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Customer Reviews
What guests love about Bar Reef Resort
“Firstly I must point out that we visited a beautiful place under very difficult conditions. We were booked in for 2 nights as part of a 14 day holiday and visiting relations, but, Coronavirus arrived on the Island and we were victims of a shutdown and a curfew. We were already travelling on the day things started to get difficult and as a consequence, we arrived at the resort as the only guests, amongst much speculation that we should not be travelling at all. The hotel though was fantastic in its welcome to us and we’re determined to honour the booking. The manage, the chef and all the staff were very kind and friendly and could not do enough for us despite the difficulties.
So, the review is based on our stay, not what is normal or expected. The staff have the full five stars from us and the location is exquisite. The accommodation and the beach cabana was just what we wanted, and more, I had chosen this resort for the location and the relaxation and it was better than I had hoped. Some might feel it is a bit basic, but it had everything you could reasonably want. The shower, under a coconut tree, was bracing, but we loved it. The mosquito nets worked well and the cabana was air-conditioned at night.
The pool is lovely with great surroundings and very clean. The beach was lovely and right there for you. Very clean and the sea was great. Dolphins can be seen from shore. I did see mention of the power plant, this can be seen but is in no way obtrusive. Water sports are on offer but banned by corvid-19 and the beach area looked lovely but was closed as we were the only people. The spa was open and we were looking forward to the massage on offer but had to leave before we could. We worked with the staff on food as understandably, the menu was limited, but good quality and just what was needed. Our stay was rudely interrupted by imposition of a curfew and our need to get closer to the airport. We will be back as soon as we can but doubt we will have the pleasure of the place to ourselves. At least I hope not, as the staff and location deserve your patronage.”
Andrew C, United Kingdom
A stunning, peaceful oasis, connected to nature
Wow wow wow! The Bar Reef resort is the perfect combination of beautiful nature, serenity, great food and friendly service. It is hard to describe the atmosphere and the photos don’t do it justice. Stepping off the bus it immediately felt so peaceful and remote, and that feeling stayed for the week that I spent here. The design of the resort is centred around outdoor living – if you aren’t keen to embrace nature it may not be for you as it has a totally outdoor shower (felt like showering under a waterfall!) and bathroom – but the beds are comfy, with mossie nets so if you love nature and are looking for a comfortable eco-resort then it’s the perfect retreat. The pool is stunning, directly connected to the beach and ocean (safe to swim in). Watching the sunset over the sea from the edge of the pool is magical. There are several shady cabanas to relax in and beautiful tropical gardens. The food was fresh and delicious (especially the tuna) and the local staff were friendly and welcoming, but not too over the top which I appreciated. I loved my time at Bar Reef, it is a really special place, and I hope to return in the future.
Magical
Bar Reef Resort is absolutely magical! When Coronavirus hit, I imagined being stuck there for months on end and, I have to say, it sounded pretty good to me! If you enjoy any of the following, this place is for you: a long infinity pool with a separated shallow area for your kids or, in my case, your feet; freshly made omelettes and tea in the morning; setting out on a boat to see swarms of dolphins; dipping in the warm sea; private and clean cabanas; outdoor (but private) showers that feel like bathing under a waterfall; comfortable beds with secure mosquito nets; AC and an overhead fan; two sweet little dogs lazing around; walks on a long stretch of beach; reading in a chair in the sand; yoga in the morning; a 2-hour massage in the afternoon; fresh seafood curries for dinner; flan for dessert… What else is there? 5 stars!
Anna
Feeling like on a honeymoon
“After arriving late in the evening the Manager Mr Bernard and his team gave us an outstanding and warm welcome with a superb fish platter under candlelight by the pool which made us feel like in paradise. The simple but very charming and clean rooms (beach cabins) are situated around the pool and are all equipped with a cosy outside sitting place and an outdoor rain shower. The beach is only a few steps away and invites you for walks and watching the fishermen. The food at bar reef is always freshly prepared and very tasty. The friendly young staff makes sure to fulfil your wishes. Bernard thank you and your team to have made our stay such a memorable one. We will come back.”
