Amanwella, Sri Lanka
From £750Per Night & Includes Breakfast & Afternoon Tea
Staying true to Aman's philosophy of barefoot luxury and simplicity, the wonderfully elegant Amanwella hotel, situated on Sri Lanka's sun-drenched south coast, boasts natural discovery and ultimate bliss.
Tucked into a mature coconut grove overlooking a crescent-shaped golden beach, Amanwella lies on Sri Lanka’s picturesque south coast near the quaint fishing village of Tangalle. The resort draws its name from the Sanskrit- derived word for ‘peace’ and combines it with 'wella', Sinhalese for ‘beach’.
A contemporary ocean-side resort, Amanwella presents 30 contemporary Suites, each with its own private plunge pool and large terrace. Divided into three categories based on their views, the 30 spacious Suites are identical in layout and design. All range along a hillside facing the Indian Ocean, with Ocean Suites providing the finest views. Linked by pathways through the coconut grove, Suites are situated to the west of the public areas.
The resort is accessed via a narrow road that winds through lush vegetation before opening into a large red-pebble courtyard. Here guests are welcomed into the Arrival Pavilion, its design inspired by Sri Lanka’s most notable modern architect, Geoffrey Bawa. A colonnaded, open-air structure, it overlooks a grass courtyard and a reflection pool surrounding the free- standing library. On either side of the library are the Restaurant and the Lounge Bar – both open on all sides and offering spectacular views of the bay. The Restaurant serves Mediterranean, Asian and Sri Lankan specialties both indoors and on the ocean-facing terrace.
From the terrace outside these two dining venues, steps lead down to the 47- metre swimming pool, which offers sublime sunset views over the Indian Ocean. Refreshments and light meals can be enjoyed throughout the day on the Pool Terrace. The Beach Club is located at the western end of the beach, beyond the Suites. Shaded by coconut palms, it features an open pavilion with a wooden deck for informal dining with an emphasis on healthy meals and fresh seafood. Snorkelling equipment and dressing rooms are available.
Perched beside the seaside town of Tangalle, Amanwella is a true capsule of contemporary cool.
Fact Sheet
Highlights:
- 47-Metre Long Infinity Pool With Beautiful Views Of The Sea.
- Restaurant overlooking the pool and beach
- In Room Spa Treatments
- Great Surf
- Yoga Lessons
- Close To Udawalawe National Park
Fine-Dining:
Amanwella offers a diverse range of food, with an exciting menu that includes traditional Sri Lankan dishes as well as Asian and Mediterranean classics. The resort has three restaurants available to both guests and non-residents, each with its own distinct culinary experience located in the surrounded villages and countryside.
Bar:
The Lounge Bar, adjacent to the restaurant, offers a beverage for every taste as well as a comprehensive cigar selection. At sunset, the bar is at its most picturesque.
Rooms:
Identical in design and layout, Amanwella’s terracotta-roofed suites feature hand-hewn stone walls and terrazzo floors, with floor-to-ceiling glass and lattice panels opening on two sides to a private courtyard, a terrace and a six-metre pool. Large sliding wooden screens divide the airy interiors into a combined sleeping and living room and a sumptuous bathroom. Some of the suites can be connected to accommodate larger groups or families (8 Garden Pool Suites | 12 Ocean Hill Pool Suites | 10 Ocean Pool Suites).
Pool:
Amanwella's 47-meter-long infinity pool hugs the hillside and offers breath-taking views of the palm-speckled bay and sea, tucked beneath the restaurant and bar. A deep terrace with cushioned sunloungers is located beside it.
Spa & Wellness:
The therapy menu is varied and includes treatments based on plant extracts from Sri Lanka's cornucopia of herbs, plants, and flowers. Here, experienced therapists draw from the Ayurvedic principles and guarantee that each massage, facial, body polish or wrap is tailored to each individuals needs.
A Little Extra:
Wake with the sun and join your personal yoga instructor on the beach or in a private glade. Personal training sessions can also be arranged and are tailored to suit individual needs, goals and fitness levels and promise that rejuvenating endorphin rush brought on by exercising in nature.
