Amanwella

Nestled amongst a lush grove of coconut palms, Amanwella overlooks a crescent-shaped golden beach on Sri Lanka's south coast, near the quaint fishing village of Tangalle. The resort draws its name from the Sanskrit-derived word for 'peace' and combines it with Wella, Sinhalese for 'beach.'

Overview

Amanwella is a contemporary oasis that offers 30 luxurious Suites, each with its own private plunge pool and terrace. The Suites come in three categories based on their views of the Indian Ocean, where Ocean Suites provide guests with the finest vistas. Linked by pathways through the palm grove, each suite ranges along the hillside to give breathtaking ocean views from their private terraces.

The resort is accessed via a narrow road that winds through vegetation before opening into a large red-pebble courtyard. Guests are welcomed into the Arrival Pavilion here - an open-air structure inspired by renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa - which overlooks a grass courtyard and surrounding reflection pool. Adjoining this pavilion is the Restaurant and Lounge Bar, which provides stunning panoramas of the bay from both within and outside on the terrace above. Refreshments and light meals are available at all times on the Pool Terrace situated at the bottom of the steps leading from this outdoor dining area.

Lastly, guests can enjoy oceanfront dining at Amanwella Beach Club, located at the west end of the beach beyond the Suites. This shaded pavilion features an open wooden deck perfect for casual beachside meals featuring fresh seafood and healthy options; snorkeling equipment is also provided alongside dressing rooms for those taking part in water activities during their stay.

Things to Know

Amanwella is the perfect place to get away and enjoy some beachside relaxation. Situated on Sri Lanka's sun-baked south coast, near the fishing town of Tangalle, Amanwella is surrounded by 37 acres of coconut trees and a beautiful crescent of golden sand. With modernist lines and materials inspired by architectural genius Geoffrey Bawa, each guest suite opens to a private plunge pool and a large terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Beyond the palm-shaded beach club and an enormous pool, visitors will find plenty to explore in this region - from tea plantations to trekking trails and ancient temples - all with an authentic Sri Lankan flavor.

You'll find that getting to Amanwella is relatively straightforward, as it's served by both Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (approx 2.5 hours' drive) and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (1 hour). Alternatively, you can arrange an air taxi or helicopter transfer from Colombo direct to Dickwella (50 minutes) or Tangalle (70 minutes).

Accommodations

Amanwella's accommodation is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Each suite boasts hand-hewn stone walls, terrazzo floors, and stunning terracotta roofs that open up on two sides to provide guests with a private courtyard and terrace complete with a six-meter pool. Those lucky enough to stay in Ocean Pool Suites are treated to even more impressive views of the ocean beyond. Inside the rooms, each suite features large wooden screens, which create an airy sleeping and living area along with a sumptuous bathroom. No matter the size of your group or family, some suites can be connected together to accommodate groups of all sizes.

Dining

The Amanwella restaurant provides guests with a truly exquisite dining experience. Boasting a capacity of 30 indoors and 22 on a terrace, it is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A grassy inner courtyard landscaped with frangipani trees and reflecting ponds allows guests to enjoy the beauty of nature while indulging in Asian and Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on fresh local seafood.

The Lounge Bar at Amanwella also provides an enjoyable atmosphere, seating up to 50 indoors and eight outdoors. Guests can enjoy drinks throughout the day, as well as light lunches, afternoon tea, and dinner. With an unparalleled view over the pool to the beachfront, this makes it an ideal spot to relax in style.

Turning to the beach club, guests can find respite from everyday stresses by enjoying refreshing salads, Mediterranean classics, or freshly made ice cream here – all served from a coconut-charcoal grill alongside garden-fresh salads and local relishes. Seating up to 20, this venue offers something truly special for those looking for lunch or private dinners closer to the beachfront amidst coconut palms.

Finally, the Pool Terrace at Amanwella provides picture-perfect sunsets amidst magnificent views of its coconut grove and beachfront – a perfect setting for refreshments overlooking an uninterrupted view of the Indian Ocean.

Spa and Amenities

The Amanwella Spa offers a wide range of facilities for its guests, including a Library stocked with reference books about Sri Lanka, novels, magazines, newspapers, and games. Their boutique features a rich selection of traditional handicrafts like jewelry, textiles, and antiques. For relaxation and fitness, the in-suite spa menu includes healing massages, traditional therapies, facials, and body treatments. All ingredients are sourced from the abundant herbs, plants, and flowers surrounding Amanwella as well as guided meditation sessions that can be practiced on the beachside platform. Guests can also enjoy treatments in-suite exclusively.

Activities

Guests of Amanwella can experience a variety of activities and excursions in the surrounding area. The 800-meter beach is perfect for snorkeling in winter and offers cool summer breezes to sunbathers and walkers. Nearby beaches also offer excellent surfing conditions, with one-to-one lessons available from local surf experts. Take an early morning or evening stroll through the jungle and nearby Wella Wathuara village to discover a range of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, deer, monitor lizards, hares, and mongooses. Visit the bustling market in Tangalle for photographic opportunities. Just an hour away by car at Mirissa Bay, you can arrange boat trips to see whales, dolphins, and turtles; guests may also witness baby turtles heading towards the sea by moonlight when hatching takes place nearby at protected beaches. Mulgirigala rock temple is within 25 minutes of Tangalle; this ancient site is home to Tika ola leaf scripts discovered in the 19th century that provide a key for translation of the Mahavamsa's ancient Sri Lankan text. Additionally, Bundala National Park serves as a popular wildlife destination located 1-hour northeast of Tangalle, with migratory birds, elephants, and crocodiles in abundance. Udawalawe National Park is just 1.5 hours northeast, where birdlife flourishes along with herds of 100+ elephants, while Yala National Park boasts one of the highest populations of leopards in the world - all located 1.5 hours northeast of Amanwella.

Explore Tangalle

Tangalle is a coastal city on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. It is known for its sprawling stretches of pristine beaches, charming fishing villages, and vibrant coral reefs. The area is home to many cultural attractions, such as opulent Buddhist temples and ancient Dutch-colonial monuments. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of water sports, including snorkeling, diving, and deep-sea fishing, as well as oceanfront seafood eateries and delicious local cuisine. There's something for everyone in Tangalle!

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