Araliya Beach Resort & Spa Unawatuna- Where you meet the sea all year

Everything was great Staff lovely. Very clean

Constant loud music noise everywhere. So not a five star experience. You couldn’t relax quietly and read even on the beach

המיקום מעולה, ארוחת בוקר עשירה וטעימה, החדר מרווח נקי ויפה עם נוף לאוקיאנוס, חוף מאוד מסודר, יש חדר כושר

שירות חדרים כמעט ולא מנקים חדרים. הגיעו אלינו אחרי 14:30 למרות שביקשנו נקיון מ 9 בבוקר. וגם אחרי שפנינו למנהל הקבלה - הגיעו לנקות ( עשו טובה ) . אפילו לא התנצלו. בבר ליד הבריכה הזמנו צהריים - חיכינו למנות יותר מחצי שעה . מבאס . חנויות בתוך הלובי - מחלקים שוברי הנחות שלא תקפות בפועל - עבודה בעיניים וחוסר שקיפות . הזמנו חדר עם נוף לאוקיאנוס, קיבלנו חדר צדדי עם נוף חלקי :(

The rooms were comfortable enough, though missing many of the small details we experienced at other high‑end hotels in Sri Lanka. The gym was well equipped and was enjoyed by our sons. The infinity pool was very nice, although we only gained access to it after raising multiple complaints, as it is restricted to certain room categories. The balcony views and sunsets are beautiful, largely due to the location rather than the overall resort experience.

This hotel charges 5‑star prices but does not deliver a 5‑star experience by international standards (for example compared with resorts in Thailand, Bali or Fiji). The overall feel of the property is heavily cost‑focused, with many corners cut, making the 5‑star rating questionable. Buffet breakfast and dinner were very poor quality, the dining space cramped and uninviting, and the fruit was the worst we encountered in Sri Lanka. Despite having paid for buffet dinners, we chose to eat elsewhere most nights. The buffet cuisine, entertainment, and general atmosphere are clearly designed to cater to one specific international market with Russian entertainment nightly, rather than offering a broadly appealing or culturally Sri Lankan experience. This is not what we were expecting. Requests for flexibility — such as dining at other on‑site restaurants instead of the buffet or receiving a refund for prepaid meals — were refused. The main swimming pool is underwhelming for a resort of this size — a stark concrete space with little atmosphere — and promotional photos are misleading. The beachfront is too small for such a large hotel, resulting in crowding, and constant tour boats block views and interfering with swimming at the beach. Staff responses to complaints were often dismissive, repeatedly stating that the hotel was “fully booked” rather than meaningfully addressing concerns. While the sunsets are beautiful, it was disappointing to learn the high‑rise building blocks views for neighbouring low‑rise beachfront properties.

Brilliant views from our room. Excellent facilities. Very friendly staff.

Full board/ all inclusive was very limited for the price paid. There were substantial delays if you wanted to order drinks with your included meals which was disappointing. All inclusive upgrade is not worth it on reflection given the restrictions, lack of drinks in the room.

The location, beach access

Just too far from the airport

Okay. But too much russian.

Clean Great staff

Too big & soulless

It’s central , close to the sea and all the restaurants around the hotel

1000%