TO DO LIST
Visit the Lunuganga Estate
The late Geoffrey Bawa was the father of Sri Lankan architecture, with his distinctive style known as “tropical modernism”. You can visit his country home in Bentota, a former cinnamon estate and rubber plantation that he spent 40 years transforming into a fairyland of lush gardens, lily ponds, whimsical sculptures and secret nooks. Look out for bells dotted around the sprawling property, which Bawa would ring to let his staff know when he wanted his morning coffee or afternoon tea. You can take a guided tour of the gardens, enjoy a meal overlooking the lake, or even spend a night in one of Bawa’s six perfectly preserved suites.
qqgeoffreybawa. com
Catch a wave
If you can bear to drag yourself away from the infinity pool, consider taking a surfing lesson in the swells of the Indian Ocean. The gentle southern coast is perfect for beginners, and you’ll be in safe hands with the extremely patient Steve from Tropicsurf, a surf school based at the Anantara Tangalle resort. All gear is provided, and you’ll be taken through the basics – like how to pop up on your board – before hitting the waves. At the end of your epic session, you’ll be rewarded with a refreshing coconut to sip on the beach. qqtropicsurf. net
See elephants in the wild
Udawalawe National Park in the south of Sri Lanka is home to around 500 Asian elephants, and is considered one of the best places in the world for spotting these gentle
giants. Sprawling over 30,000 hectares, you’ll cruise through the nature reserve from the comfort of an open-top safari jeep. If you’re lucky, you’ll observe herds of the amazing creatures, from bumbling babies to wizened elders. Also look out for water buffalo, crocodiles, monkeys and peacocks, as well as Sri Lanka’s national bird, the junglefowl. For your best chance at seeing the animals, we recommend waking up before the sun – the park opens at 6am. We promise it will be worth it. aw ala we national park. com
Take a cooking class
Immerse yourself in the local cuisine by learning how to make some delicious Sri Lankan specialties at the Anantara Spice Spoons cooking school. Accompanied by one of the resort’s master chefs, you’ll take an intrepid tuk-tuk ride to the colourful food markets, carefully selecting the freshest fish, produce and spices. You’ll bring your ingredients back to the resort, and set to work preparing your lunch, with plenty of tips and tricks from the chef. There’s nothing quite like the sweet satisfaction of eating a dish you’ve made yourself… and impressing your friends by being able to recreate it at home. qqanantara. comq