Hotel Story

Founded by Mr. and Mrs. Thavarajah in 1981, Riviera Resort emerged from their desire to preserve nature and share Batticaloa’s picturesque beauty with global guests. This family-owned business has been a labor of love for over four decades. Now in their seventies, the founders have passed daily operations to their eldest son, Darshan Thavarajah, ensuring continuity of their founding vision and values while maintaining the resort’s family-centred approach.

The resort’s approach centres on sustainable tourism through genuine eco-practices rather than mere marketing claims. Over 40 years, they’ve cultivated an ecosystem featuring over 100 flora species and diverse birdlife across 10 acres of immaculately maintained grounds. Their pioneering waste management includes biogas plants producing 20% of cooking energy, natural water filtration systems, and innovative charcoal production through pyrolysis processes.

Located on Batticaloa lagoon’s shores, the resort offers air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned accommodations, an infinity pool with baby pool and Jacuzzi overlooking the lagoon, and Western/Sri Lankan restaurant serving locally sourced, pesticide-free produce grown on-premises. Guests enjoy kayaking, cycling, boat rides, children’s play areas, and the famous nighttime “Singing Fish” boat tours. The conference hall and lagoon-front spaces accommodate meetings and garden parties, while the personal touch and local knowledge create authentic Sri Lankan experiences in this water-surrounded paradise. ⁠