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Sri Lanka's secluded coastal hideaway


Anantara Kalutara pool view at dusk

Anantara Kalutara Resort is a secluded coastal hideaway, connecting travellers to Sri Lanka’s colonial charms and sacred heritage, the vibrancy of island life and wild nature.

Only ten minutes from the town of Kalutara and an hour from the capital Colombo, Anantara Kalutara is set along Sri Lanka’s southwest coast. The unique setting between the Indian Ocean and Kalu River boasts coastal, river and lagoon frontage, providing a tranquil retreat.

The resort was originally designed by Sri Lanka’s most notable architect, the late Geoffrey Bawa, and is inspired by his vision of simplistic elegance and great craftsmanship, whilst showcasing the Kalu River and Indian Ocean. Blending with the island’s tropical beauty and rich culture, the resort fuses natural luxury with colonial and Sri Lankan artistry. The main building has a Dutch colonial style, with a soaring gable roof. The reception’s free-flowing space ushers in the coastal breeze and overlooks the lagoon of the Kalu River estuary, creating a sense of destination on arrival.

141 guest rooms, suites and pool villas immerse guests in stunning views, with private balconies and terraces overlooking lush gardens, the ocean or lagoon. Guests return from exploring the area to relax in the comfort of their rooms, perhaps soaking in the bathtub with a bottle selected from the wine humidor. Extending the benefits are options for interconnecting, disabled and poolside guest rooms. Suites are set apart by an elegant lounge and the one-of-a-kind One Bedroom Presidential Suite boasts a private plunge pool and sundeck. Suites and villa guests can listen to music on the Bose Bluetooth speaker, and special requests are seamlessly taken care of by the Villa Host. One and Two Bedroom Villas feature an enclosed garden terrace offering seclusion whilst swimming in the private pool, sunbathing on the deck and dining al fresco. For holidays with family and friends, some of the One Bedroom Garden Pool Villas feature interconnecting gardens.

Leisure facilities coax relaxation and renew energy, whether for romance or quality family time. The Watersports Centre offers jet skiing, water skiing and banana ride thrills for all. Guests can work out in the gym whilst taking in the river view, or raise their game with a personal trainer. The ocean view pool offers a tranquil escape, while the lagoon-side pool with its Jacuzzi jets and children’s section is ideal for families. Dedicated to Geoffrey Bawa, the library is a quiet retreat showcasing drawings from his archive and some of his favourite designs in Batik.

Anantara Spa is a serene double storey sanctuary, surrounded by a lotus pond. Ten luxurious treatment rooms include six for individuals and four for couples, including the option for Ayurvedic therapies. Soothing spa journeys draw on holistic Asian traditions and rejuvenating western spa wisdom, with an additional pavilion for yoga and meditation sessions.

Family-friendly services begin on arrival with children receiving special treats. Adventurer Club engages youngsters in cultural activities, outdoor games and action-packed excursions. Relaxation is a pampering delight with special family spa experiences. Little ones enjoy a range of fun treats, such as a delicious chocolate oil massage and hair braiding. Teen girls can refresh their look with facials, manicures and pedicures, and teen boys are expertly groomed. Dedicated packages for ‘Mum & Me’ and ‘Dad & Me’ let parents share unique spa time with their children. When the time comes to leave the resort, a teddy bear departure gift offers a cuddly keepsake for children.

A choice of three restaurants invites travellers to choose their dining pleasure – from international classics and spicy Sri Lanka specialties, to refined Italian tastes and the exotic diversity of Thai, Indian and Chinese cuisines. Spice Spoons cooking school ignites culinary passions with a glimpse into market life and a cooking class with master chef tips. The Upper Deck Bar is a haven to relax over refreshments and light bites. Tailoring the ultimate in romance, Dining by Design offers a collection of connoisseur menus with a personal chef and butler, in intimate settings.

Sri Lanka’s wild nature and deep ocean beckon exploration, from vast ancient caves and lush virgin rainforest, to up close wildlife encounters on a national park safari and breathtaking dolphin and whale watching boat trips. A tranquil picnic beside a waterfall, a stroll through spice gardens, river fishing with a local guide and a sunset river cruise provide leisure trips immersed in spectacular scenery. Charming tours of tea plantations, the Dutch fort UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle and the architectural splendour of Richmond Castle relive colonial times. Impressive sacred treasures include a temple housing the world’s tallest sitting Buddha statue and the world’s only hollow Buddhist shrine.

Easing travel, an SUV limousine service is available for journeys between the resort and Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport, an hour and a half drive, and also Kalutara South Station just five minutes away, allowing guests to experience Sri Lanka’s scenic railways.

Anantara Kalutara Resort is the brand’s second property in Sri Lanka, with the first, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, setting the benchmark for luxury resorts in Sri Lanka following its opening in January 2016.

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