuite bathroom is beautifully designed with and indoor shower as well as a granite outdoor bath with a soothing flow of water from a spout up ahead.

Kirinda and Kala Suites: These two suites are smaller yet stylishly furnished with king size beds and opens out to private, enclosed gardens providing for much privacy.

Menik Suite: Located on the upper floor, this is the spectacular master suite which opens on to a spacious terrace with sitting and dining area; and plunge pool. The views from here across the gardens to the river is beautiful. The room is furnished with a king-size four poster bed and has an ensuite bathroom with h/w shower.

Walawe Suite: Located downhill closer to the river, the Walawe Suite is utterly private and opens out to a large stretch of garden and the river. The interior is furnished with a king-size bed and ensuite bathroom has h/w shower.
Facilities
There are many terraces and living spaces where you can read a book or just relax and take in the beautiful views. There is an in-house library with interesting titles and a DVD library. Meals are served at the open sided dining area on the ground floor, in the gardens or in the privacy of your own suite. Meal times are flexible here and are prepared to your liking. Tasty Sri Lankan and western dishes are on offer. Cocktails and wine is also available. The sprawling gardens with meandering walkways are scattered with ferns, orchids, and plenty of fruit trees that attracts numerous birds. The River House is popular amongst bird watchers as well due to the many rare bird species that can be spotted here. An infinity swimming pool rests in seclusion on another part of the hillside, with its own changing hut. A private motorboat and boogie boards are available and, should the road be impassable in the rainy season, you can travel the last mile in style by private boat from Balapitiya Bridge. The sun kissed beaches of Bentota is only two kms away.
Excursions
Water sports including surfing, snorkeling, jet skiing are on offer just nearby in Bentota and Hikkaduwa. Go out to sea in a catamaran with the fisherman or take a boat ride along the tranquil Madu River past quaint rural villages, en route, visit the local markets, temples & craft and antique shops. Visit Kosgoda’s Marine Turtle hatchery – a valuable conservation project that protects the endangered Marine Turtles of Sri Lanka. Experience Ambalangoda’s cultural heritage with a visit to the Ariyapala Mask Museum where intricate masks used in various southern traditional dance forms are on display. Masked dancing is also performed here regularly. An hour’s drive will take you to the historic town of Galle and the 17th century Dutch Fort, a UNESCO-protected World Heritage site. Explore Galle Fort’s narrow streets lined with Dutch and British colonial era buildings which are still in use, sturdy ramparts looking out to sea, the lighthouse, and a growing collection of museums, art galleries, shops, and several boutique hotels.
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.
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