Photo Gallery
Location:
Amanwella's location is a country standout, nestled on the hillside of a quiet crescent-shaped bay that is partially shared with the local fishing community. The beach is divided by a rocky inlet, and palm trees tower high above a sandy grove bordered by thick tumbling vegetation.
The city of Tangalle is located some 3.5km to the east, and attractions such a Mulkirigala Rock Temple, Rekawa's turtle beach, and crafts villages are all close by.
Ocean Pool Suite:
Amanwella's Ocean Pool Suites are located in a quiet area between the beach and the coconut palms, and take up 100 square meters (1,076 square feet). Private courtyards with plunge pools provide plenty of outdoor space for entertaining while still having enough room for dining al fresco.
The rooms blend in with the natural beauty of the surrounding palms. Each suite has a spacious bathroom with a free-standing bathtub, twin vanities, and a dressing area. Sliding doors allow light in, where king-sized beds, and a living area with a writing desk, daybed, and armchair with a kithul wood table provide the ultimate space to relax.
Beds
1x King-Size Bed
Views
Sea & Beach Views
Occupancy
Maximum of 2 Guests
Bathroom
En-Suite Bathroom with Shower & Free-Standing Bathtub, Twin Vanities & Dressing Area
Something Unique
Private courtyard with plunge pool (6m x 4m), Terrace with double sun lounger, Outdoor banquette for lounging and dining, Outdoor dining table with two chairs Writing desk, daybed, armchair with kithul wood table, Personal bar and Spa treatment available in-room
Ocean Hill Pool Suite:
The 100 square meter (1,076 square foot) Ocean Hill Pool Suites take full advantage of outdoor living, with an individual plunge pool in a secluded courtyard and a large terrace for both lounging and dining. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors bring nature in, where the suites’ king-sized beds, a living area with a daybed and writing desk, and a spacious bathroom with a free-standing bathtub provide ample space and privacy.
Beds
1x King Size Bed
Views
Sea & Treetop Views
Occupancy
Maximum of 2 Guests
Bathroom
En-Suite Bathroom with Shower & Free-Standing Bathtub, Twin Vanities & Dressing Area
Something Unique
Private courtyard with plunge pool (6m x 4m), Terrace with double sun lounger, Outdoor banquette for lounging and dining, Outdoor dining table with two chairs, Writing desk, daybed, armchair with kithul wood table
Garden Pool Suite:
With floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors on both sides, 100 square-metre (1,076 square feet) Garden Pool Suites at Amanwella provide plunge pools in intimate courtyards and vast terraces for lounging and dining.The interior is a haven of rest, with a king-sized bed, writing desk, daybed, armchair, and kithul wood table providing plenty of room for couples to enjoy. The bathroom includes a free-standing bathtub, twin vanities, and separate dressing area.
Beds
1x King Size Bed
Views
Garden & Treetop Views
Occupancy
Maximum of 2 Guests
Bathroom
En-Suite Bathroom with Shower & Free-Standing Bathtub, Twin Vanities & Dressing Area
Something Unique
Private courtyard with plunge pool (6m x 4m), Terrace with double sun lounger, Outdoor banquette for lounging and dining, Outdoor dining table with two chairs, Writing desk, daybed, armchair with kithul wood table
Fine-Dining:
The Restaurant: Looking out over the palm-fringed bay from its elevated terrace, the Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The spacious interior is accessed via manicured gardens and flows onto the open-air, ocean-facing terrace. The varied menu focuses on Mediterranean, Asian and Sri Lankan specialities with an emphasis on fresh seafood.
Beach Club: Set in the shade of coconut palms on the west side of the beach, the open-sided Beach Club serves up some of the best feet-in-the-sand dining. The Beach Club is a beachfront restaurant open for casual lunches, romantic private dinners, and beach BBQs. Asian salads, Mediterranean classics, grilled seafood with local relishes, and handmade ice creams are all available on the menu.
Lounge Bar: Sharing the terrace with the restaurant, this lounge bar is open from 10am to 11pm daily or lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and drinks and boasts panoramic views of the pool, beach and Indian Ocean. A convivial setting for sundowners as well as after dinner drinks and cigars, it is open on two sides with a central bar area.
