• Amanwella enjoys exclusivity on this wonderful bay, the only building allowed here.
• The peace and tranquillity of the Amanwella’s surroundings offers an idyllic haven.
• Unique, 45-metre infinity swimming pool.
• Within easy reach of Sri Lanka’s beautiful south coast beaches as well as the interior rainforest and national parks, such as Uda Walewe with its population of 600 or so wild elephants.
The Whole Story
Inspired by the architecture of Sri Lankan legend Jeffrey Bawa and situated on an idyllic stretch of deserted beach, Amanwella is the perfect barefoot escape for style aficionados. Each guest bungalow is as large and immaculate as the perfect holiday villa rental, with full hotel service of the kind Aman has become famous for.
On one of the last pristine, untouched, moon-shaped bays of the Sri Lankan southern coast, Amanwella at Tangalle comes with the added plus of knowing that this is the only building that will be allowed on this bay. From the restaurant, library and bar, the view is only interrupted by waving palm trees and crashing surf.
More than a decade ago the Sri Lankan government decided to preserve the nation’s most beautiful buildings and sites for the type of tourism that enhances a nation’s appeal and does not have a negative impact vis-à-vis its ecology. Amanresorts was invited to develop this extraordinary, untouched fishermen’s bay in Tangalle, four hours drive from Colombo, and true to the sensitive manner for which they have become famous they decided to invoke the magic created by Sri Lankan architect Jeffrey Bawa. He had died by the time the project was in full swing, but Singapore-based architect Kerry Hill was an inspired choice as a person who could be inspired by Bawa’s legacy.
Picture a long, lofty house and then remove all walls and expose the entire length of this house to a magnificent view of the Indian Ocean, and you start to get the idea of Amanwella’s exquisite guest villas – a perfectly manicured tropical loft with a Robinson Crusoe setting.
With each successive Aman, the pools have been getting bigger, grander and more impressive. The pool at Amanwella is just a couple of metres short of Olympic size, not to mention the fact that it is perched just above the beach, which gives the swimmer an unbroken horizon across the Indian Ocean.
The bar is a perfect synthesis of tropical sensibility and Asian contemporary architecture. Open plan with a polished stone floor, it looks out over the swimming pool and beach on one side, and a lawn covered courtyard on the other. The sense of space and the volume in terms of height creates a sense of cool and calm.
In an elevated position, the restaurant has an even better view than the bar, but many guests prefer dining on its adjoining terrace which is kept cool by a breeze off the Indian Ocean and the clever positioning of the building’s architecture. The food is a mix of contemporary cuisine and Sri Lankan signature dishes such as Sri Lankan fish curry and a tally of seafood based local delicacies.
Swaying palm trees, white sand, turquoise water with foaming white crests as the waves break on the reef – the view from Amanwella is the perfect tropical island post card.
The Rooms
Amanwella has 30 identical suites, and the interiors are contemporary with a palette of soothing beige, cream, honey and wood.
Mostly on the hillside, the suites enjoy views of the coconut grove and ocean. Floor-to-ceiling glass and latticed panels form two sides with one opening onto a private walled entry courtyard, with a banquette for lounging and private dining if required. There is also a six by four metre plunge pool and terrace. Timber sliding panels reveal the interior spaces.
The rooms have a combined sleeping and living area with a king-size bed, writing desk, armchair and a personal bar with refreshments. Sliding screens divide this area from the open-plan bathroom featuring a bathtub, twin vanities, shower, toilet and dressing area. Access to the terrace is via sliding doors from the living area and the bathroom. The terrace includes a double sunlounger and dining table with two chairs. Three sets of suites share a connecting door on the terrace, which are ideal for families or couples travelling together.
Ocean Suites are situated on the lower levels of the hill and enjoy views of the coconut grove and beach. Four sets of suites share a connecting door on the terrace, again ideal for families or couples travelling together.