On the South West coast of Sri Lanka, the town of Tangalle and the Hotel Anantara Peace Haven are 2.5 hours’ drive from Columbo Airport via a motorway which has opened up this part of the island. It is worth the journey.
Guests are greeted by traditional Sri Lankan music of drums and song, a lovely experience reflecting the hotel’s commitment to maximising employment of local people. Check in and check out are efficient.
This is a beautiful setting by the Ocean, with spacious grounds as well as a sandy beach down to the clear and endless sea. Within these grounds of palms and tropical flowers there is local wildlife – birds, butterflies and the occasional water monitor lizard. The estate includes its own organic food farm which aids healthy eating.
As befits the setting, well-being is a theme of the hotel. Wellness Ayurveda retreats are part of the resort’s offering. The spa is lavish, and Yoga and Pilates lessons are regular, looking out over the Ocean. Well-being is reflected through a variety of breakfast juices and fresh foods and at lunch locally caught sea bass. The food is generally of good quality, and reasonably priced, in restaurants all with sea views: an Italian restaurant with a stunning outlook is outstanding. The beach restaurant is a delight, with beautiful bars structured to imitate shells on the beach, and is excellent for both lunch and dinner. The local Sri Lankan dishes are delicious.
The accommodation is a mix of rooms and villas. All are spacious, modern and well equipped, with WIFI included, and with again great sea views. The villas are ideal for families, each with its own plunge pool and garden. The general cleanliness of rooms and public areas of the hotel illustrates the high all-round service, and the staff are attentive and appropriately friendly.
There are plenty of activities available. As well as the beach and the sea, a beautiful, vast infinity pool overlooks the Ocean with a smaller pool below it. With plenty of space, there is no shortage of cabanas and sun beds. The sea is there to be surfed, with a surf school offering lessons. From the hotel, the inland island is to be explored, even an elephant safari in the wild, and turtle sanctuaries to visit. The ex-colonial town of Galle is accessible, a beautiful location with plenty of history.
The hotel is luxurious and tranquil in a lovely setting, living up to its name, where visitors are appreciated and well looked after.
