Benota -- area code (94-777)

Comments from Utopians:

"Taru Villas is not really a gay resort! Actually it is a relatively overpriced hotel. Often there are families with children and the management is not very accommodating to guests having local visitors!" -- whitem8, Jan 10, 2006

"There is a beautiful new gay friendly hotel in Benota called Taru Villas. It is situated on the beach and is fantastic!! Nine individually designed, supremely comfortable rooms; a beautiful, uncrowded beach; discreet service and exquisite fusion cuisine. Taru Villas, Robolgoda, Benota, Sri Lanka, 379-137, FAX 724-362, email." -- Sahran, April 4, 2003

Bolgoda

• Java Moon
  Email. A gay-friendly home stay in a serene hideaway for couples and singles. Overlooking Bolgoda Lake, just a half hour drive from the capital city of Colombo, "Java Moon" is the ideal location for a romantic getaway. One large master bedroom with bath, excellent service and a swimming pool that is a continuation of the bedroom.

Galle

Comments from Utopians:

"The Ammangalla, a 16th Century hotel built by the Dutch, has unbeatable atmosphere and serves wonderful food. The staff are charming -- it is expensive. The Ramparts Hotel, (with dining room on 1/F) overlooking the ocean is just perfect for a cheap meal and a beer, for lunch or dinner. The Lady Hill Hotel ion Upper Dixon Rd has excellent food and accommodation at reasonable prices and a beautiful rooftop bar overlooking the town. There is a swimming pool at the hotel and the staff and management are very friendly and will assist you getting around the area. The town appears to be very gay friendly and you should feel very relaxed here. You'll have no trouble asking for a double room for 2 guys -- however, outsiders are not necessarily welcome to share your room (this is mostly for security reasons -- you don't want to loose your wallet)." -- Mike, Sep 5, 2006

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

Dickman Resort 26/7 Poruthata Rd - Sea Ave, 777-660-120, email. Gay-friendly resort 12 miles from the International Airport and two minutes from the gorgeous beaches of Negombo. Eight rooms, plus suite accommodation with air-con, large beds, cable TV and DVD player. Safe and 24-hour computer connection are also available. Pool and spa jacuzzi is in a gorgeous garden setting. Relax on the sundeck, in the shade of an ancient mango tree, on the breakfast terrace (served every day till noon), at the Grand Bar, the B.B.Q., or the snooker lounge. The resort is nearby restaurants and pubs in the Ettukala district. Guide service and luxury limousines available.

Comments from Utopians:

"Heaven on Earth. Very nice rooms, pool and garden. At the top of the bill are the staff - my god, they pamper you! This place is so unique and a home away from home." -- kvw, Sep 8, 2007

"I just came back from my first trip to Sri Lanka. I found the Dickman Resort was not just an ordinary hotel, but a place to relax with a new 'family.' It is a small, but cosy place. Not only the huge pool and the really big rooms where surprising, but also the friendliness of the staff and Dick himself. You will feel safe and welcome when you enter the resort and I am sure you will make new friends like I did." -- Ron46, Jun 11, 2007

"I just spent 10 days at the Dickman Resort. This gay-managed and owned hotel rivals anything else you will find in Asia and certainly is the best in Sri Lanka. The resort is only 100m from fine dining establishments which include Swiss, German, English, Belgium, American and local eateries. The beach is a mere 20m further. Set behind high walls, the Resort is ultra private and has a huge swimming pool, sun deck and shaded areas. Rooms are huge and well appointed, secure with all amenities. I cannot speak highly enough of the care and attention to detail the management provides. And the staff? You think you are pampered at other resorts? The staff at Dickmans are the best. But there is more -- the beautiful countryside, the lovely, friendly people, tours to most parts of the country to take in the history. Make your next destination Dickman Resort and be pleasantly surprised." -- black, Dec 30, 2006

