Amanwella

Amanwella is situated amidst a mature coconut grove fronting a crescent-shaped beach close to the village of Tangalle in southern Sri Lanka. The resort derives its name by combining the words " aman, " “peace,” in Sanskrit, and Wella, the beach's Sinhalese name. Undiluted Indian Ocean views from Sri Lanka’s sun-baked south coast. The distinct contemporary design of Amanwella is inspired by Geoffrey Bawa’s neat angles of the last century. The Tropical Modernist movement visible across southeast Asia resonates worldwide thanks to the Sri Lankan architect’s trademark blend of Corbusian minimalism and indigenous materials. All Suites open on two sides to private plunge pools and large terraces facing out to sea. Overlooking a deserted crescent of ivory sands, the 150-foot-long swimming pool is one of the world’s most talked-about.

Amanwella Suites - Open to the sights and sounds of Sri Lanka’s spectacular south coast with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors on both sides, Amanwella’s Suites overlook a curved beach, turquoise ocean, and coconut grove. All 30 suites of this beachfront resort feature their own private swimming pool and terrace. All suites are identical in layout and design and fall into two categories based on their location and views. The suites and ocean suites are contemporary in design, yet blending local material and styles like the distinctive terracotta roof tiles and hand-hewn stone walls. The suites open on both sides letting in cooling sea breezes. Suites, linked by pathways, are interspersed along the hillside to the west of the public areas. Most are within comfortable walking distance, and a small resort vehicle is available for transport to the more elevated levels. There are sweeping views of the ocean and the beach, flanked by two rocky headlands.

Dining Experiences at Amanwella - Looking out over the palm-fringed bay from its elevated platforms and terrace, the Restaurant serves up the catch of the day, delivered fresh from the local fishermen’s boats. Locally-grown produce also features prominently on the menu at both the Restaurant and Beach Club, including curry leaves and spices, which the chef finds at nearby markets and uses to create colorful, well-balanced dishes that can be tailored to guests’ tastes. The Restaurant is at the southern end of the resort and is open for breakfast and dinner. Perched eight meters above sea level offers stunning views across the pool towards the coconut grove and beach. 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. The Terrace adjacent to the swimming pool is ideal for alfresco dining. Located 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.

Amanwella Spa & Wellness Experiences - Available as in-room treatments - The melody of the waves and the gentle breath of the coconut palms soothes all who come to Amanwella. The all-natural products are made with ingredients from Sri Lanka’s cornucopia of herbs, plants, and flowers. Abhyanga massage is one of Amanwella’s specialties. Enjoy a traditional warm-oil Ayurvedic treatment that eliminates impurities from the body. Spa treatments are organized in the privacy of your suite. A gentle head massage begins the therapy, which uses long strokes to work deep within and an herbal inhalation to cleanse.

Sri Lanka Adventure Experiences - Amanwella’s golden-sand beach is ideal for activities ranging from surfing and snorkeling to whale watching and fishing in the Indian Ocean. Nearby, the jungled coast is home to the cultural riches of southern Sri Lanka and infinite natural treasures such as those at the Yala and Udawalawe national parks, where leopards and elephants can be seen, as well as the Bundala Bird Sanctuary. Safaris and Sanctuaries - Just 90 minutes from Amanwella, a brace of national parks promise wildlife sightings to rival the most celebrated African game reserves. Herds of wild elephant roam the grasslands of Udawalawe National Park; kingfishers and hornbills perch in the trees, and water buffalo cautiously eye the mugger crocodiles as they glide lazily along the river. Leopard spotters head to Yala, the island’s biggest park and home to the world’s largest concentration of the elusive big cat. The patient and the lucky are often rewarded with a glimpse. A visit to an elephant sanctuary never fails to stir the heart, offering up the sight of orphaned young residents as they make their stumbling steps to collect their leafy meals, legs unsteady, and trunks a-twirling.