Sri Lanka has over 1,000 miles of palm-shaded beaches lapped by warm water, and the area around Bentota is home to some of the most idyllic. The town itself has become dominated by package hotels, but head a little way north or south and you’ll find pristine swathes of sand flanked by quiet fishing villages and small, upmarket resorts (we've selected our very favourites). This is the place to come if you’re looking for pure romance and relaxation, but there’s more to the region than the coast; take time to explore and you’ll find mangrove-lined backwaters, turtle hatcheries, and the beautiful gardens at Lunuganga and Brief, created by famed Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa and his brother Bevis.