Bentota’s long golden beachline has lots of good beachfront options. Below are top picks across categories (luxury → mid-range → family/all‑inclusive), with a short reason to choose each and a source for current reviews/info.

Luxury & romantic

• Jetwing Saman Villas — intimate, award-winning boutique property perched on a headland with dramatic ocean views, lots of private dining/“rock” dining options; best for couples and design‑minded travelers. (jetwinghotels.com)

• Taj Bentota Resort & Spa (Vivanta by Taj) — large upscale resort set on a cliff above a long stretch of beach; strong food and resort facilities, though beach access involves steps and the surf can be lively. Good for couples and families who want classic resort services. (oyster.com)

• Cinnamon Bentota Beach — iconic Geoffrey Bawa–inspired beachfront hotel with artistic architecture, multiple dining options and a broad beachfront lawn; a good pick if you want a mix of design, comfort and beachfront access. (cinnamonhotels.com)

Upscale / full‑service resorts (families & activities)

• Avani Bentota Resort & Spa — larger resort on the main beach strip with modern rooms, pools, spa and water‑sports access; renovated in recent years and suitable for families and active travelers. (brownshotels.com)

• NH Bentota Ceysands Resort — internationally branded beachfront resort with many rooms, several restaurants, kids’ club and water‑sports; convenient if you want resort amenities and family facilities. (nh-hotels.com)

Family / All‑inclusive / Mid‑range

• Riu Sri Lanka (All‑Inclusive) — large all‑inclusive beachfront resort popular with families; lots of pools and evening entertainment (note: very busy at peak times and public beach vendors can be present). (booking.com)

• Thaala Bentota Resort — beachfront property with good pools and solid value; often recommended for families and groups who want a straightforward resort experience. (tripadvisor.com)

Boutique / stylish picks near the beach

• The Villa Bentota (KK Collection) — smaller heritage/boutique hotel with stylish rooms, tropical gardens and immediate beach access (sometimes separated by the coastal railway); good for quieter, design‑led stays. (kkcollection.com)

• Pandanus Beach Resort & Spa — beachfront resort with a reputation for good service and spa facilities; generally mid‑to‑upscale and family friendly (mixed recent reports about coastal erosion in places — see reviews). (tripadvisor.com)

Quick practical tips

• Bentota’s west/south‑coast beach season: best weather November–April; outside that window seas can be rough (check local seasonality before booking). (thetimes.co.uk)
• Many properties share a public beach — vendors and local beachgoers can be common; if you want a private stretch, confirm “private beach” or exclusive access with the hotel before booking. (Reviews frequently note vendors and occasional coastal‑erosion/local crowding.) (booking.com)
• If beach swimming is essential, ask the hotel about typical sea conditions and whether they provide lifeguards or recommend certain parts of the beach for safe swimming. (Some resorts sit on cliffs or require steps down to the sand.) (oyster.com)

If you'd like, I can:

• Narrow these to one or two options by travel type (honeymoon, family, budget), or
• Check current rates/availability for specific dates and compare (I can do that if you give dates).