August, 2015: In a uniquely secluded beachfront location along Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort blends the private exclusivity of a secret paradise beach with easy access to an abundance of natural wonders and cultural gems.
The allure of the resort is matched by convenient travel; Cinnamon Air offers a daily 30-minute sea-plane flight from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport to Dickwella, a 10 minute drive from the resort. Other transport options include chartering a private flight, helicopter transfers or making use of the resort’s luxury Hybrid SUV transfer service, a three and a half hour drive.
On arrival, guests will find themselves ensconced in a luxury resort of enchanting Sri Lankan design, set amidst a 42 acre coconut plantation that opens onto a golden sweep of beach and the warm clear waters of the Indian Ocean. 152 rooms and villas of indigenous luxury boast hand woven custom made Sri Lankan furnishings and contemporary amenities, al fresco spaces to relax with stunning views of paradise, interconnecting options for families and friends, and accommodation for differently abled guests.
120 rooms offer a sumptuous bedroom and luxury bathroom with a rain shower and separate oval bathtub, as well as a terrace or balcony with a daybed and dining furniture overlooking tropical gardens or the ocean. 32 spacious one and two bedroom villas entice guests to spend lazy days dipping into their private plunge pool, sunbathing on comfy loungers and dining under the shade and the stars, and inside guests enjoy a separate living space and deluxe amenities such as a Bose sound system, while the two bedroom villas also feature an indoor dining room and pantry.
Six restaurant, bar and lounge venues showcase vibrant island cuisine and delightful colonial customs. Journeys, the all-day international dining restaurant serves world classics and Sri Lankan, Middle Eastern and Asian specialties in refined a la carte or lavish buffet style, with pool and ocean views. For lunch and dinner, Sri Lankan inspired Teppanyaki dining fires up the taste buds at the Verele beach restaurant. After local fishermen have handed over their best fresh catches, the Il Mare chefs create delicious seafood and freshly made pasta dishes, the passions of the Italian coastline are savoured at this cliff-side restaurant. Capturing the Mediterranean’s convivial spirit, tapas and wine degustation menus are a real talking point at El Vino. By day the poolside bar serves refreshing beverages, light bites and sundowner cocktails, and for a charming retreat the lobby lounge offers high tea with a Sri Lankan twist.
Guests desiring privacy can order from the extensive in-room and in-villa dining menu, or indulge in Dining by Design, in which a choice of connoisseur menus and idyllic settings, alongside the services of a personal chef and villa host, ensures the most romantic occasion imaginable.
Rooted in Ayurveda, the Anantara Spa stimulates holistic wellbeing. This ancient healing practice enhances the connection between mind, body and spirit. The Spa features eight treatment suites, a reflexology centre and beauty and hair salon.
The resort is an ideal base from which to explore Sri Lanka’s southern attractions including Hoo-maniya blowhole, Wewurukannala , the amazing rock temples of Mulkirigala and the Madunagala hot springs. The resort is also close to wildlife reserves and only 30-minutes from Rekawa, a turtle conservation project.
