Here are highly regarded exclusive beachfront luxury resorts in Sri Lanka (south & west coast focus). I’ve included a short note on style, location, typical strengths, best season for visiting, approximate transfer time from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), and one booking tip for each. Sources are cited for key facts.

Top picks

• Amanwella — Tangalle (south coast)

  • Why go: Intimate, understated Aman “barefoot luxury” with just ~27–30 suites, private plunge pools, a 800 m crescent beach and a long infinity pool — ideal for privacy, wellness, whale/dolphin watching and surfing nearby. (theworlds50best.com)
  • Best season: December–April (south-coast dry season).
  • Transfer: ~3.5–4.5 hours from CMB by road.
  • Booking tip: Reserve a sea‑facing suite early in high season; ask about curated experiences (fishing/boat trips).

• Cape Weligama (Resplendent Ceylon) — Weligama / Mirissa area (south coast)

  • Why go: Dramatic headland setting with suites & villas stepped into slopes, multiple cliffside pools and direct access to calm cove/beach; strong fine-dining and family- or couple-friendly luxury. (legacy.resplendentceylon.com)
  • Best season: December–April.
  • Transfer: ~2.5–3 hours from CMB (depending on traffic).
  • Booking tip: Book cliff villas for the best views; check whether they’ve reopened or completed renovations if travelling near property announcements.

• Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort — Tangalle (southern headland)

  • Why go: Large luxury resort on a rocky headland with cliffside dining, pool villas and a private beach; good for families and those who want resort facilities plus easy access to southern attractions. (Anantara.com)
  • Best season: December–April.
  • Transfer: ~3.5–4 hours from CMB.
  • Booking tip: Choose a pool villa if you want extra privacy; arrange spa/Ayurveda treatments in advance.

• Jetwing Saman Villas — Bentota (south‑west coast)

  • Why go: Classic Sri Lankan boutique-luxury cliff-top hotel overlooking long beaches (a pioneering boutique property), intimate atmosphere and strong local-service tradition. (jetwinghotels.com)
  • Best season: November–April (west coast dry season).
  • Transfer: ~1.5–2 hours from CMB.
  • Booking tip: Cliff villas with private terraces are most desirable — book early in high season (Dec–Jan).

• Jetwing Lighthouse Club / Jetwing Lighthouse — Galle (near Galle Fort)

  • Why go: Luxury options near historic Galle Fort — combine beach time with cultural visits; cliffside locations and premium service. Good for combining beach + heritage. (jetwinghotels.com)
  • Best season: November–April.
  • Transfer: ~2–2.5 hours from CMB.
  • Booking tip: If you want the historic Galle Fort experience, choose a property that offers shuttle access to the Fort and book a room with sea views.

• Radisson Collection Resort Galle (or similar high‑end Galle resorts)

  • Why go: Modern large‑scale luxury with extensive facilities, beach club and easy access to Galle Fort and Unawatuna/Mirissa excursions. Good for travelers wanting full resort services near Galle. (marieclaire.co.uk)
  • Best season: November–April.
  • Transfer: ~2–2.5 hours from CMB.
  • Booking tip: Look for packages that include whale-watching or day trips to UNESCO Galle Fort.

When to go (weather/monsoons)

• South & west coast (Mirissa, Weligama, Galle, Tangalle, Bentota): Best months are generally November through April (drier weather, calmer seas). East‑coast beaches have the opposite season. Plan around these windows for optimal beach and sea conditions. (thetimes.co.uk)

Practical notes & tips

• Transfers: Most top southern/western resorts are 2–4.5 hours by road from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Internal flights to Mattala (HRI) or domestic flights/chartered transfers may shorten travel time for far‑south Tangalle resorts — check availability and seasonal schedules.
• Book early for December–January and school-holiday periods (properties are small and fill quickly).
• Ask about beachfront vs. cliffside rooms — “beachfront” experiences differ: some properties sit on a headland with private coves rather than long flat beaches.
• Activities: Many high‑end resorts offer whale/dolphin watching (seasonal), surfing, private dining, Ayurvedic spa programmes and conservation/turtle‑watching excursions.
• Sustainability & community: Several luxury Sri Lankan properties emphasise local sourcing, conservation and community projects—ask about their specific initiatives if that matters to you.

Would you like:

• a tailored shortlist based on travel dates, group type (couple, family, solo) and budget, or
• direct links and live availability/price checks for specific resorts (I can look up current rates and room availability)?