"I have just returned home after 5 days in Negombo at Dickman Resort and I can't wait to get back. I had a fantastic time, with the guys there looking after me endlessly. They organized trips to Colombo, the elephant orphanage and Kandy. I was taken around the town and shown the sights, food and sounds. I had dinner a couple of times at Lords which was great but for a taste of the local curry and rice, Windmill on the corner was excellent. I have fallen in love with Sri Lanka and will be back. I wish all the guys at the Dickman all the best and hope to see them soon, they really are very beautiful and great to be with (I promise to practice my snooker!!!) Dick was away so I did not have a chance to meet him, but he has created a wonderful place." -- byronski, Feb 9, 2006

"I have stayed at the Dickman Resort several times. Not only is it a beautiful setting, but the staff and Dick make the stay truly relaxing and stress free. The rooms are spacious and wonderfully decorated. Each room has air con, a DVD player, comfortable beds, and clean bathrooms. The pool is simply divine! I usually spend the entire day sunbathing, and relaxing. Dick is so helpful and knowledgeable about the local scene. I can't wait to return!" -- whitem8, Jan 10, 2006

"I've just spent five days at the Dickman Resort and can highly recommend it. Dick and the helpful (and very cute) Sri Lankan staff made my stay memorable. They were able to arrange tours, suggest restaurants, and even introduced me to the local life. If you're traveling to Sri Lanka, stay at the Dickman Resort!" -- white_sg, Dec 4, 2006

• Gomez Place
  22/6B Poruthota Rd, Ettukala, Negombo, 227-6827, 773-658-385, email. Located 36km north of Colombo and only 20 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. Rooms are well appointed, with hot water and aircon. Swimming pool. Room prices start as low as E$20/night.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "I stayed in Gomez Place for almost two weeks and I had the time of my life. The service is excellent. The staff will look after you and attend to all your needs. Breakfast is healthy and plentiful and you can ask Mr. Gomez to arrange for a dinner at the premises. We had such a dinner party with a BBQ fit for a king. This wonderful guesthouse is located about 100 yards from the beach and only few steps away from the shops and restaurants. Gomez Place employs a driver who is always available to take you either to town or beyond. He drove us to Kandy and Colombo. I am already missing this place!" -- chompi27, Apr 19, 2008

  "Gomez Place is more than a home-away-from-home (at home you can't get pampered like this!). The gay staff, the guys around and the masseur are just fantastic and give you that holiday feeling." -- Kurt, Mar 21, 2007

  "Gomez Place is the best gay guesthouse in Sri Lanka. Seven air-con rooms, very clean with excellent breakfast, swimming pool and gay staff who will make your holiday perfect. Massuer available. Tours and airport transfers may be arranged." -- btonboz, Mar 6, 2007

• 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. 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

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Villa Kusum, a 5 min. walk from Hikkaduwa, is a gem of a hotel! Beautifully kept garden right on the shore, great beach, big rooms with balconies to the ocean, huge views. Rooms and public areas are nicely furnished and decorated in the most beautiful colonial style -- lots of character and very welcoming. We also loved the romantic beach-dinner that Jan and Lammert organized for us. UNBEATABLE! They did everything to ensure our stay was first-rate and totally relaxing." -- ale, Jan 15, 2006

Tangalle

• Lansiya
  Email. A unique, gay-friendly holiday home stay in Tangalle. A breathtaking view from the master bedroom -- one look at the Azure seas of the Indian Ocean and you are hooked! There is accommodation for up to 6 people on a shared room basis. Lansiya has access to a private beach, a staff that is friendly and accommodating and a tranquility and serenity that never stops.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "A really good place to stay in Tangalle is the Gayana guest house, out on the east side of the town in Medya. Easy to find over the bridge opposite the bus station, and first road that veers off to the right, and along, turn left at the bottom and along the coastal road. All places are gay friendly and cheap and some nice restaurants! Another good place to stay is the Ambalangoda Rest House. Brilliant location on a rocky outcrop overlooking the ocean and just behind the town, with nice rooms and friendly staff and little swimming pool. I go there each time I go to Sri Lanka." -- gerrypops, Jan 31, 2005