• Saladura (Pvt) Ltd
  +947-7239-1520, email. Gay and lesbian-friendly villas located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Very private and located in some of the most beautiful surroundings. Utopia Member Discount

  
  

COLOMBO/KOLAMBA -- area code (94-1)

Comments from Utopians:

"The Galle Face Hotel is a very gay friendly hotel. I always stay here. It does have it's ups and downs but it is always fun. Cool drinks on arrival, a relatively speedy check-in (it is never fast in Sri Lanka) and then the room - I always stay in the old wing - a few of the rooms have no view, but those those that do are amazing and were obviously built with long stays in mind...so ask for one if you book! Rooms are simple and well furnished with tea/coffee making facilities which is a big concession for a Sri Lankan hotel. The swimming pool beside the sea is just divine! I did inspect the new wing and it is very nice indeed - great rooms and rather plush - however it is not for me... The Charm of the old colonial wing suits me perfectly. The staff are friendly and there is always something to see - it is a people place and a great place to watch the world pass by. No one should miss a visit to this very historic hotel, even if it is for a drink or tea." -- yakka01, Oct 11, 2009

Galle

• Ammangalla
  A 16th Century hotel built by the Dutch. It has unbeatable atmosphere and serves wonderful food. The staff are charming. It is expensive.

  Galle Fort Hotel 28 Church St, +94-91-223-2870, FAX +94-91-223-2939, email. A gay and lesbian-friendly 12-suite luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the world heritage site of the Dutch Galle Fort. The perfect base for beaches, turtles, tea plantations, rainforests and all the iconic Sri Lankan experiences. Friendly, elegant and affordable. Award winning food and service. Winner of the 2007 UNESCO Award of Distinction for Heritage Conservation!

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Recently stayed at the Galle Fort Hotel in the old Galle Fort with my Asian boyfriend. It was great. Relaxed and friendl. Manager really cool guy and the staff was open minded. No hesitation to recommened this as a good and safe hotel. Galle is not big on nightlife though." -- raz69, Jun 3, 2010

  "My partner and I stayed at the Galle Fort Hotel for 3 nights. We were treated with respect and given all the privacy we wanted as we were celebrating our 5 year anniversary. A perfect romantic getaway for couples. Rooms were elegant and huge, linen was the finest I have laid on and the food....fab! Super staff and management. I highly reccommend for a few days of sheer relaxation. Galle is quiet, but it was bustling each evening at the hotel where guests meet up and chat about their adventures." -- starbucksboy, Nov 25, 2009

• Lady Hill Hotel
  Upper Dixon Rd. Accommodation and food at reasonable prices. Beautiful rooftop bar overlooking the town. There is a swimming pool at the hotel. The staff and management are very friendly and will assist you getting around the area.

Negombo / Migamuwa -- area code (94-31)

Negombo, the only city in Sri Lanka with relaxed, everyday gay life, is a peaceful oceanside resort just 15 minutes drive north from Colombo's international airport. Budget airlines like Air Asia offer unbelievably low priced flights from hubs like Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, making this an easy-breezy beach get-away. With tropical island pace of life, seaside dining and bars, extraordinarily friendly locals and gay-only resorts, its become a favorite holiday destination for jet-setting regional gays looking for a weekend retreat or long-stay holiday.

Dickman Resort 26/7 Poruthata Rd - Sea Ave, Utopia Map, 777-660-120, email. Truly one of Asia's great gay retreats. Private men's resort just 12 miles from the airport and two minutes walk from the beach. This secure, private compound is full of tropical color, cool sea breezes, verdant gardens and romantic nooks. From the moment you arrive you are attended to by warm, relaxed (and handsome) staff who immediately make you part of the extended family. Eight gorgeous rooms, plus suite accommodation with local fine art, open air tropical showers, aircon, large beds, safe, cable TV and DVD player. 24-hour Wi-fi connection at a small surcharge are also available. Their pool, with spa jacuzzi bench, is a sun-splashed canvas of vivid, sensual hues with showers, iPod pavilion, and lounge chairs with large beach towels. The garden area, where guests may enjoy a hearty, fresh breakfast until noon and snacks and drinks at the bar, is home to birds, chipmunks and lizards. Relax under the shade of an ancient mango tree or play in the snooker lounge. The resort is a short walk to many restaurants and pubs in the Ettukala district. Guide service and luxury limousines also available.