Private Dining: On and off the premises, as well as in-suite, romantic private dining is available. Fresh delicacies on the beach while watching the stars come out, enjoy a Sri Lankan dinner in a local home, or picnic in a rustic pavilion away from it all, surrounded by an ocean of emerald rice paddies.
Wellness & Fitness:
Signature Ayurveda: Enjoy a traditional warm-oil Ayurvedic treatment such as the signature Abhyanga massage that helps to eliminate impurities from the body while rejuvenating body and mind. India’s 5,000-year-old system of preventive medicine, Ayurveda combines the Sanskrit word for ‘life’ with veda meaning 'science’ and encourages balance in all things.
In-suite relaxation: The spa treatments take place in your own guest room, which is equipped with massage beds in the pool courtyard or air-conditioned indoors – whichever you choose. Herbal inhalation to ease tension and get you ready for the treatment.
Unwind on the beach: Enjoy a foot massage on the beach while sipping champagne, with only the sound of the surf and rustling palm fronds for company. The beach at Amanwella is big enough to provide total seclusion, merging with nature in harmony.
Private yoga and personal training: Wake with the sun and join your personal yoga instructor on the beach or in a private glade. Personal training sessions can also be arranged and are tailored to suit individual needs, goals and fitness levels and promise that rejuvenating endorphin rush brought on by exercising in nature.
Guided meditation: Resting on the rocks above the sea, on your private terrace or in a palm-shaded glade, meditate with a local monk who will guide you through this beneficial practice. Guided meditation sessions can also be arranged at nearby temples or the local Buddhist Centre.
Cooking Classes:
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Visit the local markets with an Amanwella chef and choose your own ingredients to cook a real Sri Lankan meal in the Coconut Grove's outdoor kitchen.
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Roti Feast- Traditional home with jungle encroaching on it, join a local family as they make their evening roti dinner. As the sky grows dark, gather around the firepit to enjoy the genuine taste of village life by candlelight.
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Travel by tuk-tuk for dinner in a typical Sri Lankan village with a local family. Relax over drinks beneath the stars then savour an autehntic Sri Lankan feast.
Wildlife Safaris
A pair of national parks a few hours' drive from Amanwella offer wildlife sightings that rival the most famous African game reserves. Udawalawe National Park is home to wild elephants, while Bundala attracts huge concentrations of migratory birds. At Yala, keep an eye out for the elusive leopards that roam in silence.
Luxurious vehicles and expert guides ensure a world-class safari experience. Guests are also invited to combine their safari with a visit to the elephant sanctuary where hundreds of infant elephants are cared for and rehabilitated.
Surfer's Paradise
The coast of Sri Lanka is known for its surfing, and it draws both seasoned and inexperienced surfers all year. The beaches near Amanwella offer a variety of breaks for all skill levels, and the resort can arrange one-on-one coaching with local experts.
Whale, Dolphin and Turtles
The south coast of Sri Lanka is one of the best locations on Earth to view blue whales - who are often accompanied by sperm whales and large pods of spinner dolphins. This trip runs from December through to April.
Additionally, turtles nest at a number of protected beaches close to Amanwella; when hatching takes place, guests can witness baby turtles heading towards the sea by moonlight.
Mawella Lagoon
The tranquil waters of Mawella Lagoon make a lovely backdrop for canapés on Amanwella's floating lounge. Drift along the lush shoreline and deep into the calm sea, watching pelicans, kingfishers, and other water birds as the still surface reflects the sky above while sipping champagne.
Beaches:
Amanwella’s 800-metre beach is ideal for snorkelling in winter, when the waters are calm; balmy onshore breezes cool sunbathers and walkers in summer. Other nearby beaches offer exceptional surfing conditions in summer and the hotel staff can arrange one-to-one lessons with experienced local surfers.
Mulgirigala Rock Temple
25 minutes north of Tangalle, this monastic site perches on a rock at the top of a flight of 500- odd steps. Here is the site where the Tika ola leaf scripts were discovered in the 19th century, offering a key to the translation of the Mahavamsa, Sri Lanka’s ancient text.
