The Experience

Amanwella Resort

Located in a mature coconut grove fronting a crescent-shaped beach, Amanwella is a seaside resort offering 30 contemporary suites, each with private plunge pool and terrace. The resort’s suites are linked by pathways along a landscaped rise with beach and ocean views. Guests can relax on the expansive terrace surrounding the main pool or on the soft sand beach. The seaside town of Tangalle is situated nearby and a short stroll will reveal village life and Sri Lanka’s diverse flora and fauna.

Suites

Amanwella has designed and styled a beachfront retreat in accordance with its striking setting. Vertical modern lines harmonise with the rural nature of its equatorial host, allowing for a calm and stylish base from which to witness its splendid tropical environment. The resort’s architecture pays homage to Sri Lanka’s renowned architect Geoffrey Bawas. His approach was evocatively personal, highlighting the senses that go hand in hand with climate, landscape and modern and ancient civilisation. He brought together an appreciation of Western humanist architectural tradition together with the lifestyle and culture of his own country. This sensitive approach has been skilfully interpreted at Amanwella, using materials such as stone, timber and clay tiles, emulating a sense of oneness with nature.

The entrance is reached along a small gravel road, which takes you to a pebbled courtyard and into the serene home of Amanwella. The interiors of the 30 identical suites are suitably contemporary. The palette of soothing beige, cream, honey and wood are easy and pleasing on the eye leaving cosmic colours to their own devices. There is a calm here, a solid peace, where a dedication to nurture is reflected in its sensitivity to the environment, the result of which is a beachfront hideaway devoted to connecting the person with the joys of island alfresco.

Suites
Situated mostly on the hillside, the Suites enjoy varying views of the coconut grove and ocean. Floor-to-ceiling glass and latticed panels form two sides of the dwelling – one opening onto a private walled-in entry courtyard and plunge pool, with the terrace side opposite affording open views. The plunge pool measures six by four metres and the courtyard features a banquette for lounging and dining. Timber sliding doors and panels reveal the interior spaces.

There is a combined sleeping and living room with a king-size bed, writing desk, armchair with footstool and a credenza featuring a personal bar with refreshments. Sliding screens divide this area from the open-plan bathroom featuring a free-standing bathtub, twin vanities, dressing area, shower and toilet.  Access to the spacious terrace is again via sliding doors from the living areas and the bathroom. The terrace includes a dining table with two chairs and a double sunlounger. Terrazzo floors are finished in muted, sandy tones that reflect the beach setting. Three sets of suites share a connecting door on the terrace. These are ideal for families or couples travelling together.

Ocean Suites
Ocean Suites are situated on the lower levels of the hill and enjoy uninterrupted views of the coconut grove and beach. Most are free-standing, although four sets of suites share a connecting door on the terrace. Again, these are ideal for families or couples travelling together.

Beach

Amanwella’s golden sand beach is located in an 800m crescent-shaped cove, fringed with palm trees.

During the winter months guests can enjoy swimming on calmer days, while snorkelling is possible along the southern headland, usually protected from the ocean swell during the dry season. Complimentary snorkelling equipment is available.

During the summer months large waves make swimming conditions less favourable, but for the avid surfer private surfing lessons can now be arranged with Amanwella’s lifeguards at one of two nearby beaches. Suitable for all levels, surfing can be enjoyed year-round, but the best waves are seen between May and November.

Whale Watching

The best time to spot Blue whales off the coast of Sri Lanka is between December and April. Located just 40 minutes drive from Amangalla and 90 minutes from Amanwella is Mirissa Harbour. Here one boards an Indonesian fishing trawler restored for leisure cruising and sets sail for Weligama Bay where the giant mammals are known to cruise by. Guests can swim and snorkel from the boat, watch for whales and dolphins, do a spot of fishing with a hand line and have a picnic in a coconut-fringed cove.

The largest living animal on earth, Blue whales can grow up to 100 feet (30 metres) long and weigh almost 200 tons. They are among the Earth’s longest-lived animals with an average lifespan of around 80 to 90 years. When breathing, Blue whales emit a spectacular single-column spout up to 12 metres into the air. They also typically raise their shoulders and blowholes much higher out of the water than other big whales when surfacing to breathe. These two characteristics make Blue whale watching an incredible experience.

Spa Treatments

Spa Treatments at Amanwella are available in the privacy of guests’ suites, in the Spa Suite or in selected garden locations amidst the coconut grove. The spa menu includes facials, massages and body treatments, including soaks in baths accompanied by fresh king coconut juice or a bottle of champagne.

Travelwizard.com Guests Receive:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Continental breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests
  • served in restaurant
• Complimentary a la carte lunch for 2 persons,
  • once during stay
• Early check-in/late check-out
  • subject to availability