Arabella on Boossa

Just coming to the end of a 5-night stay after our tour of Sri Lanka, and chose this as a place to relax and unwind. The Arabella has not disappointed, from the moment we first arrived, the staff have been helpful and attentive. The food in their restaurant is wonderful and always served with a smile. We booked the balcony room on the first floor which provided a shady position from which to see the small pool, beach and the ocean (room 6). If you're looking for peace and quiet in a contemporary and stylish hotel this is the one for you. Its a 10-min tuk tuk ride into Galle Fort which is well worth a visit. There are also a small number of beach bars just 500m away along the beach.

Arabella on Boossa is very close to Galle with a very slick and lean architecture. The place is easy on the eye mainly decorated in white, promoting utilitarian furniture. Rooms are clean, spacious and has everything you may need. Beautiful view from the second floor with a balcony probably rooms numbered from 6 upwards. Beach food was very tasty; but maybe a less generous use of oil can be considered. You would not have any bad surprises, delivers what it promises.

Most of what I saw during my stay has already been mentioned in earlier reviews - lovely place but a few minor issues here and there. The Arabella on Boossa is a modern villa with stylish rooms, situated about 12 mins by tuk-tuk from Galle. I personally like the minimalist design and huge bathrooms. I noticed the use of fragrance sticks in the rooms to mask the humidity. As I've seen on previous visits to Sri Lanka, humidity is just something we'll have to accept. Room 4 is on the ground floor and you have to keep door/shutters closed as it's adjacent to a common area space. Room 7 was on first floor and a bit smaller. Floors can get slippery after rainfall. Arabella's location is a double-edged sword: close enough to Galle but indeed on a busy stretch off the main coastal road. I tried to walk outside a few times but it wasn't pleasant. The beach in front of the hotel is picturesque but while I was there it was indeed partially covered with a black substances. Silt from the nearby river I read somewhere though someone said it might be linked to an oil spill long ago. Also of note is that the far end of the beach is occupied by a small number of homeless locals in tents. Nice team running the place despite the occasional miscommunication: e.g. one said breakfast at 7, while the next person says it's 7.30 a.m. No huge issue - they were super friendly and helpful. I gave Arabella a rating of 4 out 5 because I think I got a decent deal and they were so kind to offer a late check-out (handy because of late flight). In absence of that, I can imagine some people might be a bit more critical. Overall - a very nice villa and worth checking out.

Very well appointed rooms with linen bedding and robes, spacious bathrooms with lovely local beauty products. Tranquil garden and pool. Wonderful Egg Hoppers and fresh fruit for breakfast, catch of the day for dinner :) kind and helpful staff. The design and interiors are truly exquisit, lots of thoughtful details to make our stay special.

When we arrived at the property and was greeted by the warmest welcome, we were brought into the property which was carefully curated and designed and it opens up to the beautiful view of the sea. We loved everything about this place, from the location (being only 15mins away from Galle Fort and the famous beaches surrounding it) to the design from the spaces, the comfortable room and spacious, the warm and attentive service from the staff, the great breakfast (do request for the local option) the amazing view and they serve the best crab curry that we've tried in Sri Lanka. Overall an amazing place to stay.

This is the first time we are returning after the pandemic. Been too long. My wife and I love this hotel. Beautiful place and well kept. Plenty of open air spaces to sit and lounge about. We always stay in room 8 as we are family of 4. Plenty of space to play inside once the beach and pool has been exhausted! There is a good selection of books for adults and kids alike. The hotel also has beach toys for the kids. The staff are very friendly and always greet you with a smile. We all feel well looked after when we stay here. It is safe and private and the kids can roam free. You can book a local babysitter through the hotel if you need a hand with the kids. Food at the hotel is very good and once you have eaten through the menu there are plenty of places in Galle Fort or closer to the hotel for a more casual experience. Thank you, Rohan and the team for making our stay a great experience. Until next time.