Bar Reef Resort Etalai, Etalai - Reviews, Rooms Options & Prices 2025

Book with us

Up to 10% cheaper

than on Booking.com

Key details

About the Resort

Norochcholoai, Alankuda, Etalai, Sri Lanka, 61360

Bar Reef Resort in Etalai, Sri Lanka, offers rustic yet charming accommodations set in landscaped gardens near a quaint village. With simple cabanas featuring mud walls and thatched roofs, the resort combines traditional architecture with modern comforts. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi and open-air bathrooms surrounded by lush greenery. The resort's unique beachfront location enhances its appeal as a tranquil getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Location

Situated a one-hour drive from Wilpattu National Park, the resort allows easy access to wildlife experiences featuring leopards, elephants, and bears. The surrounding area, including Alankuda Beach, showcases stunning natural beauty. Transportation options for accessing the resort are conveniently available for guests.

Rooms

The resort features 15 villas and cabanas designed with thoughtful touches like bathrobes and slippers. Each unit includes sitting areas and coffee makers, with many offering stunning views of the pool or sea. Two-bedroom villas with private verandahs and garden views also provide spacious outdoor terraces perfect for relaxation.

Eat & Drink

Bar Reef Resort offers two onsite eateries with a bohemian vibe, serving both international and Sri Lankan cuisines. Guests can enjoy a variety of meals throughout the day, including breakfast options. A beach bar allows for casual snacking and drinks, enhancing the resort’s laid-back atmosphere.

Leisure & Business

The resort includes a 30m outdoor pool with ocean views and offers exciting kite-surfing lessons at its in-house school. Guests can partake in whale and dolphin watching, snorkeling, and other water sports. Daily boat trips are also available, providing various entertainment options for adventurers.

“Nestled in the tranquil Kalpitiya Peninsula, the hotel offers a stunning beachfront location that truly feels like a hidden paradise.”view full review

View hotel on map

“A peaceful retreat with exceptional service and hospitality” view full review

Top location:Highly rated by recent guests(8.6)

Check-in/Check-out

from 12:00-23:59

until 10 am

Amenities

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Other information

All children:

Extra bed: us$ 60

Existing beds: FREE

One child: 1 - 2 years

Crib: FREE

Existing beds: FREE

All children: 3 - 6 years

Existing beds: FREE

Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of rooms:13

View all

Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Cabanas

Max:

3 persons

35 m²

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

room details

Check Prices

Beach Cabanas

Max:

3 persons

35 m²

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

Sea view

Shower

room details

Check Prices

Cabanas

Max:

3 persons

35 m²

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

Garden view

Shower

room details

Check Prices

Show all roomsLess

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Getting around

Explore available ways to reach your dream destination

City Center

Etalai 1.9 mi

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Inclusive Spaces

“The resort’s thoughtful design ensures comfort for all guests, featuring ramps and accessible pathways that make navigation seamless.” view full review

Delicious Dining Experience

“The food was excellent, especially during the beach BBQ night, where the flavors and presentation exceeded my expectations.” view full review

Charming Cabana

“Staying in a beautifully designed cabana with an alfresco shower was a unique touch that elevated our holiday experience.” view full review

Relaxing Infinity Pool

“The infinity pool was a serene escape, with stunning views of the ocean that made for a perfect place to relax and unwind.” view full review

General

Free Wi-Fi
Parking lot
Safe deposit box

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Dining

Breakfast
Restaurant
Outdoor dining area

Children

Cribs

Spa & Leisure

Swimming pool

Room features

In-room safe
Sitting area
Patio
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

AM/FM alarm clock

Location

Norochcholoai, Alankuda, Etalai, Sri Lanka, 61360

Map view

Norochcholoai, Alankuda, Etalai, Sri Lanka, 61360

City landmarks

Ruwala Nature & Adventure Park

1.8 mi

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience

72%

liked the resort and would come back again

Amazing outdoor showers

Beautiful sunset views

Average food service

Limited drink options

7.2/10

Very good

Rooms

7.6

Location

8.6

Service

7.0

Dining

5.6

Peter

United States of America, February 2025

8.4/10

I had a fantastic stay at Bar Reef resort, surrounded by beautiful nature and a serene atmosphere. The outdoor living concept really brought me closer to nature, and I loved the outdoor shower experience. The food was outstanding, particularly the seafood. However, I did find the breakfast options a bit limited, and the lighting in my villa could have been brighter. Overall, it's a great escape for those who enjoy a peaceful retreat by the beach.

Rooms

8.0

The villa was exceptional, featuring large open spaces, outdoor bathrooms, and a cozy vibe with a fan and AC. However, the lighting was quite dim, making it difficult to see properly during the day.

Service

9.0

The staff was amazing, going out of their way to ensure a pleasant stay, even preparing a birthday cake for me! They were attentive without being overbearing.

