Where do I start. La Perla is a slice of Sri Lankan heaven. The guesthouses are situated around a beautiful central pool, in an oasis of gardens and coconut trees. They were beautifully clean, with everything you could need including A/C and perfectly working WiFi. Evenings were spent enjoying the tranquility of the gardens, sat on the terrace with a cocktail or fresh coconut water. Nelson’s food is absolutely out of this world. A beautiful breakfast of local fruits, eggs and toast was served every morning on the terrace looking out onto the gorgeous gardens and pool. For dinner I requested some local Sri Lankan food, and wow did he surpass all expectations. On the first night, I was served a wonderful spiced chicken curry with accompaniments, and as it was my birthday, they kindly went to the effort of making a special desert with candles. My final night, Nelson made the most incredible prawns with roti and salad, which was absolutely gorgeous. The food is so delicious, you will want to finish every mouthful- be prepared to struggle to fit on the airplane home! However, if you fancy venturing out and trying some other places, there are numerous beachside restaurants and cafes just a short walk or tuktuk drive away. Nelson and Alex were kind enough to let me accompany them on their local shopping trip. We explored the meat markets, local fruit and vegetable stalls, traditional pharmacy, and local goods shop, and they made sure that as a tourist you’re safe and don’t get ripped off! It was wonderful being able to get an insight of true Sri Lankan living. The boys that help out around the property are really sweet and helpful. I will never forget the passion and kindness that was shown by this family, and I have no doubt that I will be back.

The owner and his wife were very kind and enthusiastic to receive us, meet our requests and make our stay enjoyable. The location, the cleanliness, the quietness, the facilities, the garden, the swimming pool, the speed of CHECK-IN and the owner has a charming magic hands in preparing the food. I spent two nights in La Perla, it was one of the most wonderful nights In Sri Lanka, definitely i will be back again, thanks La Perla

Nothing.

best accommodation in Sri Lanka so far! absolutely gorgeous garden with clean and fresh pool, rooms were nice, built in European style, so it has a separate shower, which comes in hand. But the owners and staff were absolutely the best. they were really nice and kind the whole stay, we had a lot of fun together. Mrs. Alexandra was lovely, kind and helpful all the time. Mr. Nelson is the best cook in Sri Lanka, we really enjoyed his cuisine. There is no chance finding better accommodation. also the beach is calm and without people.

It was amazing for 100%. Feeling like a VIP guest and the closest friend through all the time we stayed here. You could just think about something and it is already done :) Host Nelson cooked awesome unforgettable dinners for us with seafood served with flowers - it was masterpiece on the plate and super tasty! And his wife was so kind to provide us with great recommendations, both were ready to help with anything we need. Ocean is very near and nice beach restaurant is in 150m from the hotel where you lay in the shadow and have a smoothie. We enjoyed all 3 days we stayed in La Perla a lot, and would recommend this accommodation for anyone who will come to Bentota. All the best for Nelson, Alexandra and La Perla!

Just a note: there is a railway nearby, but it really does not matter and does not bother at all.

La Perla truly is a pearl at the Sri Lankan coast. The hospitality and kindness of the owners Alex and Nelson and their amazing team is unmatched. They make your well-being their personal priority. Absolutely outstanding is the magic Nelson is performing every night in the kitchen - most incredible seafood we had in a very long time maybe even ever had. Everything is rounded by the great atmosphere created by the nice garden and the spacious rooms. Staying and eating at La Perla is a must do!

friendly hosts. good air con. hand towels provided. beach towels provided.

flat sheet was too small for the very large bed.

A home away from home

Nothing

lovely garden, nice pool, big bedrooms with rustic four poster bed. short walk to beautiful deserted beach and central to the west coast. Nelson the owner was a fantastic character who was totally committed to making the stay enjoyable plus he was a really good cook. if you said you fancied something particular he would get it. One night we had a barracuda!

nothing

We’ve had a lovely stay at Nelsons place. He is very friendly and is open to have a nice conversation. The rooms were very big, clean and with lots of flowers. The breakfast (egg roti and fresh fruit) was amazing. Would highly recommend staying here! They also have lovely dogs and cats!

So cozy and peaceful place! We had a really good moments in this place. Nelson is very helpful and friendly host, nice interlocutor and chef. We wish Nelson growing his business, be happy and relax. Greetings from Russia!

all is ok

The major stand out of La Perla has to be the owners. They were incredibly welcoming from the first moment and go above and beyond for you. The owners used to own a restaurant on the beach before COVID. Therefore, I would DEFINITELY recommend having dinner here. The service is second to none and the the food was quite possibly the best I've had during my travels in Sri Lanka so far - it is very much high restaurant standard. For anyone looking for an affordable place, with very welcoming owners and fantastic food, this is the place for you. Highly recommend!