Comments from Utopians:

"As an experienced traveler, I have to admit that Dickman Resort is the best men-only hotel in Asia. It offers luxury accommodation and a large saltwater pool. The atmosphere within this beautiful resort is relaxed and the staff is friendly, helpful and fully committed to making the guests feel good. My stay there has been most enjoyable and I plan be back again soon. Amazing Sri Lanka...great people." -- bruban, May 27, 2010

"Just spent two weeks at Dickman Resort (Feb). GREAT PLACE, GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT STAFF, GREAT SERVICE, GREAT COMFORT. What else can I say? The staff are so nice, always ready to assist you, the owner is a great guy and the place is like a 4-star hotel residence." -- jack-92, Mar 17, 2010

"1) You get the quality that you pay for. 2) The staff are very accommodating, as are the beachboys. 3) The rooms are large and very clean as are the beds. 4) Rooms are cleaned daily. 5) There is a safe in the room, you set your own combination. 6) TV and DVD player with selection of DVDs. 7) Fruit platter for breakfast is stunning. 8) After five visits I have never been disappointed. The friendly, homey atmosphere and welcome always greets me. Dick or any of the guys will tell you where to go to eat and drink. Safety supplies are complimetary." -- ChrisUKEssex, Dec 26, 2009

"Sublime, special, peaceful, memorable - the perfct get-away with amazingly professional and intimate and friendly staff. I can't wait to return." -- rfs2008, Dec 18, 2009

• Gomez Place
  22/6B Poruthota Rd (kitty-corner to Dickman Resort), Ettukala, Negombo, 227-6827, 773-658-385, email. A gay-run guesthouse located 36km north of Colombo and 15 minutes from Bandaranaike International Airport at Katunayake. An oasis for the weary traveler and a starting point for a longer tour of this beautiful island. Large rooms are well appointed, with hot water and aircon. Swimming pool. Excellent from staff who look after you and attend to all your needs. Breakfast is healthy and plentiful and they can also arrange for dinner on the premises. Located about 100 yards from the beach and steps away from local shops and restaurants. They employ a driver who is available for trips around town or beyond. Four new rooms opening in late 2010.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "I have just finished a stay at Gomez Place, a great little place, more of a mini-resort. I was picked up at the airport without a problem and given plenty of information on what there was to do in the surrounding area. One of the first things I noticed at this place was the size of the rooms were very big and well decorated. My room had a nice size TV, well stocked fridge, good Wi-Fi (free), a safe big enough to accommodate a laptop was also reassuring. It's located in a very quite and peaceful area, walking distance from the beach, bars and restaurants, where you will get plenty of attention. The staff were very friendly and kept everything immaculately clean. I would recommend a visit to their website or an email to confirm prices in advance." -- MrGary, Sep 13, 2009

• Home Rental Service
  Mark Rd, Negombo, 004-412-6827-2445, email. Traditional style two-bed two-bath bungalow in a fishing village along the coast. An ideal location from which to visit and explore the wonders of the island. Rooms are all ensuite, with air-con, ceiling fans and self catering. Laundry, house keeping and cooking are available locally at reasonable rates. Utopia Member Discount

Patuwatha - Dodanduwa -- area code (94-91)

• Villa Kusum
  932 Galle Rd, 091-777-391316, email. Gay-owned and gay-friendly in a perfect location on the Indian Ocean in south Sri Lanka. A colonial style villa and exclusive boutique, located at the beach. Five rooms (two suites), and four of them have full sea view. Rooms and public areas are nicely furnished and decorated in the most beautiful colonial style. Lots of character and very welcoming. All guests receive fresh flowers in their room and a welcome drink. The restaurant is offers fine-dining that is unique in Sri Lanka. Utopia Member Discount

Unawatuna

Comments from Utopians:

"The Amor Villa, on the edge of Unawatuna on Hambantota Rd, is hard to fault - it is a wonderful place for travelers to this lovely region of Sri Lanka. Arthur, your host, is especially charming and can speak very good English. The villa is right on the Beach and there is a reef outside. Swimming is good - but as, always on the coast, use caution. The beach is clean and lovely and Unawatuna beach is just minutes away (Arthur will get a 'lifeguard' for you if you require - just imagine, your own personal lifeguard. It is just perfect for relaxation and there is a lovely, shaded garden in front. The place is spotless, rooms and bathrooms are light and airy and the food simple, but wonderful, as good Sri Lankan food should be. The restaurant is licensed. Tuktuks pass the door frequently should you wish to go to Unawatuna or Galle - but leaving this beautiful place is hard to do - for me, it is one of the best in Sri Lanka." -- yakka01, Oct 11, 2009

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