TROPICAL PARADISE

Looking for the ultimate esacape to get away from it all? Angela Beitz checks into Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort in Sri Lanka to find just that.

Sri Lanka is well known for its relaxed vibe, delicious food and beautiful beaches. This relaxing paradise is on the doorstep to GGC dwellers and luxury hotel brand, Anatara has opened multiple properties on the island over the last few years. Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle is located on the coast close to the southern end of Sri Lanka and the resort sits at the back of a crescent of sandy beach enclosed by granite arms at either end. To the east, beaches scallop the coastline all the way to the backpacker hangout of Tangalle, a couple of kilometres away. The scenery is quite simply, breathtaking. Everything is veiled in dense greenery and there are plenty of stunning tropical flowers about. This is the only resort hotel of this calibre on this part of the coast. Since most travellers are on a clockwise journey through the country, this hotel makes a perfect choice to relax and recover after a trip through, the tea country and many other attractions. The resort is large and feels quite majestic upon arrival, taking its design cues from the traditional Sri Lankan plantation house, and the hotel looks out onto the large pool and beach. At the upper end is the reception area and in front, poised on a headland, the resort’s Italian fine-diner, Il Mare. A meal here is not to be missed and the view don’t get any better.