Perched atop a rocky outcrop with a tranquil stretch of Sri Lanka’s southernmost coastline for company, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort comes blessed with a stunning location indeed.
Having opened its doors to guests in December last year, this opulent offering from the parapets of the Anantara Group is set amidst a 21-acre coconut plantation that opens onto a gorgeously gilded sweep of the beach and cascading waves of the Indian Ocean.
Getting to this veritable gem of a retreat is convenient as Cinnamon Air offers a daily 40-minute sea-plane flight from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport to Mawella Lagoon in Dickwella, which is a mere 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 which is approximately a four-hour drive
Each of the elegantly adorned 152 guest rooms and villas can be accessed via battery-powered eco-friendly rickshaws. Hand woven custom-made Sri Lankan furnishings, contemporary amenities and al fresco spaces that offer magnificent views of the blissful environs make the rooms and villas a delight to behold.
120 Premier and Deluxe rooms comprise a lavish bedroom and luxuriant bathroom with a rain shower and separate oval bathtub, as well as a terrace or balcony with a daybed and dining furniture overlooking the ocean.
32 spacious one and two bedroom Villas lure guests to spend languid days in the company of their personal plunge pool, while sunbathing on snug loungers and dining outside under the stars. Amenities include a Nespresso coffee machine, wine humidor, bar fridge and Bose sound system. The Two-Bedroom Garden Pool Villas additionally feature an indoor dining room and pantry. The resort also provides interconnecting options for families on vacation, as well as suitable accommodation for differently abled guests.
Conveniences galore
If peaceful seclusion is all you desire, the double level outdoor swimming pool promises a perfect hideaway. Touch base with your spiritual side through yoga and meditation classes, while the excellently-equipped 24-hour gym helps you keep the holiday weight gain at bay.
The property also makes available bicycles for guests to explore the resort and Tangalle village in an eco-friendly manner. Anantara Peace Haven is also the only resort to offer a children’s and teens’ club. This allows parents to bask in the restful glow of some quiet time in the company of each other or even alone, while their young ones enjoy numerous activities like arts, crafts, games, movies or indulge in a cosy nap in the purpose built club under the professional care of well trained staff. Indoor sports like snooker, foosball and table tennis are also on offer for the teens to keep themselves entertained.
Amidst all of the above amenities, the soothing sanctuary of Anantara Spa stands out like a cherry atop the cake. Comprising a concessionaire beauty salon and offering wellness treatments that are rooted in the healing traditions of the region’s rich culture; the menu of services at this world-class spa also includes specialist Ayurveda treatments, all of which arrive curated by advanced western spa wisdom.
Food for thought
The Anantara Peace haven Tangelle Resort plays host to five restaurants and bar and lounge venues that showcase vibrant island cuisine and charming colonial customs.The all-day dining restaurant, Journeys, serves global classics and Sri Lankan, Middle Eastern, Thai and international specialties in both a la carte and buffet options.
The specialty Italian restaurant Il Mare hovers on the edge of a dramatic cliff, and offers connoisseurs lush flavours and delicious simplicity of coastal cuisine.If intimacy and private dining is what you lust for, the mesmerizing cellar El Vino is available on request. The menu embraces varied tapas dishes focused on the senses and culinary expertise. Each dish is paired with a complementary wine personally selected by the Wine Guru, allowing diners to truly perceive the flavour, aroma and character of each.By day the Poolside Bar serves refreshing beverages, light bites and sundowner cocktails, while the charming Lobby Lounge offers High Tea with a Sri Lankan twist.
Guests seeking solitude have the option of ordering from the extensive in-room and in-villa dining menu, enjoy riverside sundowners and canapés in a wooden canoe made for two or pamper themselves to Dining by Design. This exclusive and undeniably romantic service offers visitors a choice of connoisseur menus coupled with idyllic settings, alongside the services of a personal chef and butler.
Another delectable nugget in Peace Haven’s culinary hamper is the soon-to-be-unveiled beachside Verele restaurant, which will feature Teppanyaki and Kothu – a traditional Sri Lankan dish. Patrons will be able to enjoy the gastronomic drama as chefs prepare dishes with an entertaining flair of showmanship. At the core of Verele is the farm to table philosophy, serving seasonal organic ingredients and fresh ocean produce.
Adventure beckons
Travellers with a penchant for adventure and novel experiences can learn how to create Sri Lanka’s bold and flavoursome dishes in a Spice Spoons cooking class which includes a visit to fresh food markets, specialty local artisans and the fish market at the Tangalle port.
Guests can also explore, through a range of guided excursions, Sri Lanka’s southern attractions including Wewurukannala Temple, the amazing rock temple of Mulkirigala and Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary.
Other spectacular nature and wildlife experiences include National Park wildlife safaris, animated interactions with graceful elephants, a trip to the Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project and marvellous whale and dolphin watching boat trips.A cocoon of magnificence where authentic indigenous essentials meet global flair and panache, in Anantara Peace Haven Tangelle Resort guests can relish the perks of an urbane hideaway that’s as exclusive as it’s wonderfully enmeshed in the vivid fabric of the region around.
In conversation with Myles Carroll, Brand Ambassador, DEWAR’S
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