BETWEEN RIVER AND OCEAN: NH BENTOTA CEYSANDS CHARTS A NEW COURSE FOR SRI LANKAN HOSPITALITY

Nestled between the Bentota River and the Indian Ocean, NH Bentota Ceysands Resort is redefining coastal hospitality in Sri Lanka. Under the leadership of General Manager Anil Chavan, the resort combines distinctive experiences, family-friendly facilities, exceptional dining, and adventure tourism, strengthening its appeal as a premier leisure destination.

Perched on a narrow strip of land where the calm waters of the Bentota River meet the rolling waves of the Indian Ocean, NH Bentota Ceysands Resort has long enjoyed one of the most remarkable locations in Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape. Today, under the leadership of General Manager Anil Chavan, the resort is building on that natural advantage, positioning itself as a destination where comfort, adventure, family experiences and authentic Sri Lankan hospitality converge.

For many visitors, the journey begins with an experience unlike that offered by most coastal resorts. Rather than arriving directly by road, guests are ferried across the Bentota River, creating a memorable first impression that immediately sets the tone for a holiday centred on nature, tranquillity and discovery. The short crossing serves as an introduction to the resort’s defining characteristic – its unique relationship with both river and sea.

Situated in the popular resort town of Bentota, one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated coastal destinations, NH Bentota Ceysands enjoys a setting that appeals to a wide range of travellers. Beach lovers can enjoy the golden shoreline of the Indian Ocean, while adventure seekers are drawn to the river’s water-based activities. Families, couples, business travellers and event organisers all find something distinctive in a property that successfully blends leisure with versatility.

At the helm of the resort is Anil Chavan, a hospitality professional whose career spans more than two decades across India and the Middle East. With over 22 years of experience covering sales, hotel operations, commercial management and leadership, Chavan brings a broad perspective to one of Sri Lanka’s most distinctive resorts.

His professional journey began in hospitality sales, where he developed expertise in business development and corporate relationships. Over the years, he worked with some of the industry’s most recognised brands in Mumbai and Dubai, including Marriott Hotels, Habtoor Grand Jumeirah Beach and Oakwood. These experiences helped shape his understanding of international hospitality trends, customer expectations and market expansion strategies.

Now leading NH Bentota Ceysands, Chavan sees significant opportunities for growth in a destination that continues to attract travellers seeking authentic experiences.

“Bentota is a truly unique destination, offering an exceptional blend of coastal beauty, authentic experiences, and warm hospitality. I look forward to working closely with the team to further strengthen the resort’s positioning, enhance guest experiences, and build meaningful partnerships across key markets,” he said.

His appointment comes at a time when Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is steadily strengthening its international appeal. Travellers are increasingly seeking destinations that offer more than traditional beach holidays, favouring locations that combine local culture, nature, adventure and personalised service. NH Bentota Ceysands is well positioned to respond to these evolving preferences.

The resort’s accommodation portfolio reflects its emphasis on comfort and connection with the surrounding environment. Its 165 rooms and suites have been designed to maximise views of the tropical landscape, river and ocean. Private balconies and terraces provide guests with personal spaces from which to enjoy the coastal atmosphere, whether watching fishing boats glide along the river at sunrise or listening to the sound of waves after sunset.

Accommodation, however, is only one part of the guest experience. Food has become an increasingly important element of modern travel, and NH Bentota Ceysands has invested in creating a culinary offering that celebrates both local traditions and international tastes.

At Café Bem, guests can enjoy all-day dining featuring a broad selection of Sri Lankan and international dishes. The restaurant serves as a gathering place where travellers can sample local flavours while also enjoying familiar favourites. For seafood enthusiasts, 360 Seafood Restaurant showcases the rich bounty of Sri Lanka’s coastal waters, offering freshly prepared specialities in a relaxed setting that reflects the resort’s seaside character.

Meanwhile, Siam Pearl introduces diners to an Asian fusion experience that draws inspiration from culinary traditions across the region. Together, the three venues create a diverse dining landscape that caters to different tastes while maintaining a focus on quality ingredients and attentive service.

The culinary programme also reflects a broader trend within the hospitality industry, where dining is increasingly viewed as an integral part of the travel experience rather than simply a supporting service. Guests are looking for memorable meals that connect them with local culture and regional flavours, and resorts that can successfully deliver such experiences often enjoy stronger guest satisfaction and repeat visitation.

Adventure forms another key pillar of the NH Bentota Ceysands experience. The resort’s dedicated water sports centre takes full advantage of its unusual location between river and ocean, offering guests opportunities to explore both environments. Activities on the river provide a different perspective on Bentota’s natural beauty, while ocean-based excursions deliver the excitement associated with Sri Lanka’s vibrant coastal tourism scene.

For families, the resort offers a particularly attractive proposition. Modern family travel increasingly demands facilities that cater to multiple generations, and NH Bentota Ceysands has responded by developing dedicated spaces and programmes for younger visitors. Maxies Kids Club provides activities designed to keep children engaged and entertained, while baby care facilities help ensure that parents can relax and enjoy their holiday with greater peace of mind.

This focus on family-friendly experiences reflects a broader shift within global tourism, where multigenerational travel continues to gain popularity. Resorts capable of providing meaningful experiences for children while maintaining comfort and sophistication for adults are increasingly viewed as preferred destinations.

Beyond leisure travel, NH Bentota Ceysands has also established itself as a venue for celebrations, weddings and corporate gatherings. Its combination of beach and riverfront scenery provides a dramatic backdrop for special occasions, while personalised service and dining options allow organisers to create memorable events tailored to their specific requirements.

The growing demand for destination weddings and experiential events has created new opportunities for resorts across South Asia. Properties that can offer distinctive settings, strong service standards and flexible event facilities are attracting interest from both domestic and international markets. NH Bentota Ceysands is among those benefiting from this trend.

Accessibility further enhances the resort’s appeal. Located approximately 90 minutes from Bandaranaike International Airport, it offers convenient access for international travellers while still providing a sense of escape from urban life. This balance between accessibility and seclusion has become increasingly important as travellers seek destinations that feel remote and relaxing without requiring lengthy transfers.

As Sri Lanka continues to strengthen its position on the global tourism map, destinations such as Bentota play a vital role in showcasing the country’s diverse attractions. The area combines beaches, waterways, cultural experiences and hospitality infrastructure, creating a compelling package for visitors from around the world.

For NH Bentota Ceysands, the future appears closely tied to its ability to build upon these natural and strategic advantages. Under Anil Chavan’s leadership, the resort is focused on enhancing guest experiences, strengthening partnerships and reinforcing its reputation within the competitive leisure hospitality market.

Its unique arrival by ferry, dual river-and-ocean setting, diverse dining options, adventure activities and family-oriented facilities combine to create an experience that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. In an era when travellers increasingly seek destinations that offer authenticity, variety and memorable moments, NH Bentota Ceysands stands as a compelling example of how location, service and vision can come together to create a distinctive hospitality experience.

As guests step off the ferry and into a world framed by tropical greenery, gentle river currents and the endless horizon of the Indian Ocean, they encounter more than a resort. They discover a destination where two waterways meet, where adventure and relaxation coexist, and where Sri Lankan hospitality continues to evolve while remaining rooted in warmth and welcome.