Stayed for two nights and really enjoyed it. I read the previous reviews and they were very helpful. They proved to be accurate. Nelson and Alexandra are excellent hosts and care for their guests. They have there small bungalows which are spacious with a sitting area outside. They are very clean with great AC. The pool is very welcome after a day out. Breakfast is excellent with the fruit coming from their own very extensive gardens. So many different plants which is also a pleasure to see. Many years of work have gone into creating this. It is a simple pleasure to enjoy a pot of tea and a lovely breakfast with even some home made mango jam. For both evenings, Nelson cooked for me. The first was devilled prawns with rice which was just right for my spice levels. On the second night Nelson excelled himself with a sailfish curry, rice, dal, pumpkin curry, spicy okra and fresh coconut sambol. So much I couldn't eat it. I went into town with Nelson and also to the small fish market. Quite interesting. They have the family tuk tuk which is fun. Nelson also took me to a local business where they turn the coconut husks into rope and fertiliser. After that we went to a small operations where about 5 ladies were spinning thread and weaving fabric the old fashioned way using traditional looms. Quite fascinating. Finally on our little trip out, we stopped off at a small place that did egg rotis with a curry sauce and an onion sambol. All served with a cup of black tea. Again great fun and not somewhere I'd have found on my own, Its easy enough to get to the beach. It's only a small walk. The sea was very rough due to the time of year but the beach itself is decent and you can go for quite a walk however its hard work as the sand is so soft. Yes there are lots of plastic on the shoreline washed up but you see that everywhere sadly. I thought La Perla was excellent value and I look forward to returning soon. Well done N&A.

Set in a beautiful garden across the road from a stunning beach. staff were the sweetest we have met and the owners went out of their way to ensure we had everything and more!

This is the best place we have ever stayed in Sri Lanka and definitely the top of all the places we have visited! Nelson and Alexandra are amazing hosts and go above and beyond to ensure the stay was comfortable and enjoyable, and their cooking is great! We were treated like their own family. See photos added for romantic meal they set up for us! The breakfast was amazing. Large fruit platter provided every morning plus either traditional Sri lankan breakfast or eggs & toast with teas/coffee, all made by the amazing staff there. 5 star service everyday. The bungalow/room was always clean and tidy and the garden and pool areas are beautiful. Lots of wildlife and animals in the garden to be seen which keeps you connected to the nature, we just loved it. The location is a 2 minute walk to the most beautiful untouched beach and a short tuktuk journey to the town where you will find more places to eat. This is the best place we have stayed in Sri Lanka and intend to visit again as soon as possible.

Nothing as this place exceeded expectations

Everything excellent

No complaints whatsoever

We loved staying in this place. Its was very clean, modern and cozy. La perla has great location (near the most beautiful beach i’ve ever seen). Nelson cooked us very tasty dinner with local seafood. Atmosphere in that guesthouse is wonderful. We really hope to visit this place again Thank you for the great service😉

The food it just amazing !!!

I loved the large private room and terrace looking onto the lovely garden. I liked watching the ocean, walking in the surf, floating in the swimming pool and I loved eating the delicious meals.

Nelson was a great host and cooked very good! We had a lot of fun there and he helped us with taxi, tuktuk and other things. The little bungalow was very nice, with a pool in the beautiful garden. His staff was very friendly and attentive. The beach was very close and we also found some restaurants there. It was really a perfect stay.

The breakfast could be of buffet type otherwise it's all good.

The host was amazing. I loved the fact he adopts stranded animals, they were lovely. Food was amazing, service great, pool lovely.

Only the fact it was a bit out of town so a bit of a mission to get in / having to go via tuk tuk all the time. Also would have liked a mosquito net or a hook for one as wegot bitten quite a lot.

Space room, swimming right by, host very nice and friendly

La Perla stay was one of the most incredible times for us. Nelson is an amazinv host, and now a great friend! He took care of us so well, clean rooms, amazing property, superb pool and the what can I say about the meals/drinks that were prepared by Nelson! He made our stay truely memorable. We will be back soon and I recommend La Perla to everyone planning to travel during these times

We decided to have a little get away after a stressful time. La Perla is the right place to do so. The owner Nelson is a very considerate person and gives support whenever wished for. His tuna steak is amazing and in general we enjoyed every meal he cooked and served for us. Many of the vegetables and fruits are grown in the very well cared garden. The effort made to create such a peaceful, green and relaxing place, can be noticed in all the well thought o details. Coming from the guesthouse, when crossing the street you are right at a beautiful beach.

It was a really spontaneous booking and everything worked out really good. We slept really well and felt comfortable. There was everything we needed. Thank you for your Kind host :)

Maybe it would be nicer when we had some shampoos or soap in the bathroom but we also didn’t ask. I think he would also made it happen.

From the moment we arrived we were made to feel like friends "arrive as guests, leave as friends". We were shown around our (truly lovely) room and introduced to the many Pets all who were so friendly. The room was large, clean, cool, and minimalist. The accompanying bathroom was clean and bright, with nice touches such as flowers on the towels. We had dinner there on our first night which was delicious and Nelson and Alexandra couldn't do enough for us - we relaxed right into the evening. Our main day, Nelson drove us to the watersports place which was great. Alexandra lent me her bottle of citronella gel for my plentiful bites. On our last evening, we had serious trouble with our taxis to airport and they completely saved us, booking us their own driver and sending us a message to make sure we got there. They also gave us fruit from their garden to take with us while we waited. It really did feel like we were part of the family, and we both admire the work they're doing at their little 3 room property and wish them every success as they expand over the coming years.

There really isn't very much to say negative about this guesthouse. As our final holiday location it sent us off back to the UK with smiles on our faces. If I had to say anything, it would be that the mattress may be slightly too thin so we could feel the bed slats, but we still had a good night's sleep and everything else being amazing balanced it out!