The Gen XY Lifestyle
Anantara Kalutara Resort opens in Sri Lanka
Anantara Kalutara Resort, a secluded coastal hideaway, connects travellers to Sri Lanka’s colonial charms and sacred heritage as well as the vibrancy of island life and wild nature
Anantara Kalutara is set along Sri Lanka’s ruggedly beautiful southwest coast. The resort was originally designed and inspired by Sri Lanka’s most notable architect, the late Geoffrey Bawa’s vision of simplistic elegance and great craftsmanship with a focus on showcasing the Kalu River and Indian Ocean.
There are 141 guest rooms, suites and pool villas that offer guests stunning views, with private balconies and terraces overlooking lush gardens, the ocean or lagoon. The resort’s one and two Bedroom Villas feature an enclosed garden terrace offering seclusion whilst swimming in the private pool, sunbathing on the deck and dining al fresco.
Leisure facilities are available and include the Watersports Centre that offers jet skiing, water skiing and banana ride thrills. Guests can work out in the gym whilst taking in the river view, or raise their game with a personal trainer. The ocean view pool offers a tranquil escape, while the lagoon-side pool with its Jacuzzi jets and children’s section is ideal for families. The Anantara Spa is a serene double storey sanctuary offering therapies that draw on holistic Asian traditions and rejuvenating western spa wisdom. Dedicated to Geoffrey Bawa, the library is a quiet retreat showcasing drawings from his archive and some of his favourite designs in Batik.
Family-friendly services begin on arrival with children receiving special treats. Adventurer Club engages youngsters in cultural activities, outdoor games and action-packed excursions. Little ones enjoy a range of fun treats, such as a delicious chocolate oil massage and hair braiding. Teen girls can refresh their look with facials, manicures and pedicures, and teen boys are expertly groomed.
A choice of three restaurants invites travellers to choose their dining pleasure – from international classics and spicy Sri Lanka specialties, to refined Italian tastes and the exotic diversity of Thai, Indian and Chinese cuisines.
Sri Lanka’s invites exploration with experiences ranging from exploring vast ancient caves, lush virgin rainforest and to wildlife encounters on a national park safari. Fancy having a tranquil picnic beside a waterfall, or a stroll through spice gardens, river fishing with a local guide and a sunset river cruise that can be arranged through the resort. Charming tours of tea plantations, the Dutch fort UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle and the architectural splendour of Richmond Castle relive colonial times. Impressive sacred treasures include a temple housing the world’s tallest sitting Buddha statue and the world’s only hollow Buddhist shrine.
The Anantara Kalutara Resort is only ten minutes from the town of Kalutara and an hour from the capital Colombo. A SUV limousine service is available for journeys between the resort and Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport. Kalutara South Station just five minutes away, allowing guests to experience Sri Lanka’s scenic railways.
