Villa Nelum

We really loved the Eraeliya Villas resort. Everything about the place exudes elegance and taste without being garish. The accommodation is in private villas and apartments dotted about the grounds and you never really feel you are in a hotel. Dining is also private and you eat all meals on your terrace or balcony. We enjoyed the fact that meals were a la carte, although the menu was only loosely based on what you would actually receive when you ordered, especially the breakfast menu which sometimes bore absolutely no resemblance to what the chef would prepare! For example, "poached eggs with spinach and hollandaise" would arrive as poached eggs with bacon and sausage! I think menu consistency needs to be improved, but this is not something which we felt we wanted to knock off a star for. The location is just perfect, with a stretch of (almost) private beach a few steps down. The sea can be rough with cross currents so be careful when swimming and extremely cautious when snorkelling. We stayed in the very cute Muhudu Bella villa with a unique snail shaped bathroom and. We felt this was the nicest villa of the bunch as it was the most romantic and secluded and had a Maldivian charm about it. The bathroom was lovely with a spacious shower area but is in dire need of more lighting. At night you practically shower in the dark. Service was very good, with all staff being very polite, friendly and helpful at all times. Overall a gorgeous place for a tranquil getaway in Sri Lanka.