Location

9.0

Bar Reef resort is perfectly located right on the beach, providing a calm and tranquil environment. I enjoyed the beautiful sunsets and the chance to go dolphin watching nearby.

Dining

7.0

Dining was delightful, with fresh and tasty meals, especially the seafood. However, the breakfast spread could use a bit more variety and was served on a low plank, making it uncomfortable at times.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities were lovely, with a stunning pool connected to the beach and plenty of shady cabanas to relax in. The grounds were beautifully landscaped, adding to the overall charm.

David

United States of America, February 2025

6.4/10

I had mixed feelings about my stay. While the setting near the beach and the pool area were quite nice, I found the accommodations a bit lacking in comfort and charm. The service was decent, and the staff tried their best, yet the overall value didn’t meet my expectations given the price. The dining options were underwhelming, which was disappointing considering the local cuisine's potential.

Rooms

5.0

The villas were quite basic, lacking many comforts I expected, and the outdoor shower experience was a unique touch but not enough to elevate my stay.

Service

7.0

The staff were kind and attentive, but I felt they struggled with addressing issues adequately, which left me a bit frustrated.

Location

8.0

The location was beautiful, right by the beach, but it felt quite isolated, making it difficult to explore other areas.

Dining

5.0

The food was quite mediocre, as it seemed to cater more to Western tastes rather than showcasing the flavorful Sri Lankan cuisine we were hoping for.

Facilities

7.0

The pool and beach areas were well-maintained, creating a relaxing atmosphere, but the amenities did not stand out.

Michael

United States of America, December 2024

7.6/10

We had a lovely family vacation in Sri Lanka at the Bar Reef Resort, surrounded by beautiful nature and a great swimming pool overlooking the beach. The accommodations were comfortable and private, but the food and drink options left a bit to be desired. Overall, it’s a wonderful setting, but with some improvements, it can reach its true potential.

Rooms

9.0

The cabanas were very comfortable and private, featuring amazing outdoor showers, immersing us in nature.

Service

7.0

The staff was kind and eager to assist, although some were a bit slow and could improve their English skills.

Location

9.0

The resort is beautifully located right by the beach, offering breathtaking sunset views and access to activities like kitesurfing.

Dining

5.0

Dining was decent, but the food and beverage service could use improvement, especially regarding cocktails and wine options.

Facilities

8.0

The swimming pool provided fantastic views and was well-maintained, making it a great spot to relax.

Amazing outdoor showers

Average food service

Edward

United States of America, November 2024

6.8/10

Our stay was a mix of highlights and disappointments. The villa we had was spacious and beautifully designed, with an impressive outdoor shower and gorgeous sunset views from the infinity pool. However, the service struggled with some aspects, particularly during dining, where the offerings fell below expectations. The natural beauty surrounding the resort is stunning, but there were issues with cleanliness that impacted our experience.

Rooms

9.0

The villa was spacious with a large bed and an amazing outdoor bathroom, providing a unique touch. The outdoor seating area was perfect for enjoying the serene atmosphere.

Service

6.0

The staff were generally friendly and made efforts to meet our needs, but there were some mishaps, especially regarding the dining experience. On a positive note, the manager did offer us a free dinner to compensate for our dissatisfaction.

Location

8.0

This resort is nestled in beautiful nature and offers breathtaking views, especially from the infinity pool. It feels remote and peaceful, which is great for unwinding, though it might be too secluded for some.

Dining

5.0

The dining experience left much to be desired, particularly with the limited options and issues with cleanliness at the dining area. We found the food average and the service slow, which was disappointing given the high price we paid.

Facilities

7.0

The amenities, particularly the infinity pool, were fantastic and provided a beautiful way to watch sunsets. However, some other facilities, like dining, need improvement.

Spacious villas

Dining cleanliness issues

Stephen

United States of America, November 2024

7.4/10

Bar Reef Resort is a magical getaway that captivates with its stunning infinity pool, comfortable cabanas, and great opportunities for dolphin watching. While the location is fantastic and I enjoyed the fresh seafood for dinner, there were some quirks like inconsistent service and minor room issues. Overall, it’s a lovely place to relax, but improvements in some areas would elevate the experience even more.

Rooms

7.0

The cabanas were spacious, clean, and offered a unique experience with outdoor showers, although a few amenities like locks and better lighting could be improved.

Service

6.0

While the staff was friendly and helpful, the service was quite inconsistent, and we encountered delays when ordering food and some issues with communication.

Location

9.0

The hotel is set right on a tranquil beach of the Lacadive Sea, perfect for relaxing and enjoying water sports like dolphin watching.

Dining

7.0

Breakfast was excellent with a variety of fresh options, but the dinner service was a bit slow and could use improvement.

Facilities

8.0

The infinity pool was one of the highlights, spacious and well-maintained, although more loungers and landscaping around it would enhance the experience further.