Here are widely recommended beachfront hotels and resorts across Sri Lanka, grouped by region (luxury / mid-range / boutique noted). I included a short reason for each and a source so you can check current rates/availability.

Northwest / near the airport (good for arrival/departure)

• Jetwing Blue (Negombo) — classic, large 5★ beachfront hotel with pools and strong sustainability credentials; convenient for Bandaranaike Airport. (jetwinghotels.com)
• Sentido Heritance Negombo — modern 5★ beachfront resort, family-friendly, good airport access. (heritancehotels.com)

South & Galle region (popular beaches, whale watching and Galle Fort)

• Jetwing Lighthouse (Galle) — iconic Geoffrey Bawa–influenced hotel perched on a headland with ocean views near Galle. (Luxury). (jetwinghotels.com)
• The Fortress Resort & Spa (Koggala/Galle) — modern boutique luxury right on the beach, popular for views and spa. (fortressresortandspa.com)
• Cape Weligama (Weligama) — Relais & Châteaux–level villas on a dramatic headland, highly rated for service and views. (Ultra-luxury). (legacy.resplendentceylon.com)

Weligama / Mirissa (surfing, whale-watching)

• Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa (Weligama) — large beachfront resort with surf access and family amenities. (marriott.com)
• Mirissa / boutique picks — Saltasia / Three Gables / Lantern and other boutique beachfront hotels are top choices for direct beach access and a quieter luxury stay. (Boutique/luxury options vary). (girlonazebra.com)

Tangalle / South East of Galle (calmer beaches, turtle season)

• Amanwella (Tangalle) — minimalist luxury with private suites and an excellent beach; famed for privacy and design. (High-end). (theworlds50best.com)
• Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle — cliffside resort with beachfront dining and Ayurvedic spa offerings. (anantara.com)

Bentota / Beruwala (west coast family beaches and water sports)

• Taj Bentota Resort & Spa (Bentota) — long-established beachfront resort with multiple dining options and family facilities. (booking.com)
• Cinnamon Bentota Beach — sizeable beachfront resort with river/sea activities and family-friendly facilities. (cinnamonhotels.com)

East coast (best May–October; calm, shallow water stretches)

• Trinco Blu by Cinnamon (Trincomalee) — beachfront hotel on the northeast coast with PADI center and easy access to Pigeon Island snorkeling. (cinnamonhotels.com)
• Uga Bay (Pasikudah / Passekudah) — boutique luxury on one of Sri Lanka’s calmest bays with long shallow waters, great for swimming and scuba diving. (ugaescapes.com)

Notes on timing and choosing a coast

• Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons: south/west coasts (Mirissa, Galle, Bentota, Tangalle) are generally best November–April; east coast (Trincomalee, Pasikudah, Arugam Bay) is best May–October. Plan coast choice around the months you’ll travel. (thetimes.co.uk)

If you’d like, I can:

• Narrow this to a budget or a single region (e.g., “best beachfront hotels in Mirissa”); or
• Compare 2–3 properties (rates, direct beach access, family vs couples) for specific dates.

Would you like me to compare any two of these hotels or filter by budget/dates?