A journey in rediscovering myself in the peace haven of Anantara
On a lovely sunny day, the turquoise beaches along southern beaches were so tempting and inviting us for their endearing company. The team at Sri Lanka Tailor-Made was on a familiarization tour in southern coast of Sri Lanka.
Heading in search of the most awaited tranquility
By looking over this beautiful stretch of blue oceans and golden crescent shores, my eyes were so delighted to catch a glimpse of a beautiful corner hidden on a rocky outcrop which was nestled amidst a coconut plantation and I realized that we have reached our lovely destination of Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort. From being lazily cuddled in the bus for around 3 hour drive from Colombo, I felt excited as I thought about how I would be spending my next two days in this heavenly beach hideaway.
Finding paradise
From afar we could see a whole bunch of happy faces in colorful dresses, waiting to welcome us to this lovely place. As soon as we got down from the vehicle a pretty lady and few handsome young men greeted us while the others were lined up on the sides of our pathway to the hotel. They welcomed us with heartwarming wishes in a unique Sri Lankan style.
We started loving Anantara from the moment we arrived. With further greetings by the ladies playing the drums to perfect beats, we were taken to reception and offered our welcome drink. Our drink was a cooled King Coconut served in the original polished coconut shell. Though I’ve tasted king coconut many times in my life, this particular one was a heavenly treat.
Exploring further Insights
Through inspiration from ancient Sri Lankan art and designs, the property comprises of 152 rooms and pool villas. The rooms are categorized as premier garden view and ocean view rooms, deluxe, ocean view rooms. The villas are categorized as Garden pool villas, Ocean view pool villas, Beach pool villas, and two bedroom garden pool villas.
We got a chance to experience the ocean view pool villa, with our very own pool and butler. What’s more, we were treated to a heavenly foot massage, which I would highly recommend to anyone.
The spacious villa has many luxurious amenities, including an enormous bathroom, well equipped mini bar and a lovely outdoor area for dining or lounging around the pool. The bed is super comfy and the rooms can be kept dark, which is ideal for blissful sleep.
All units are well equipped with modern conveniences such as king size or twin beds, luxury bathroom with rain shower and separate oval bath tub, flat screen television with HDMI multimedia connectivity, personal safe, wine humidor, espresso machine, tea making facilities, wi-fi and mini bar. There is a choice of a balcony or terrace while interconnecting rooms are also available for larger groups.
The management of Anantara greeted and took us on tour of the property to give us knowledge of further facilities, and amenities. We were there on allowed to explore the property and its surroundings on our own.
While we were walking in the beautiful lanes of the resort examining the room facilities and other amenities, it gave us a lovely feeling to see a lot of local wildlife like the Gray Langur monkeys, the working bull, peacock birds, and squirrels which made us feel like we were walking in a tropical paradise.
Though most of the resort is accessible by door to door bike rides I would highly recommend walking your way around so that you don’t miss these natural sights.
Scrumptious food to satisfy our taste buds
I loved everything about the food at Anantara, specially the presentation and variety.
The main restaurant Anantara Tangalle is called Journeys which is meant to give a culinary journey with a range of distinctive Sri Lankan flavors and international favorites. We ate lunch there and truly enjoyed the pasta and grilled chicken. I was so fascinated over the breakfast with their good choice and fantastic fresh juices. If you get a chance to try the waffles I highly recommend this and you won’t regret it. The buffet dinner was a Sri Lankan theme and they offered a variety of Sri Lankan food to suit to the taste buds of all.
On the second day we had our lunch at the Italian restaurant, Il Mare, with a perfect view of the ocean and amazing food and service.
Much more to offer
It is not only about the hotel and its vicinity that I have been fascinated, but about the things we could explore around. We explored the historic city of Galle which is only a small drive from the hotel.
Other activities and excursions that can be enjoyed include a Yala National Park 4×4 safari, Uda Walawe Elephant Sanctuary tour, whale and dolphin watching boat trips off Mirissa (from December to April), a trip to the Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project, the Mulkirigala Rock Temple, the Bundala National Park and the Handunugoda Tea Plantation.
Mind, body and soul
Some of the other facilities available at Anantara are quite impressive. The pool being just one, was so huge and set in 02 separate tubs and the water glistened like crystals. I had nice time swimming and enjoyed the ocean view just close by. Well advanced spa facilities, a beauty salon, facial room, specialist Ayurveda and reflexology rooms altogether contributed in giving a holistic well-being, stimulating mind, body and soul of its guests.
Lovely bunch of people
The staff of Aanthara was very friendly, efficient and courteous .They went out of their way to make sure that we have had our best time in the resort.
Memories for a life time
Everything about Anantara from the very moment of the arrival to the last farewell which was so heart touching and sentimental made me feel at peace.
A pretty girl from the hotel staff came up to us with a glass of water covered with flowers on its top and gave all her well wishes to the guests and wished us a safe journey back home. It was a traditional Sri Lankan way of bidding farewell and we felt as if we were leaving our home which gifted us much to recall and recollect in the days to come.
For more information email: [email protected] Call 00 9411 2462 7739 or visit our website for more information: www.srilankatailormade.com
