Mangrove Villa, Bentota, which now trades as Mangrove Villa - Yoga & Ayurveda, is a small riverside retreat on the Bentota River, set in about one and a half acres of tropical garden with its own river frontage. It is built around yoga and Ayurveda rather than beach life: three cottages and five bungalow rooms look out over the garden and the water, and the days run to a gentle rhythm of yoga, treatments and quiet time by the river.
The villa stands at Gagabada Watta on Meegama Road, Warapitiya, near Dharga Town, on the banks of the Bentota River a short way inland from the coast. It is about ten minutes by road from the beaches of Bentota and Beruwala, and the nearest railway stations are Induruwa, about 2 km away as the crow flies, and Bentota, about 3.5 km.
From Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) the drive runs south around Colombo and down the coast before turning inland along the river, and usually takes around two hours, depending on traffic and the weather. The simplest way to arrive after a long flight is a private airport transfer booked in advance with Lakpura: an English-speaking driver meets you in the arrivals hall and takes you straight to the villa in an air-conditioned car, van or coach sized for your group, from 2 up to 15 guests, at a fixed price for the whole vehicle rather than per seat. The same service works in reverse for your departure flight. Book the Colombo (CMB) Airport transfer to Mangrove Villa, Bentota.
There are three cottages and five bungalow rooms, simply furnished, each with a view of the garden and the river. Rooms have air-conditioning and fans, mosquito nets, a private balcony or terrace and an en-suite shower room, which keeps the whole place small and quiet, with room for only a handful of guests at a time.
The villa offers week-long yoga and Ayurveda programmes as well as ordinary stays. There is a yoga shala and meditation deck, and an Ayurvedic spa where treatment plans are drawn up after a consultation with a doctor, with a daily massage as part of the stay. The restaurant serves vegetarian Ayurvedic meals three times a day, with herbal teas and fresh juices in between, and can cater for vegan and gluten-free diets.
The river is on the doorstep, and the villa can arrange canoe trips through the mangroves and visits to a temple on one of the river islands, while bicycles are available for exploring the village lanes. The beaches of Bentota and Beruwala are a short drive away, and further along the coast are the turtle hatcheries of Kosgoda, Brief Garden and Lunuganga, and Galle Fort for a day trip. Lakpura can arrange private transfers and day tours from the villa.
Bookable activities, tours, and tickets within a 25 km radius.
Pre-book a private vehicle for arrival, departure, or onward travel.
