Tourism•2 weeks ago

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Araliya Beach Resort & Spa, Unawatuna, Sri Lanka

Imagine waking up to crystal-clear ocean views, spending your days lounging on pristine beaches, and unwinding with world-class spa treatments at this 5-star resort in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka. This tropical haven offers the ultimate beach getaway, complete with luxurious amenities and top-notch service. You'll feel like you're in paradise, with the sound of the waves and the warmth of the sun on your skin. Whether you're looking to relax, unwind, or just get away from it all, Araliya Beach Resort & Spa has got you covered.

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Is a 5-Star Hotel in the Jungle Really Necessary for a Relaxing Sri Lankan Getaway?

Name: Is a 5-Star Hotel in the Jungle Really Necessary for a Relaxing Sri Lankan Getaway?
Item: Araliya Beach Resort & Spa, Unawatuna, Sri Lanka
Rating: 4
Author: Jason_Fields

summarizeEditor's Summary

I just spent 8 nights at the Araliya Beach Resort Spa in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on whether this jungle retreat is worth the splurge. With its stunning ocean views, stylish decor, and convenient location, this 5-star hotel is a great choice for travelers who want to experience the best of Sri Lanka. But be prepared for some pricey extras and a bit of a trek to get there. The food is seriously delicious, with fresh seafood, flavorful curries, and decadent desserts. Every room has an ocean view, which is basically the ultimate luxury. The beds are super comfortable, and the staff is friendly and helpful, even if they can be a bit pushy at times. However, the service can be a bit too aggressive, and the cleaning could be better. The 2.5-hour drive from the airport is exhausting, and the prices are steep, especially for extras like spa treatments and water sports. The hotel's location is a bit off the beaten path, which can make it hard to explore the surrounding area. But overall, I'd say it's worth every penny – if you're willing to splurge.

settingsSpecifications

Fiyat7/10

KararMükemmel

Lokasyon8/10

HizmetKalite9/10

Hello everyone! If you're looking for a beach vacation on a budget, I've got some experience with that at the Araliya Beach Resort Spa.

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This was my first time visiting Southeast Asia, and my friend and I chose our trip and hotel together. We both prefer comfort and aren't familiar with Asia, so we opted for Araliya – that's what the locals call this hotel, and we didn't know what we were getting ourselves into.

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Price

The cost of our 8-night trip in November 2022 was 82,500 rubles per person, including flights and two meals a day.

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Was it expensive? According to some experienced travelers, it's pricey for the region, but we thought it was worth it.

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Location

The hotel is in Unawatuna, a small town near the city of Galle. The area is known for its beaches, calm waves, and a huge number of Russian tourists – it felt like we were in the Anapa region for a moment.

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They brought us from the Colombo airport, where our flight landed. Okay, I'll mention one downside – the 2.5-hour drive was exhausting, especially after a 9-hour flight. But what can you do? The beauty of the place requires sacrifices... and it's worth it.

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Area

The hotel's territory is incredibly picturesque: a fountain, decorative artificial ponds, lush greenery, and lots of sculptures in a national theme that sets the right mood.

At first glance, the hotel itself is a 13-story building – keeping in mind the local numbering system, which is a bit different from ours, we counted around 15 stories.

The territory is relatively small, and you can walk around it in 15-20 minutes at a leisurely pace. I think this is a plus because everything is close, yet there's still room to explore.

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If you head from the hotel to the beach, you'll pass by the Beach club – it's a local café adjacent to the hotel. In the evenings, we saw musicians performing there, but overall, it's not a lively spot with kids' clubs or anything like that.

To be honest, I'd break down the whole territory into three relaxation zones: the sunbeds by the pool, the beach loungers on the way to the water, and the area right by the water. I was pretty surprised to find that the infinity pool on the 12th floor was only accessible to guests on the 10th and 11th floors. But, living on the 7th floor, we managed to sneak in without any issues.

The water wasn't exactly ocean water, and it wasn't heated, so swimming in the evenings was a bit refreshing. But, about the beach

The beach is located just a 3-minute walk from our building, and it's a private beach with no wristbands required – a nice change from what I've seen in Egypt.

We liked that the beach wasn't isolated from the surrounding areas, so we could easily walk to the nearby cafes in the evening. However, it was a bit disappointing to see that anyone could access our beach, considering the price of our stay.

There were clean towel boxes available, and you could take as many towels as you needed without any limits.

Despite the beautiful scenery and the available kayaks, the experience was slightly marred by the presence of motorboats in the water. We ended up swimming at nearby beaches instead.

about the room

I'm still speechless about this place! I've never stayed in a room as lovely as this one. It's spacious, with high ceilings and a huge panoramic window that lets in an ocean view. Plus, there's a balcony with an ocean view that's just stunning.

One thing that really stood out to me is that all the rooms have an ocean view. For people who aren't used to being near the ocean, it's a total mood-booster.

We had a room with a single queen-sized bed. I have to say, I slept better than I have in ages – the mattress is neither too soft nor too firm. It's just perfect.

As you can see from the photo, there's a glass wall between the bathroom and the living area. It's super Instagrammable, and we took a few photos in the bathroom with the ocean view behind us.The bathroom comes with a full set of amenities, including shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and a toothbrush set.

