Heritance Ahungalla

Introduction

An early creation of Sri Lanka's famous architect Geoffrey Bawa, Heritance Ahungalla has long been one of the island's premier west coast beach hotels. A complete refurbishment has now revitalised the property, making it in Red Dot's judgment a highly-reliable option. The hotel is approached through a long stretch of roadway, which provides for a dramatic entrance with views across the infinity pool edging the sea. The main areas of the hotel are designed as linked open pavilions - all with continuous views of the sea. Bawa uses his signature architectural style that erases boundaries between the `outside' and `inside', resulting in plenty of access to the natural elements - the tropical sun, ocean breeze, lush greenery and flowing water. Heritance is an architectural masterpiece and a classic beach hotel.

Accommodation

The 152 a/c rooms are tastefully designed to reflect a sense of elegance and sophistication, with ensuite bathrooms with h/w rain showers and a balcony or terrace with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. The room interiors are decorated in shades of black, beige and gold and furnished with contemporary timber and steel furniture. The rooms are categorised as Deluxe Rooms, Luxury Rooms, Suites, and Luxury Suite. The well-appointed rooms delight many, but they do have a slight ‘business’ feel.

Deluxe Rooms: Elegantly furnished with double bed, sofa, lounging chairs, and writing desk. In-room facilities include TV, mini bar, IDD phone, safe, tea / coffee facilities, hair dryer, bathrobe and slippers.

Luxury Rooms: The 'corner rooms' of the hotel, the Luxury Rooms have a wider balcony and spacious seating area. Ensuite bathroom has a bathtub with overhead rain shower.

Suites: In addition to the above facilities, the spacious Suites have a separate living area which can accommodate an extra bed. Guests are pampered with a special pillow menu, soap menu, scented candles and personalized stationary at the writing desk. The ensuite bathrooms include a range of luxury toiletries.

Luxury Suite: This suite is extensive, comprised of a separate sleeping area, living and dining area complete with home-theatre system, and balcony with sea views. Bathroom has an additional Jacuzzi.

Facilities

The open verandas at Heritance Ahungalla lead to two sprawling swimming pools and landscaped gardens which run to the sandy beaches and the blue sea beyond. For sports and recreation there is also tennis, badminton, volleyball, table tennis, billiards, a games room and water sports including water-skiing. A library offers a selection of books and periodicals, and there are two bars, plus a pool bar. There are three restaurants: The Mustard coffee shop for a la carte or snacks; Jute restaurant, which seats up to 200 guests and serves up extensive buffets including a range of Sri Lankan and international dishes, and the Upper Room, a more exclusive fine-dining restaurant. The Heritance hotels have a good reputation for the quality of their food. Nightly entertainment programmes include cultural shows and bands performing western and Sri Lankan music.

Why We Like It

A spacious traditional beach hotel with a big infinity pool and all the basics for a family stay.

Sustainability

The Aitken Spence chain of hotels has been working on sustainability throughout their hotels over the past couple of years. All Aitken Spence hotels are keen on energy and water saving, educating their staff and inspiring their guests to go green while also being Travelife Gold certified.

Location

Heritance Ahungalla is set on a prized expanse of sandy beach in Ahungalla, a small fishing hamlet 9 kms north of Ambalangoda on Sri Lanka's west coast. It is sheltered on three sides by thick coconut groves and looks grandly over the turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Situated between Bentota and Hikkaduwa, Heritance Ahungalla is two hours from Colombo’s international airport.