Hotel Review: Anantara Kalutara Resort, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has quickly become a popular retreat for those of us wanting to escape the sand, sound and Shawarma of the Emirates.

We may well live in a country that many people see as a modern wonderland, but the city smoke and noise has us craving for more relaxed shores.

Sri Lanka, only four hours away from Dubai, is fast becoming a popular destination for travellers, especially those seeking an affordable weekend getaway. Just think: take a Thursday night flight from Dubai, and you will arrive in paradise in the morning.

ANANTARA KALUTARA RESORT

If you’re only planning on getting away to Sri Lanka for a few nights, it goes without saying that you need to find a hotel close to Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport. Anantara’s Kalutara Resort is only an hour’s drive away, and 10 minutes from the historic town of Kalutara itself.

Surrounded by tropical gardens and towering coconut palms, you’re immediately submersed into the Sri Lankan life, especially when the complex itself is inspired by the architectural vision of the late Geoffrey Bawa – the Island’s most famous architect.

ROOMS, SUITES AND VILLAS

All the Kalutara Resort’s 141 rooms come with signature amenities as well as private balconies with lush green views. Suites offer a comfy lounge and the one-of-a-kind One Bedroom Presidential Suite boasts a private plunge pool and sundeck. For the ultimate stay, one and two bedroom villas are available and are enclosed by a garden terrace, allowing guests to swim in their private pool.

CULINARY PASSIONS

With three ocean view restaurants catering for lovers of Italian, Thai and Chinese cuisines, it’s a case of sit back, relax and enjoy your surroundings. That is, unless you want to join in the process, in which case, Spice Spoons cooking school is the place to pick up some master chef tips.

BASICALLY, CHILL

The Kalutara Resort offers guests world class leisure facilities, but coming from a city of zipl lines, skydiving and extreme sports, the thought of relaxing in the library, with a coffee is somewhat appealing.

Couples can unwind at the ocean view pool, while families enjoy the lagoon-side pool with its Jacuzzi jets and children’s section. Yoga on the spa pavilion is a great way to lose yourself, and personal trainers are available if desired.

NEARBY ADVENTURES

The resort is ideally located for the more adventurous traveller, with plenty of nature, beauty and culture to be found close by. Spending all week surrounded by modern architecture and skyscrapers makes you all the more aware of Sri Lanka’s architectural splendours. Visit Buddhist shrines, tour tea plantations, or drop in on Richmond Castle or the Dutch fort in Galle, to relive colonial times.

Nature highlights range from dolphin and whale watching boat trips, to national park safaris, the conservation efforts of a turtle hatchery and exploring virgin rainforests – and it’s allpossible to achieve during your stay. A weekend stay at the Anantara Kalutara Resort is certainly an interesting alternative to a Friday brunch and we know what we’d rather be doing.