LOCATED ALONG THE QUIETER PART OF THE NEGOMBO 'STRIP',

Browns Beach is a hotel for relaxing and taking it easy.

Once you have walked through the smart lobby, the road and the outside world is left behind. Facing you now is just the shade, the wide beach and the open sea.

Every room has a sea view. The 100 standard rooms have the same good quality of interior décor as the 25 beach rooms but they are a little smaller and, apart from six, are above ground level. The ten individual villas are located in a quiet corner of the grounds. Recently renovated to a distinctly higher standard, these light, harmonious rooms also have a television and a minibar.

Although quiet relaxation is the order of the day amongst the mostly middle aged English and German guests, there is plenty to do, both day and night, if it takes your fancy. Water polo and beach volleyball are popular daily events, plus tennis and squash are always available. Diving and snorkeling are also available on request. In a quieter vein, there are afternoon demonstrations of Sri Lankan cooking, Saree draping and the like.

In the evenings there is always something organised, such as a cultural evening, a quiz night, fire limbo, bingo and so on. And not forgetting the renowned disco which is open to the general public - so it's lively - but is tucked quietly away within the hotel. For smaller groups, the Karaoke is always popular.

Although the food is good enough to go full-board, most people are on bed and breakfast (which is substantial in itself) as the restaurants of Negombo are too good to miss out on. Browns Beach has a proud tradition as the standard bearer for quality in Negombo. It is in the genuine service with a smile and the calm tone of the management that this is most obvious.