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, a popular destination for travelers from the UAE, boasts a range of attractions from beautiful beaches and tea-covered highlands to wildlife and historic cities. Renowned for its affordable luxury, the country also features a well-established luxury hotel scene, with Amanwella standing out as one of its most enduring examples. The five-star resort, located on a crescent-shaped bay near the fishing town of Tangalle, has been welcoming guests for over two decades since its opening in 2005.
Upon arrival, the traveler is greeted with warm hospitality, including a welcome drink and a visit to the cozy library, which is filled with the scent of fresh cinnamon. The resort's grounds span 14 hectares, but the shared spaces are minimal, allowing for a brief and focused tour. The resort offers a variety of accommodations, including a garden pool suite that features a 47-meter infinity pool and a secluded garden pool.
The suite is designed to offer a tranquil and secluded experience, complete with a quiet poolside lounge and a relaxing indoor space with rattan sliders, dark timber frames, terrazzo flooring, and stone accent walls. The food at Amanwella is also a highlight, with the restaurant serving delicious Sri Lankan cuisine. The traveler orders a vegetable curry and rice, served thali-style, which showcases a variety of dishes with perfectly balanced flavors.
The meal concludes with banana fritters and passion fruit sorbet, providing a delightful finish to the dining experience.
In addition to the luxurious accommodations and dining options, Amanwella offers a range of spa and wellness services. The traveler takes part in a 150-minute treatment that includes a Himalayan salt and lavender oil scrub, a warm coconut milk bath, and a massage using nutmeg oil. The resort also offers traditional Ayurvedic treatments, chakra balancing, breathwork sessions, and daily complimentary yoga sessions on the beach.
The tranquil setting of Amanwella makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a secluded and rejuvenating luxury retreat.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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