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 ’ or peace in Sanskrit, and ‘wella ’, the Sinhalese name for beach. Flanked by two rocky headlands and raised above the beach, the resort comprises 30 suites, each with its own terrace and plunge pool.
The entrance is reached along a small gravel road, which leads into the pebbled courtyard. The resort’s architecture pays homage to Sri Lanka’s renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, with its use of materials such as stone, timber and clay tiles.
Suite interiors are decidedly contemporary, with ocean or coconut plantation views on one side and access to a plunge pool on the other. Each has a spacious private terrace.
The plunge pool is accessible from the entrance to the suite. Sliding wooden panelled doors open the suite to cooling breezes.
The views from the suites are especially captivating at sunset. Sliding panels partition the bathroom from the main room.
The Swimming Pool, which features a unique “internal wall� design, overlooks the crescent shaped beach. At 47 metres long and 14 metres at its widest point, the pool also has a large terrace with sun loungers. Spa treatments including facials and massages can be enjoyed in the Spa Suite or in the privacy of guest suites.
The Restaurant offers vistas of the coconut grove and beach. It serves both Mediterranean and local cuisine, with fresh fish delivered daily by the local fishermen.
The Lounge Bar offers views over the ocean and coconut grove and is also available for light snacks. The Beach Club and Pool Terrace provide lunch and snacks throughout the day.
The Library is adjacent to the dining area and offers afternoon tea. The Boutique provides a select range of handicrafts and stone carvings.
Amanwella offers a number of cultural and nature tours, starting with the famous rock temples at Mulgirigalla. The Uda Walawe National Park is 75 minutes away and is renowned for its large herds of elephants and other wildlife. Even closer to home, there are several beaches where giant turtles lay their eggs every season.
As the writer and diarist Leonard Woolf said a century ago about Tangalle: “ The evening air is warm and gentle. An enormous sky meets an enormous sea. The stars blaze in the sky and blaze in the sea… there is no sound in this melodrama of a tropical night except a faint lapping of the sea, and now and then a shivery stir of palm leaves.”
Tangalle, Sri Lanka Tel: (94) 47 224 1333 Fax: (94) 47 224 1334 E-mail: amanwella@amanresorts.com Reservations Tel: (65) 6887 3337 Fax: (65) 6887 3338 E-mail: reservations@amanresorts.com Web site: www.amanresorts.com