Amanwella review: Has Sri Lanka's secluded luxury retreat stood the test of time?
Sri Lanka is a favourite getaway for UAE travellers, and it's easy to see why. About four hours away by air, the island offers beaches, tea-covered highlands, wildlife and historic cities within relatively easy reach of the Gulf. Its growing reputation as a backpacking and digital nomad destination emphasises the affordable end of the spectrum, but Sri Lanka also has a well-established luxury…
Sri Lanka is a popular destination for travelers from the UAE, attracting them with its beaches, tea-filled highlands, wildlife, and historic cities within easy reach by air. The island has also developed as a popular spot for backpackers and digital nomads. Amanwella is one of the most enduring examples of luxury hotels in Sri Lanka, with a five-star resort nestled on a crescent-shaped bay near the fishing town of Tangalle.
The resort opened in 2005, following its sister property Amangalla in Galle, and brings Aman's understated approach to luxury to the country's southern coast.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a welcome of fresh betel leaves and a personal touch to make them feel at home. The resort covers a vast area of 14 hectares, but its shared spaces are minimal, making the tour brief. Guests can choose from 28 guest villas, each offering serenity and tranquility. The infinity pool overlooks the ocean and provides a dramatic backdrop, while the garden pool suite is a secluded oasis, complete with a plunge pool and a free-standing bathtub.
The suite's rustic surroundings are seamlessly transitioned indoors with rattan sliders, dark timber frames, terrazzo flooring, and stone accent walls. Soft furnishings in shades of grey and sand create a cozy atmosphere, and the shower features silk, aromatic, and essential oil-rich products. The bedroom, writing desk, armchair, and tea and coffee station are separated from the rest of the facilities by wooden shutters.
The resort's restaurant serves authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, with dishes prepared by a knowledgeable chef who takes guests through each small bowl, explaining the flavors and spice balance. The meal concludes with scrumptious banana fritters and passion fruit sorbet. Other dining options include the beach club, which specializes in seafood dishes, and the spa, which offers a range of treatments, including traditional Ayurvedic treatments, chakra balancing, and breathwork sessions.
The beach club is a scenic working spot, with fresh king coconut water to sip while guests work or relax.
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