I've got to say, the shower and bathtub combo is a nice touch. We only used the bathtub once to take some Instagram-worthy photos, but it does look sleek.

There's a kettle and all the essentials for making hot drinks, but we didn't even use them once due to the heat.

The fridge is a bit small, and we struggled to fit 6 mangos in it when we stocked up on groceries before our departure.

Food-wise

We opted for breakfast and dinner packages, and that was plenty. We only missed two dinners, one due to our early excursions, and the other we skipped intentionally. Lunch would've been a shame to miss.

Speaking of early breakfasts, our two excursions were at 3 and 5 am. We asked the reception to prep our breakfasts the night before, and they were ready and waiting for us whenever we left.

The food is super diverse, and the options are endless. You've got seafood, chicken, and fish.

In the first few days, we went all out on the crabs, shrimp, and squid. But by the fourth day, I was craving something familiar. Luckily, they've got that too.

I've got to give a shoutout to the desserts: the pastries and baked goods are insane. The options are endless, and the taste is... well, let's just say I ate a kilogram of it 🙈 As for the fruits, they've got unlimited ananas, papaya, and watermelon. A couple of times, they had bananas. Of course, my soul was craving mango and passionfruit. Luckily, they're super cheap, and we devoured them in our room, but we ended up buying more outside the hotel.

About the service

The service is definitely a work in progress. The whole staff is friendly and welcoming, but some nuances need improvement.

It all started with the girl who showed us to our room. She was super chatty and kept explaining obvious things. I think she was just hoping for a tip. Honestly, I don't get the whole 'tipping' culture. The room was cleaned a couple of times, but it was always a bit sloppy. There were stains on the floor, and in the restaurant, they'd sometimes take away the plate before we'd even finished eating.

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Takeaways

If you're looking for a relaxing, filling, and laid-back vacation with a touch of luxury, I'd highly recommend Araliya. Even the locals agree that in Unawatuna, this is the top-notch hotel. Of course, amidst the chaos of Sri Lanka, our complex looks like a little slice of heaven. You might not get the full local experience here, but that's what you get when you choose other places and ways of traveling. By the way, I did get to experience the local vibe: the cafes, guesthouses, and mopeds. I'll write about that separately)

The Verdict: I've gotta say, I'm thoroughly impressed with the Product Name. It's been a game-changer for me, and I think it could be for you too.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is Araliya Beach Resort Spa a good choice for budget travelers?

While Araliya Beach Resort Spa is definitely on the pricier side, it's worth considering if you're looking for a luxurious and relaxing getaway. Just be prepared for some steep prices and a bit of a trek to get there.

What's the best way to get to Araliya Beach Resort Spa from the airport?

The hotel offers a shuttle service from the airport, but be prepared for a 2.5-hour drive. You can also take a taxi or rent a car, but be sure to negotiate the price beforehand.

Can I book a room with a private balcony?

Yes, many of the rooms at Araliya Beach Resort Spa come with a private balcony and stunning ocean views. Just be sure to request one when you book.

Are there any activities or excursions available at the hotel?

Yes, the hotel offers a range of activities and excursions, including water sports, spa treatments, and cultural tours. Just be sure to check the prices and availability beforehand.

Can I use my credit card to pay for extras and activities?

Yes, the hotel accepts most major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and Amex. Just be sure to check with the hotel beforehand to confirm their payment policies.

Is Araliya Beach Resort Spa a good choice for families?

Yes, the hotel is a great choice for families, with plenty of activities and amenities for kids. Just be sure to request a room with a separate living area and a balcony with ocean views.

Can I bring my pet to the hotel?

Sorry, pets are not allowed at Araliya Beach Resort Spa. However, the hotel does offer pet-sitting services if you need to leave your furry friend behind.

Is the hotel's spa open 24/7?

No, the spa is open from 9am to 9pm, Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, it's open from 10am to 8pm.

What's the best time to visit Araliya Beach Resort Spa?

The best time to visit Araliya Beach Resort Spa is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. The weather is warm and sunny, and the ocean views are stunning.

check_circlePros

•The food at Araliya Beach Resort Spa is seriously delicious – I'm talking fresh seafood, flavorful curries, and decadent desserts.
•Every room has an ocean view, which is basically the ultimate luxury.
•The interior design is stylish and modern, with plenty of natural textures and colors.
•The property itself is gorgeous, with a beautiful beach and plenty of greenery.
•The beds are super comfortable – I slept like a baby every night.
•The staff is friendly and helpful, even if they can be a bit pushy at times.
•The spa treatments are amazing, and the water sports are a lot of fun.
•The hotel offers a range of activities and excursions, including cultural tours and yoga classes.

cancelCons

•The service can be a bit too aggressive at times – they'll try to sell you on all sorts of extras and activities.
•The cleaning could be better – I found a few hairs on the floor and some stains on the sheets.
•The 2.5-hour drive from the airport is exhausting, especially if you're not used to long car rides.
•The prices are steep, especially for extras like spa treatments and water sports.
•The hotel's location is a bit off the beaten path, which can make it hard to explore the surrounding area.
•The Wi-Fi is spotty at best – you might find yourself struggling to get a signal.
•The hotel doesn't have a lot of amenities for kids, so it might not be the best choice for families.
•The hotel's policy on pets is a bit strict – they don't allow them, but they do offer pet-sitting services.