Roman Lake Ayurveda Resort is a small Ayurveda retreat on the banks of the Madu River at Balapitiya, on Sri Lanka's south-west coast, with eight suites set in a garden that runs down to the water among the mangroves. Guests usually come for a residential Ayurveda programme built around a consultation with the resort's doctors, and the setting is quiet, green and given over to the river and its birdlife. It is the lakeside sister of Roman Beach in Hikkaduwa.
The resort stands on Madhuwa Road in Balapitiya, between Aluthgama and Ambalangoda, right on the waterfront of the Madu River, the wide lagoon-like stretch of the Madu Ganga. The beach at Ahungalla is about a kilometre away, Patagamgoda railway station is under a kilometre from the hotel, and Balapitiya and Ahungalla stations on the coastal line are both a little over 2 km away. Bentota lies about 15 km to the north.
From Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) the drive around Colombo and south on the Southern Expressway usually takes around 2 hours, depending on traffic. The easiest 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 resort 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 Roman Lake Ayurveda Resort.
There are only eight suites, each named after a Roman emperor. The five Emperor rooms are on the first floor, with river views and a private open-air jacuzzi on the balcony overlooking the water. The three Caesar rooms are on the ground floor, with a large private sit-out and direct access to the garden and the pool. All rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen television, a safe and free Wi-Fi.
Each stay begins with a consultation with one of the resort's Ayurveda doctors, who then draws up an individual plan of treatments. The treatment centre, built in the style of Geoffrey Bawa, offers Panchakarma programmes, full-body, head and face massages, Shirodhara, herbal baths and steam treatments, with packages running from a short relaxation stay to three weeks. Meals are vegetarian Ayurvedic cuisine, no alcohol is served, and yoga and meditation are part of the daily rhythm.
The Madu River is right outside: boat trips take you through the mangroves and past the river's small islands and temples, and fishing and cycling can be arranged from the resort. The turtle hatcheries at Kosgoda are a short drive north, and the mask carvers and museum of Ambalangoda are just to the south. The beach at Ahungalla is close enough for a walk by the sea, and Lakpura can arrange private transfers and day tours along the coast from the hotel.
Roman Lake Resort was a perfect fit for me. Beautiful, peaceful surroundings, a relaxed atmosphere, and exactly the kind of place I was looking for. I really enjoyed my stay and would definitely recommend it.
Our expectations were exceeded ! The resort is even more beautiful than it shows on the pictures-even more spacious, greener and inmidst a wonderful green jungle. The center for the treatments is very authentic, nice rooms (ope…
I just returned from 22 days at Roman Lake Ayurveda Resort and from my Ayurveda experiences (this is my third), this is most definitely my favorite one! Why? It's a small, stylish boutique hotel tucked away in beautiful green jung…
Ratings and reviews provided by TripAdvisor for Roman Lake Ayurveda Resort.
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