Amanwella

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Why Amanwella?

Taking advantage of the beautiful topography of a secluded 800m crescent-shaped bay, Amanwella is the ultimate beach hotel. Each spacious suite - built on the gentle palm-shaded hillside - benefits from a host of luxurious amenities including a contemporary living space, a spacious terrace and a sparkling aqua plunge pool. Inspired by the architectural designs of Geoffrey Bawa, care has been taken to maximise the ocean vistas, to blend the resort with the beauty of the surrounding landscape and to use regional materials such as stone, wood and clay wherever possible in the resort’s construction. The result is a stunningly stylish beachfront retreat with a peaceful, seductive early-to-rise ambience.

The 30 suites are located on the hillside, reached along little pathways that finally lead down to the sandy beach. Sun loungers are languidly laid out with fluffy white towels under the swaying palms just a whisper from the waves that brazenly crash onto the fine golden sand. Read, relax, run or take a stroll to the rocky headlands at either end of the bay and watch as the fishermen tug their catamarans onto shore. Swimming is safe in season at the southern end of the bay although the best place for a dip is the serene swimming pool for its magnificent panoramic vistas over the bay. Its infinity edge is the place to be at sunset to gaze at the sun as it dips below a horizon enlivened by the Hoo-maniya blowhole that sporadically shoots up white spouts of water in the far-away distance.

The contemporary split-level restaurant is located above the spacious pool terrace and takes full advantage of the panoramic views with floor-to-ceiling glass panelled windows while the cosy bar serves up exotic sundowners and other delicious tropical refreshments. The opportunity for walking is endless at Amanwella where glimpses into the local village of Wella Wathura and wildlife walks are a highlight at the end of a long and lazy day. Day trips to Tangalle, Mulgirigala Rock Temple and Bundala National Park would be magical if you could only get off that sunbed!

In the know
The resort’s name is aptly derived from aman or ‘peace’ in Sanskrit and wella or ‘beach’ in Sinhalese.

The turtle nesting beach of Rekawa is only a short drive from Amanwella and staff will thoughtfully provide you with ample food and refreshment in the form of a sumptuous night-time picnic!

Invigorating spa treatments can be enjoyed from the spa suite or in the privacy of your own.

The library offers a variety of fascinating reference books on Sri Lanka’s rich history, arts, culture and wildlife as well as plenty of novels, magazines, newspapers, audio CDs and board games.

Amanwella offers a complimentary babysitting service.

Distance from the airport; 6 hours by car or 1 ½ hours by air.
Address
Bodhi Mawatha
Wella Mawatha
Godellawela
Tangalla
Sri Lanka

Click here to view location on Google Maps

Web Link
Location
Recognition
Conde Nast Hot List 2005.

Amanwella has been a member of Sri Lanka InStyle since 2008.

Kadju House

Why Kadju House?

Kadju House is set amidst a cashew grove overlooking a beautiful crescent-shaped beach. It offers four en-suite bedrooms, a spa-room and a stunning infinity pool with sweeping sea views. The minimalist design blends a simple tropical aesthetic with modernist luxury.

Shower under a cashew tree, luxuriate in the cinnamon-walled spa or stroll down the hill to the beach. The garden and the living spaces have plenty of spots for reading, resting and contemplation.

The 36-foot-long rooftop infinity pool seems to merge with the breaking waves below as you swim along it towards the sea. Those who want to stay dry can sunbathe on the adjacent terrace or lounge in the breezy and shaded pavilion, with great views of the sea and gardens.

In the know
Views, Views, Views: Sea views, views of waves crashing on the beach from 3 bedrooms and bathrooms.

On a hilltop, with a large tropical garden and complete privacy but also immediate access to the beach.

Dedicated Ayurvedic Spa room with walls made from cinnamon sticks

Travel time from the airport is approximately 8 hours.

Children are welcome. There are 2 extra beds are available at no extra charge.

Check in, Check out times: Flexible, subject to availability.
Address
Kadju House
Seenimodera, Tangalle
Sri Lanka

Click here to view location on Google Maps

Web Link
Location
Recognition
A member of Sri Lanka In Style since 2007.

The Hide

Why The Hide?

Situated in a highly rural location on the fringe of one of Sri Lankas most ecologically diverse bird sanctuaries, Kalametiya, The Hide lives up to its name by being both "hidden" and a great base for bird watching. As a guest you will become participants of a social entrepreneurship programme since all profits received from its tourism venture directly support projects and people in the local "RUK" (Rekawa, Ussangoda and Kalametiya) area. Special emphasis is on environmental conservation, education and awareness building.

With a wealth of wildlife on its doorstep giving you so much to explore in this unique rural location, The Hide – a carefully restored 90-year-old villa - is ideal for nature-lovers but also offers guests all the comforts of an up-market hotel. Stroll through the carefully tended-to garden brimming with all manner of medicinal, nutritional and herbal plants or take a refreshing dip in the 38ft saltwater swimming pool under the clear blue sky. Watch the birds dip and dive between the trees at sunset or listen to the chorus of frogs and crickets by twilight from the horseshoe-shaped back veranda than encircles a pretty lily-strewn pond.

The staff at The Hide exude natural warmth and enhance your stay with their individual personalities; enjoy John Mamas amusing after-dinner entertainment or take a garden tour with Upul Mama to learn about the range of produce grown in the garden. With emphasis on fresh fruit and herbal drinks, The Hide is also an ideal place to detox and unwind.

In the know
The Hide serves pure drinking water made from the air.

No alcohol is served on the premises.

A multi-page booklet in each of the rooms tells you all about The Hide, its initiation, its beneficiaries and information about the local area.

Situated in one of the most rural locations on the south coast.

Ideal for ornithologists and wildlife enthusiasts.

Travel time from the airport is approximately seven hours.

Address
Location
Recognition
The Hide has been a member of Sri Lanka In Style since 2006.

 
 
 
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