SMALL LUXURY RESORT | 30 SUITES

Amanwella is a modern, calm, serene and stylish retreat dedicated to its environment with an innate understanding of what is required to enjoy the spoils of this rich land without compromising on location, authenticity or modern necessities. The clean vertical lines of Amanwella contrast with the rugged landscape creating a sense of calm, serenity and luxuriance that enables guests to unwind while enjoying the highlights of its rich coastal surroundings. The scenery is tropically stamped: long white beaches, tall leaning palms, rocky outcrops, dense turquoise ocean, a buzzing local village life, nearby rock temples, and heart-surging wildlife.

Nature rules in this part of the world and Amanwella enjoys a privileged setting from which to observe some of the rare marvels: seasonal egg laying by giant turtles on nearby beaches, protected elephant herds in national parks, sweeping vistas with dramatic sunsets and dancing foliage, the crystalline waters of the Indian Ocean and extraordinary topographical features.

The contemporary design of the resort blends inextricably with its locale through the extensive use of regional materials and aesthetics; distinctive terracotta roof tiles, hand-hewn stone walls, water features, terrazzo floors and sliding terrace doors. Every suite benefits from its own sparkling pale aqua plunge pool and the main swimming pool features a unique ‘internal wall’ design, with uninterrupted views of the staggering front stage of palms, beach and ocean.

It is here, in the heart of a mature coconut grove, beside the sea, that Amanwella has her contemporary retreat: a mere dip from southern Sri Lanka’s Indian Ocean, equatorial beaches, villages, wildlife and an ancient Buddhist kingdom.

Accommodation & Facilities

All 30 suites are identical in layout and design and fall into two categories based on their location and views. The pool and pool ocean suites are contemporary in design yet blending local material and styles like the distinctive terracotta tiles and hand-hewn stone walls. The suites open on both sides letting in cooling sea breezes.

Pool Suites: Situated mostly on the hillside, the pool 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 pool. The terrace side affords open views. The private 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 foot-stool and a credenza featuring a personal bar with refreshments. Sliding screens divide this area from the open-plan bathroom featuring a freestanding 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 sun lounge. Terrazzo floors are finished in muted, sandy tones that reflect the beach setting. Three sets of suites share an outdoor terrace connecting door. These are ideal for families or couples travelling together.

Ocean Pool Suites: Ocean pool suites are situated on the lower levels of the hill and enjoy uninterrupted views of the coconut grove and beach. They are identical in design and furnishing to the pool suites and are only differentiated by their location. Most are free-standing, although two sets of pool ocean suites share an outdoor terrace connecting door. These are ideal for families or couples travelling together.

Cuisine: The Restaurant is located within the cluster of public buildings at the southern end of the resort and is open all day. Perched eight metres above sea level, it offers stunning views across the pool towards the coconut grove and beach. Table seating is on two elevated levels and outdoor seating is available on another lower level. Inside the Restaurant, doors open onto an internal grassed courtyard landscaped with frangipani trees and reflecting pools. The cuisine is Asian and Mediterranean with an emphasis on local seafood from the Indian Ocean.

Adjacent to the Restaurant is the Lounge and Bar which also enjoys panoramic views. Here drinks and snacks are served along with exotic sundowners. A selection of cigars is also available until late.

The Pool Terrace adjacent to the swimming pool is ideal for alfresco dining. During the day, simple lunches as well as fresh young coconuts and local fruit are served. In the evening guests can dine on antipasti and homestyle dishes while relaxing on the daybeds and bolsters.

Close to the beachfront amidst coconut trees and away from the main building, the Beach Club provides an alternative venue for lunch and private dinners. The menu includes simple Asian salads, Mediterranean classics (using the local seafood), granitas and freshly churned ice cream. Seafood is cooked over a coconut charcoal barbeque and served with garden fresh salads and local relishes.

Library: The Library offers a variety of reference books on the history, arts, culture and wildlife of Sri Lanka as well as a selection of novels, magazines, newspapers, audio CDs and board games. A desktop computer is available for Internet access.

Boutique: Sri Lanka has a rich tradition of arts and crafts and the Boutique offers a number of Sri Lankan artefacts, jewellery, textiles and antiques. A variety of convenience items is also available.

Massage and beauty treatments: The Spa menu includes healing massages, traditional therapies, facials, and a choice of body treatments using natural ingredients from Sri Lanka’s cornucopia of herbs, plants and flowers. Treatments can be enjoyed in the Spa suite, in the privacy of a guest’s suite, or in selected garden locations where one can unwind in the coconut grove.

Swimming pool: The Pool is surrounded by an expansive terrace and is located below the main public areas. Measuring 47m in length, it is approximately 14m at its widest point and features a unique ‘internal wall’ design. Sunloungers are available on two terraces and there are changing rooms with private outdoor showers.

Babysitting: Amanwella offers a complimentary babysitting service.

Spa Treatments: Spa menus including facials, massages and body treatments, can be enjoyed either in the privacy of guest suites or in selected garden locations amidst the coconut grove.

The 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 while snorkelling can be easily accomplished along the southern headland, usually protected from the ocean swell during the dry season. Complimentary snorkeling equipment is available. During the summer months large waves make swimming conditions less favourable, but beach strolls and sunbathing are particularly enjoyable with the cooling onshore breeze.

Village Nature Walks: Amanwella is situated in the heart of Wella Wathuara village. An early morning or evening stroll along the village paths that wind through the jungle provide an interesting insight into daily village life. Chances abound to also view the diverse wildlife in the area including monkeys, birds, mouse deer, monitor lizards, hares and mongoose.

Mulgirigalla Rock Temple: Situated 35 minutes north of Tangalle, Mulgirigalla is a monastic site on an isolated 210m-high rock which rises almost vertically out of the surrounding forest. The rock was the site of an important discovery – the ola-leaf scripts discovered in the 19th century. These scripts offered a key to the translation of Sri Lanka’s most informative ancient text, the “Mahavamsa”. At the base of the rock temple are the monk’s living quarters and a fairly steep path leads to the temple. The stepped path is separated by platforms where cave temples featuring murals and Buddha images can be explored.

Bundala National Park: Located 75 minutes east of Tangalle, this area of open scrub around the coast offers great opportunities for bird-watching (with around 150 reported species) and the occasional sighting of elephants and crocodiles. The salt pans attract a vast number of migratory shore birds, making this 6,216 hectare park one of the most important wetlands in Sri Lanka. The best time to visit Bundala is between November and March when the winter migratory birds arrive. Numerous grey langur monkeys populate the larger trees and in the scrub jungle you may also come across jackals, hares and spotted deer.

Uda Walawe National Park: Situated 90 minutes northeast of Tangalle, this is one of the island’s most popular national parks totalling 30,800 hectares in size and bordering a reservoir. It is best known for its elephants (estimated to number around 400, including six tuskers) and bird-watching opportunities. It is primarily open parkland traversed by a main river and numerous streams which makes elephant sightings particularly accessible. Often the pachyderms can be seen in herds of up to 100 or more. Other animals which may be sighted here include spotted deer, langur monkeys, jackal, wild boar and water buffalo.

Check-in/Check-out: Time Normal Check-in Time is 12.00 noon and Check-Out time is 11.00 a.m. Earlier Check-in Time or later Check-out time could be requested on a case by case basis and the hotel may agree depending on availability.

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