Centara Ceysands: A Lankan paradise
With its river and ocean setting, and direct access to the beach, Centara Ceysands has an abundance of natural attractions. Along with the leisure activities at the resort, diving trips, visits to heritage sites, and a river safari make for a memorable ex
Located on the Bentota Peninsula, a narrow strip of land that runs between the Bentota River and the Indian Ocean, Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa Sri Lanka has dreamy views of the slow-moving river and its mangroves to one side, and to the other side views of the golden beach and blue sea. For adventure enthusiasts and those who prefer a quiet and rejuvenating time, this is an ideal destination. It is just about 100 kms from Colombo, best accessed through the southern expressway which is about a 45-minute ride.
Access to the resort is also exotic, with guests boarding a barge on the landward bank of the river and taking a two-minute journey across to a warm welcome in the resort lobby. The restaurants, shopping arcade and water sports are located on the ground and mezzanine level whilst the rooms, library and other recreation areas are on the first level. The wide open spaces of the resort allows guests to relax from the moment one steps into the property, it is best to check in by 3 pm and check-out time would be 12 noon.
This state of the art luxury resort consists of 165 rooms and suites in various categories to suit the requirements of the guests with an average size from about 37 to 139 square metres. On request inter-connecting rooms, suites, rooms with view of the pool and the sea are available. Complimentary wireless Internet access is given to all guests for a minimum of two devices. The ocean-facing swimming pool provides water aerobics to those who wish to indulge in keeping themselves fit and trim during their stay whilst enjoying their time spent in the pool. Their authentic Cenvaree spa is a must visit as guests can enjoy a blissful Thai massage but it is essential to make a prior appointment.
Other facilities include a fitness centre, kids club (camp safari and e-Zone) and babysitting services upon request. Some of the key water sports include snorkelling, canoeing, sailing and sailing lessons, and wakeboarding, kneeboarding, jet skiing, and rubber dinghy rafting and banana boat, scuba diving available upon request, river and deep sea fishing and river safaris. Special tours and sightseeing excursions can be arranged. If you are a water enthusiast this is the place to try out all the aquatic sports with an instructor and guide all the way. Guests are also offered excursions to other parts of the country upon request and all facilities are arranged at the desk. When you book your room online or through your travel agent, make sure you book the extras to avoid the rush even during the offseason time.
Food and beverage wise, the latest addition is the new signature Thai restaurant ‘Suan Bua’ opened very recently serving authentic Thai cuisine. Café Bem overlooking the river offers traditional Sri Lankan specialities, Asian and international cuisine presented either by buffet or even a la carte menu according to the season coupled with live cooking stations. 360 Restaurant serves international cuisines with specialises in sumptuous, locally sourced seafood prepared in a variety of ways. Perfect to immerse in a relaxing ambience and take in the views of the ocean, Ceylon Club serves refreshments, snacks and fabulous afternoon teas. Two bars complete the range of dining experiences. In-room dining is available to those who wish to munch on something whilst enjoying the view of the pool or the river.
It is a very unique facility which could even host MICE guests. The resort’s versatile event space can accommodate a wide-ranging number of functions including meetings with working lunch, incentives, weddings and outdoor receptions, all supported by state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment. With either the Bentota River or the Indian Ocean as a picture-perfect background the resort is a natural location for wedding celebrations.