National Parks:
- Around 1.0 hour northeast of Tangalle, coastal Bundala national park attracts huge numbers of migratory birds in winter, along with elephants and crocodiles
- 1.5 hours northeast of Tangalle, the vast Udawalawe national park is famed for its birdlife and elephants – often seen in herds of 100 or more
- Yala national park lies 1.5 hours northeast of Amanwella and boasts one of the highest populations of leopard in the world
Essential Information
Visa:
Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Tourism and government officials had approved a proposal to grant visa-free entry to Sri Lanka, for multiple countries across the world, which was set to begin May 1st, 2019.
Unfortunately, this service has been postponed in consideration of the current security situation. Please check with the Sri Lanka Embassy or Consulate in your country for up-to-date visa information.
Due to the heightened security threat, most nationalities will require a visa to visit Sri Lanka. The fee is approximately $35 USD and an E-Visa can be obtained at the following website: www.eta.gov.lk
For the most up to date information on visa requirements, we recommend you contact the Sri Lankan embassy in your country or visit the official website.
Travel Insurance:
Travel Insurance is an important part of any booking. We recommend everyone who travels with us has taken out adequate travel insurance which includes cover for the full value of your holiday with us.
If you would like to obtain cover for your trip please feel free to contact specialist Insurance Brokers, Campbell Irvine Direct for a quote. GoKo Travels is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Ltd who are Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority .
Covid-19:
Please click here to learn more about what we do to keep you safe while on a GoKo run tour.
For more up to date information regarding the current travel restrictions within Portugal, please click here
Additionally, you can email: info@gokotravels.com and a GoKo Travel Manager will get back to you as soon as possible with all the relevant information.
Travel With Confidence:
Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, the safety and wellbeing of all of our travellers, leaders, suppliers and staff remains our top priority. Not only have we updated our booking policies so you can flexibly amend booking arrangements before departure and get the most out of your holidays while away, we have also introduced new measures and safety guidelines so you can travel with GoKo Travels safely and securely.
What does this new booking policy mean for me?:
Fully Flexible bookings for peace of mind - We understand that sometimes plans change. That’s why GoKo Travels have updated our booking policies, so you now have full flexibility to change your travel plans if needed.
Our flexible booking policy includes:
(a) Free date changes up to 45days prior to departure - with no interest or added fees
(b) Full refund giving if you have to cancel the trip due to any COVID-19 related issues or international restrictions.
(c) You can now lock in your trip with a small refundable deposit and then pay the rest in instalments whenever you like, with no interest or fees.
Book with Confidence
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Full Flexibility
Free date changes and cancellations up to 45-days before departure on the majority of our holidays
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Your Money is Safe
Full financial Protection on all of our bookings so you can travel with piece of mind.
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COVID-19 Commitment
Full refund given if you have to cancel the trip due to any COVID-19 related issues or international restrictions.
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Travelling Safely
When you travel with us you can be confident that all of our holidays meet COVID-19 safety regulations.
Giving Back
As part of our commitment to preserving planet earth, we donate 3% of our profits to GoKo Travel's registered non-for-profit, "The GoKo Earth Preservation".
The GoKo Earth Preservation has been set up to protect and preserve the natural habitats of our planet and to conserve and enhance the biodiversity of threatened environments and endangered species around the globe. This is achieved through rewilding, reforestation and marine conservation projects, alongside local community support.
Securing A Rainforest Reserve
Support the purchase of our very own GoKo Rainforest reserve - preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species in the world's most important habitat.
Assisting Marine Conservation
With your help, we can buy boats to support marine conservation; securing the future for our fragile oceans and the wonderful beings that inhabit them.
Creating New National Parks
By helping with the creation of new parks, we can support local economies, empower native communities and put healthy landscapes into permanent protection.
Looking to Carbon Offset?
Although all of our GoKo holidays promise to warm your hearts, we don’t want it to contribute to warming the planet.
Upon request, we can help you go Carbon Neutral. Thanks for our contacts, we can support a 3-step carbon offset scheme to calculate and neutralise your holiday footprint, allowing you to travel conscious free. This covers every step of the journey where you travel with us, from international flights to hotel heating, transport, food and more.
If requested, the GoKo Carbon Offsetting scheme does not focus on just planting trees, but rather the purchasing, persevering and protecting standing forests from deforestation and degradation - helping revive forests back to full health and avoiding the release of stored carbon. This also enables the regeneration of degraded habitats, which gradually re-absorb atmospheric CO2.
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