Surrender to SERENITY
Anantara properties–Kalutara and Tangalle– in Sri Lanka are picture-perfect destinations to unwind and rejuvenate in blissful solitude.
ANANTARA KALUTARA RESORT
Uniquely tucked between the Indian Ocean and Kalu Ganga River, the Anantara Kalutara Resort is naturally exclusive. The resort is located at a 90-minute drive from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport, via a scenic route of lagoons, lush waterways and rural countryside. For guests wishing to experience Sri Lanka’s beautiful train journeys, the Kalutara South Railway Station is a 10-minute drive away. Anantara’s luxury chauffeur service offers seamless journeys to and from the resort. The resort is a perfect getaway from Colombo’s buzz. Once inside, guests don’t have to look any further to indulge. From practising yoga and meditation in the stillness of the coast to swimming in the tropical pools or water sport thrills, the resort offers activities to invigorate and rejuvenate vacationers. Kids’ and teens’ clubs keep youngsters creatively engaged, while you indulge at Sri Lanka’s largest and most luxurious spa. For those seeking to experience the region, the resort is just 10-minutes away from the historic Kalutara which has a rich spice trading and colonial heritage. Travellers can explore tea plantations and mansions, sacred temples and the world’s only hollow Buddhist shrine. One can also cruise on the Kalu Ganga, which twists almost 100 miles from Sri Pada - the sacred mountain believed to be the footprint of the Buddha. With 141 rooms, suites and pool villas, the resort is a perfect blend of authentic luxury and evocative Sri Lankan accents. Balconies and terraces draw the eye to lush nature, ocean waves or river beauty. Guests can choose from interconnecting, disabledfriendly and poolside havens and relish private pool intimacy or simply share holidays in villas with interconnecting gardens. Spice Spoons - Anantara Cooking Class Passing settlers and traders have richly influenced Sri Lankan cuisine, resulting in dishes infused with Dutch, Portuguese, English, Arab, Malay and Indian flavours. Guests can delve into the scenes of the island’s culinary roots through a trip to local farms and markets. Return to the resort to refresh with a local arrack cocktail before the stepby-step cooking class – picking up secret chef tips for extra flair.
Activities
Sundown Ceremony: Each day at the sundown, the sound of a conch shell announces the start of traditional dancers performing with flower baskets on the pool deck to usher in evening time.
Saturday Fruit Market: Every Saturday at 1600 hours, local boats cross the river, bringing the freshest organic local fruits for guests to enjoy at the swimming pool.
Fishing Guru: Learn local angling techniques with our Fishing Guru on a boat at the Kalu Ganga Lagoon. Then, hand over your prize catch for our chefs to prepare a delicious seafood meal.
Arts & Craft: During breakfast, local artisans demonstrate their traditional wood carving, batik printing and ratan weaving skills, and also offer their arts and crafts for sale as souvenirs. Visitors interested in wildlife conservation can meet baby turtles at the Kosgoda turtle hatchery. At a 90-minute drive away lies Mirissa Harbour, where boats set sail for Weligama Lunuganga Estate was the country home of renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, and features terraced gardens with sculptures and oriental urns.
ANANTARA PEACE HAVEN TANGALLE RESORT
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort hides away on a rocky outcrop along a secluded stretch of Sri Lanka’s southernmost coastline. Cinnamon Air operates a 45-minute transfer once daily between Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport and Dickwella – just 10-minutes from the resort. For those who prefer the scenic land route, Bandaranaike International Airport is a three-and-a-half-hour-long drive away, appropriate for ones who enjoy long drives. You can stop by Galle to witness Portuguese architecture and narrow streets peppered with boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, restaurants and street stalls. Set amidst a 21-acre coconut plantation and golden crescent shores with glorious views of the Indian Ocean, the resort offers a vibe different from Anantara Kalutara. It has 152 rooms and pool villas designed for couples, families and differently-abled guests. For adventure seekers, the resort is a gateway to the island’s plethora of sacred heritage sites. One of the best features of the resort is its private villas. Early risers can take a trip to Udawalawe National Park for encounters with elephants or a jeep safari with a park tracker at Yala National Park – the second largest wildlife reserve in Sri Lanka.