Nestled in an idyllic tropical garden teeming with diverse bird and wildlife, and situated directly on the Bentota River, you can recharge and find relaxation and peace with the help of Ayurveda.
Located on the west coast of Sri Lanka, in Dharga Town, the River View Villas were built in colonial style by a Munich-based entrepreneurial couple. The resort is lovingly constructed and situated in a dreamlike setting between the tropics, river, and sea. The nearby mosques exude a pleasant charm, and the fine sandy beaches of Bentota are just about 1.2 miles away.
Dharga Town is just minutes away from the renowned beach resort of Bentota and is celebrated for its cultural diversity. This destination invites visitors to explore the traditional life of Sri Lanka away from the tourist trail. Here, you'll find historic mosques, vibrant markets, and a unique blend of cultural influences, making Dharga Town a rewarding detour for those who wish to experience the cultural facets of Sri Lanka alongside its beaches and sunshine.
The family-run hotel features a main restaurant with a terrace by the shore and another floating on the river. Guests of the resort can delight in a freshly prepared and healthy breakfast either in the restaurant or in one of the garden pavilions. All dishes are prepared ayurvedically according to the constitutional type (Dosha) and individual Ayurvedic doctor's recommendation, with vegetarian or vegan dishes available upon request. Additionally, there is the option to book private dinners or Ayurveda cooking classes on site.
The Ayurveda guests have access to 8 treatment rooms (some open-air) and a professional team consisting of 2 Ayurveda doctors and several therapists dedicated to your well-being. The treatments of your Ayurveda therapy are tailored individually and include, for example, head, face, foot, and full-body massages with herbal oil, Shirodhara oil forehead flow, steam bath, and acupuncture. The production of Ayurvedic herbal medicine adheres to strict quality controls. Additionally, daily yoga sessions are held.
Relax at one of the 3 beautiful hotel-owned pools (approx. 36/50/50 sqm). A TV room is also available for your enjoyment. A unique experience is a boat trip on the Bentota River, where you can navigate through jungle-like waters and observe wild animals. Moreover, the River View Villas are an excellent starting point for bicycle tours and excursions to markets, temples, or mosques such as Thakkiya and Meera (approx. 100-200 m away).
The 30 rooms have been furnished with great attention to detail and are spread across several buildings, the floating house "Carpe Diem" (on request, from 2 people) and a ship on the river (on request, from 3 people). The Deluxe rooms feature superior amenities and offer direct views of the river or pool. Single rooms are double rooms for single use.
31 verified reviews by travelersOnly customers who have traveled with us are allowed to leave a review
4.8 Outstanding
100% recommend the hotel to others
Andreas F.
March 2025
with friends | 17 - 23 days
I recently spent a wonderful leisure travel experience at this unique resort on the Bentota River and can highly recommend it. If you are looking for a place that offers peace and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the sea and city, then this is the place for you. The resort is in a fantastic location right on the Bentota River, surrounded by lush nature. The atmosphere is incredibly quiet and peaceful - just the right place to switch off from the stresses of everyday life. There is no noise or hectic crowds of tourists like by the sea or in the city, which makes the stay particularly relaxing. You can simply enjoy the silence while listening to the gentle lapping of the river. Another highlight of the resort are the Ayurvedic treatments and massages. I opted for a few treatments and was more than satisfied. The treatments are professional and very relaxing. I particularly recommend the pulse diagnosis by the Ayurveda doctor, which was incredibly precise and helped me a lot to recognize and release my physical and mental blockages. The accommodation was also very comfortable and beautiful. The rooms are spacious and well equipped. The view of the Bentota River, which you can enjoy from many rooms, was particularly pleasant - a real treat to relax in the morning with a cup of tea and a view of the water. The Ayurveda doctor is extremely knowledgeable and really impressed me with his diagnosis and treatment recommendations. The combination of traditional medicine and modern approaches helped me to regenerate both physically and mentally. I really enjoyed my stay here and can recommend this resort to anyone looking for a peaceful, relaxing vacation that pampers both body and mind. Anyone who loves Ayurveda and massages will definitely feel like they are in paradise here! Many thanks to the whole team for an unforgettable stay! I would love to come back.
Wolfgang K.
March 2025
17 - 23 days
The Ayurveda retreat in Sri Lanka is an all-round good health experience that I am happy to recommend to others
Birgit B.
September 2023
solo | 50 to 59 years | 17 - 23 days
I enjoyed my stay at River View Villas very much. Also the daily treatments. The location of the hotel offers many opportunities for excursions. The whole hotel team as well as the Ayurveda therapists are very nice, helpful and competent.