Amangalla
When in Sri Lanka, make sure to check out Aman resorts.
Meticulously designed to frame their natural settings, Aman destinations are renowned for their space, privacy, luxury and architecture.
Recently on a trip to Sri Lanka, I stayed at the Amangalla in Galle, the location of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a 16th century walled port built by the Portuguese and Dutch.
Located in the heart of Galle Fort, the Amangalla is itself located in a historic 17th century building, originally built as a quarters for Dutch commanders and later turned into the New Oriental Hotel during the British colonial period.
Upon arrival at the Amangalla, the hotel’s manager Petar, and our personal butler, Indika, warmly welcomed us with thirst-quenching passion fruit iced teas.
Our stay started off great upon learning that we had been upgraded to the Garden House – a private house complete with one bedroom, two bathrooms, living room, as well as a wrap-around balcony with a beautiful view of the lush garden.
With the stunning pool just a stone’s throw away from the house, I found myself rotating between the pool cabanas and the balcony throughout the day.
To top it off, there was a world-class spa onsite – a hard place to leave… There I found a luxury Ayurvedic therapy center, marble-walled candlelit “hydrotherapy” room – all complete with extraordinary whirlpool baths, steam room, sauna and plunge pool. Other spa facilities include a yoga shala, beauty salon, and a traditional barber.
When taking break from the heat, I enjoyed catching up on some reading in the beautiful library – stocked full of books both old and new, as well as in a variety of languages.
As for food, Amangalla was my first introduction to Sri Lankan cuisine. I really enjoyed the egg hoppers topped with daal and spices for breakfast. For afternoon tea, scrumptious scones served with clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam come complimentary for hotel guests.
Finally, for dinner, we enjoyed a variety of Sri Lankan curries and rice. As it was my birthday (month), the hotel surprised me with a delicious dessert of cardamom flan and coconut ice cream topped with a candle. All of the staff went out of their way to wish me a happy birthday and they even presented me with a little gift: a personal fan to cool myself down! All of this was a sweet surprise and true testament to the Aman group’s best attribute: its service…
Amanwella
After our stay at Amangalla, we headed to Amanwella, a tranquil hideaway located about 90 minutes away on Sri Lanka’s Southern Coast.
Inspired by the work of famed Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa, Amanwella’s contemporary suites rest beneath towering coconut palms overlooking the beach and crashing Indian Ocean. Suites feature floor-to-ceiling sliding doors on both sides. One opens onto a wide, breezy terrace with a dining area and another side opens to a small private swimming pool.
The center piece of the Amanwella was its famed 49 meter long swimming pool. A truly one-of-a-kind infinity pool made even more spectacular with the backdrop of the Indian Ocean and a private beach.
Poolside, we enjoyed some Sri Lankan bites and drinks. Their Arack menu allows you to sample a cocktail with Arack – a aniseed-distilled liquor that’s popular in Sri Lanka – which was a bit too strong for me!
Next time I’ll stick to my Gin and Tonic – hopefully at one of Aman’s 34 other resorts worldwide!