Ranked amongst Sri Lanka’s top ten coastal retreats is the Amanwella Resort in Tangalle. Amanwella is a peaceful combination of modern, calm, stylish, serene, and one could say a resort dedicated to its environment, with a clear understanding of how the riches of this land could be enjoyed without compromising its location and authenticity. Making use of a small, crescent shaped bay in Tangalle, Amanwella Resort offers scenic views of the exotic waters. The property occupies 800 meters of beachfront, yet boasts only 27 spacious suites so much so that guests area rarely seen around the resort.
It’s Design…
Amanwella Resort is cleverly arranged on a hill side, just above a crescent shaped bay that is only seen by fishermen and their boats. While on one side of the resort, guests can enjoy sun, sand and water (although swimmers should be slightly cautious), on the other side are high rising palm trees supported by thick vegetation.
With a winning tropical minimalist design, Amanwella’s architecture takes inspiration from the great architect Sir Geoffrey Bawa. Blending with is locale, the contemporary design uses regional materials and aesthetics, attractive terra cotta roof tiles, terrazzo flooring and hand hewn stone walls. The land on which the property is built is naturally elevated and the swivel windowed restaurant is placed just above a 47 meter long swimming pool that has a unique internal wall design. The spacious suites which are constructed from locally sourced stone can be seen subtly from the hills opposite.
The privileged setting of Amanwella amidst some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka offers guests the opportunity to observe some rare marvels:
- Giant turtles being washed ashore on nearby beaches and laying eggs depending on what time of the year it is.
- Protected elephant herds loitering from neighboring national parks.
- Panoramic views of dramatic sunsets and dancing vegetation.
- Crystal waters of the Indian Ocean and exclusive topography features.
It’s Suites…
Amanwella Resort Tangalle is one of ten best coastal resorts in Sri Lanka because of its uncluttered and calming suites featuring dark kithul wood furnishings matched with a taupe color scheme. Each suite has its own private 6×4 plunge pool at the back and a well-furnished balcony/courtyard with either sea views or palm grove views. The courtyard features day beds, chairs and a table for lounging and dining. The bathrooms have a bathtub and a monsoon shower along with thoughtful amenities such as beach mats, sun hats and rattan bags.
It’s Food…
Sharing a terrace with the bar is Amanwella’s main restaurant in a pavilion style setting, offering stunning sunset panoramas every evening. As the main venue for all meals, this restaurant serves up a delectable Asian fusion menu including steaks, fish and a wide choice for breakfast. Private dining facilities are provided at dinner time either on the palm grove or the beach.
It’s Guests…
Families are more than welcome at Amanwella resort. Three suites located close to the common areas are interconnected, extra beds and baby cribs are also available on request. And what’s more, the restaurant also caters to an interesting kids and toddlers menu. Walking around and getting to places within the property is possible, but they do offer cute tuk tuks for families with children or elderly to move about within the resort.
It’s Features…
The staff at Amanwella are very efficient and have detailed knowledge about the resort and its neighborhood. The Amanwella experience also offers a library possessing a variety of reference books, novels, magazines and board games. A boutique with a rich tradition of arts and crafts, jewelry, textile and antiques for sale is available for guests on the lookout. The resort also boasts a spa facility with massage and beauty treatments. Therapies can be arranged at the spa suite, guests own private suite or on selected garden locations.
Activities at Amanwella resort include nature trails, countryside walking, photography and filming. Guests can also visit neighboring sites such as the Mulkirigala Rock Temple, Craft villages and Rekawa’s Turtle Beach.