Description
Overlooking pristine beaches and the Indian Ocean, Amanwella is a stunning retreat situated on the southern tip of Sri Lanka. the contemporary design of the hotel blends seamlessly with local materials with its terracotta roof tiles, hand-hewn stone walls, water features, terrazzo floors and sliding terrace doors.
The 30 suites have the usual contemporary Aman styling and all come with private pools and large private terraces. The sleeping and living room are combined to provide an inviting space and feature a king size bed, writing desk, cosy armchair and a credenza with a personal bar. Sliding screens open out onto the bathroom with a free-standing bathtub, twin vanities, dressing area, shower and toilet. Four of the ocean suites share an interconnecting door on to the terrace which make them ideal for families travelling together.
All rooms face the mature coconut grove beyond which is the spectacular crescent shaped beach. There is one restaurant, overlooking the 45m swimming pool, as well as a pool terrace for al fresco dining, and a lounge for light lunches. A small beach club provides an alternative venue for lunch and private dinners.
The waters off the beach provide great snorkelling during the winter months when the sea is calmer and the hotel offers a range of nature walks to explore the beautiful local landscape. You can also go whale watching between December and April.
Guide price
£1,960 Per person
£1,960 per person for 7 nights, based on 2 people sharing a Suite on a bed and breakfast basis, including International flights and private transfers
Accommodation
Amanwella offers 30 Suites. All come with private pools and large private terraces. The sleeping and living room are combined to provide an inviting space and feature a king size bed, writing desk, cosy armchair and a credenza with a personal bar. Sliding screens open out onto the bathroom with a free-standing bathtub, twin vanities, dressing area, shower and toilet. Four of the ocean suites share an interconnecting door on to the terrace which make them ideal for families travelling together.
Childcare
Not recommended for children under 12 but older kids will love the beachside location and the many nature walks which the hotel will be happy to organize.
Facilities
Facilities at the hotel include a swimming pool, 'The Restaurant' serving Asian and Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on local seafood from the Indian Ocean, 'Bar and Lounge', the 'Pool Terrace' for al fresco dining, the library, a boutique selling Sri Lankan artefacts, jewellery, textiles and antiques and a fabulous spa.
Activities
You can go swimming and snorkelling just off the beach but the hotel also offers a range of nature walks including visits to the local village to view the diverse wildlife along the way including monkeys, birds, mouse deer, monitor lizards, hares and mongooses. Other attractions include the Mulgirigala Rock Temple, Bundala National Park, Uda Walawe National pPark, Yala National Park and the Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project. You can go whale watching from December to April.
Services
Amanwella offers a baby sitting service on request.
When to travel
From May to August the Yala monsoon brings rain to the island’s southwestern half. The southwest has the highest rainfall – up to 4000mm a year. There is also an inter-monsoonal period in October and November when rain can occur in many parts of the island. Colombo and the low-lying coastal regions have an average temperature of 27°C. The sea stays at around 27°C all year. Climatically speaking, the driest (and best) seasons in Sri Lanka are from December to March for the west and south coasts.
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Tangalle, Sri Lanka
Amanwella is situated in a mature coconut grove above a palm strewn tropical beach on the southern tip of Sri Lanka’s Indian Ocean coastline and close to the fascinating village of Tangalle.
How to get there
Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) is the sole international airport in Sri Lanka and is located about 30km north of the city. Travel time between the airport and the city centre is approximately 1-hour. The car transfer from BIA to Amanwella takes about 4.5-hours. Alternatively, Sri Lankan Airlines runs a daily Airtaxi service from BIA to Dickwella airstrip, a 15-minute drive from Amanwella. Helicopter transfers are also avaliable from BIA.