Amanwella

Introduction

Amanwella is a chic beach hotel set on a hillock fronting a crescent shaped beach in Tangalle in the deep south. Amanwella combines the words `aman’ - peace in Sansksrit – and `wella’, meaning beach in Sinhala, which aptly describes the true essence of this magnificent setting – a peaceful beach escape. Set amidst a coconut grove that slopes down to the turquoise seas, this is a picturesque setting. Designed with courtyards, waterways and sun terraces, architect Kerry Hill combines contemporary style with local materials such as timber, stone, terrazzo and terracotta. The entrance pavilion and the public spaces are at one end of the property while the 30 exquisite suites are at the other, built into the hillside providing much privacy. A 45-metre infinity swimming pool and many reflecting pools scattered around the property add to the calm and serene ambience of the hotel. Amanwella fronts an 800m secluded, crescent shaped beach that is ideal for swimming and snorkelling during the season from December to April. Amanwella is the sister property to Amangalla in the Galle Fort and is owned by the exclusive Aman Group, and is recognised as one of Sri Lanka’s leading beach properties.

Accommodation

All 30 suites at Amanwella are identical in layout and design and fall into two categories – the Pool Suites and the Pool Ocean Suites, based on their location and views. Suites are contemporary in design with terrazzo floors and soothing beige, cream and sandy tones that reflect the beach setting. Suite interiors consist of a combined sleeping and living room furnished with a king-sized bed, writing desk, armchair and credenza. Sliding screens divide this area from the open-plan bathroom which features a freestanding bathtub, twin vanities, dressing area, h/w shower and toilet. The floor-to-ceiling glass and latticed panels form two sides of the dwelling - one opening onto a private walled-in courtyard with plunge pool (6x4 metres in size) and the other to an outdoor terrace, complete with dining table, chairs and a double sun lounge. Suites are linked by pathways: most are within comfortable walking distance, and a small resort vehicle is available for transport to the more elevated levels.

Pool Suites: Situated mostly on the hillside, the Pool Suites enjoy varying views of the coconut grove and ocean. Here three sets of suites share an outdoor terrace and connecting doors. These are ideal for families or couples traveling 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. Most are freestanding, although two sets share an outdoor terrace and connecting door.

Facilities

Dine at the main restaurant, which is perched 8 metres above sea level and is open all day, serving Asian and Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood, purchased from local fishermen. The Beach Club is open for lunch and dinner and provides a romantic setting by the sea. Other facilities include: a lounge bar with panoramic sea views, where drinks and light lunches are served along with exotic sundowners and a selection of cigars and post-prandial drinks; a terrace adjacent to the swimming pool which is ideal for alfresco dining, where simple lunches and fresh young coconuts and local fruit is served during the day. In the evening guests can dine on antipasti and home-style dishes while relaxing on the day beds and bolsters. Amanwella’s unique, rectangular 45-metre infinity swimming pool is spectacular. Sun loungers are available on two terraces and there are changing rooms with private outdoor showers. There is also a library with Wi-Fi and a variety of books on Sri Lankan history, arts, culture and wildlife, magazines, newspapers, audio CDs and board games, as well as a gift shop selling Sri Lankan artefacts, jewellery, textiles and antiques. Relax with a rejuvenating spa treatment at the in-house spa or in the privacy of your own suite. The spa menu includes facials, massages, and body scrubs using Aman’s organic range of beauty products.

Why we like it

Personalised attention from an impeccably-trained staff typica of the Aman Group

Location

The journey to Amanwella from Colombo’s international airport will take about 3.5 hours. Alternatively, avoid road travel and hop on board a sea plane from Colombo to Dickwella, which is a short drive from Tangalle. This process takes just over one hour. A daily sea plane service also exists between Hatton in the tea country and Koggala on the south coast and we can book seats at competitive rates.