Virender & Beatrice Puri, Switzerland
We loved staying at Bar Reef Resort
“We loved staying at Bar Reef Resort. The staff was very friendly and Bernard was so helpful and polite. We went to Wilpattu National Park and got a very experienced guide whom we learned a lot from. His name was Ajantha and he made our day in Wilpattu a huge success. The hotel room was eco friendly and clean, and so was the swimming pool and the common areas. The breakfast was simply amazing. We got to try many different dishes, both Srilankan and international ones. This is a place where they walk the extra mile to make their guests happy, and we would recommend it to everyone who wants to enjoy some of the best Sri Lanka got to offer.”
Margrete, Norway
What a gem! This is a truly beautiful place.
“What a gem! This is a truly beautiful place. We stayed in a beach cabana, which was very spacious with verandah and open-air bathroom. The infinity pool is fabulous, as is the beach. Food is cooked to order and delicious. Staff were good, a young waiter called Shain was particularly helpful and attentive. Spotted lots of dolphins on our boat tour. Other trips can be arranged by the team. Highly recommended. ”
Lucie, United Kingdom
Clean beach, beautiful pool and cabanas and the Villa was spacious
“Clean beach, beautiful pool and cabanas and the Villa was spacious. Shaine, one of the young staff, was very helpful and tried his hardest to make us feel welcome. He was very attentive and helped to rectify some of the mistakes of other staff. Free use of the kayaks and stand up paddleboard was awesome. So much fun. ”
Ozziebrett, Australia
Fantastic stay that we recommend to lovers!
Play the Robinson Crusoe but with all the comforts! The staff is very attentive to our small comfort, friendly, polite, smiling, while remaining discreet. We loved the sea view pool, the dinners at the beach, the excellent meals, the outings organized at sea.
Patrick, France
Paradise for our first 3 days in Sri Lanka
Amazing resort!!! The staff were very friendly and helpful! Always with a smile and always seeing if everything is okay. The food was fantastic with the amazing Sri Lankan breakfast with Omelette’s being made by the pool, fresh juices and fruits and lots of Sri Lankan local food!! The grilled shrimp for dinner was fantastic!! Our beach villa was beside the Pool/beach with a beautiful terrace. The outdoor shower was Incredible with the shower head coming out of the palm tree and with amazing strong pressure like a full body massage. We also did a trip to see the dolphins and lucked out with a pod of over 50!! Definitely a must stay!!! We headed there straight from the airport for 3 days which was an amazing choice!!! Highly recommended!
Sheri, Estonia
Do not miss this place, very special!
Stayed for 3 nights in this totally idyllic resort. The emphasis is certainly on the Eco angle and the attention to detail makes this place completely one off. Our villa was Beautiful, with an outdoor bathroom – best shower ever with water from a banana flower. Dolphin watching with AJ was wonderful, he is so knowledgeable about Sri Lanka’s wildlife and eco systems and loves to share his expertise, could have talked to him for hours. The pool and beach are just stunning. Good food, service wonderful. This place is genuinely special and is not to be missed.
Nicola R
Stunning eco resort perfect for exploring Sri Lankan wildlife
I couldn’t fault our stay at the Bar Reef Resort. A stunning hotel and location, we were perfectly situated for a dolphin and whale watching trip from Alalankuda beach and a day out in Wilpatu National Park. A huge perk of this hotel is that you get the impressive wildlife knowledge of the staff, in particular from Mr Palihawadana, a naturalist who accompanied us on both trips. We really appreciated the eco-minded ethos of the resort (no plastic, homegrown veg, recycling materials where possible) and that was reflected in the attitude of the staff – for example on our dolphin/whale tour our boat was very mindful of respecting the space of the animals (unlike many of the other boats unfortunately).
The resort has very cleverly fed this environmentalism into the style of the hotel, which although rustic is absolutely beautiful. We showered in a private outdoor bathroom from a coconut tree (unheated, but definitely warm enough), swam in a saltwater infinity pool and slept in a clay beach hut cabana with rush leaf roof. This place manages to feel luxurious but without the (often unnecessary) frills of an five star hotel and made me wonder why more places aren’t like this.
Beck, United Kingdom
A beautiful, charming and very relaxing place
We ended our trip to Sri Lanka for 4 nights in this beautiful suite of bungalows. Everything is done to be quiet and relax in front of the pool or a sandy beach, we have the choice! Our bungalow was a beautiful place in nature. The ecological approach adds a plus to this already high-end service. The team is efficient, discreet, young and always smiling. I had a problem with my glasses, they repaired them on the spot! If I could note 22/20 … Go rest there with confidence.
Lille, France
