Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort

Named on Condé Nast’s 2017 Hot List for the best new hotels, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle offers visitors access to a tranquil stretch of pristine sand, luxurious rooms and villas and an array of superb dining options.

Set within a coconut plantation and with views over the sparkling Indian Ocean, the resort is the perfect place for a relaxing getaway, or as a convenient and luxurious base for exploring the many cultural attractions and sights in the surrounding area. The Anantara Spa offers a range of Ayurvedic therapies and wellness treatments, and yoga and meditation sessions are held on the beach.

Rooms are designed with traditional Sri Lankan décor, and all feature a wine humidor. Choose from a Premier Room with either direct access to the beach, or with a private terrace overlooking the ocean. Deluxe Ocean View Rooms offer a balcony or terrace – the perfect place to enjoy the sunrise and sunset. Villas each boast a private plunge pool and are either Ocean View, Beach Pool or Garden Pool (Two Bedroom Garden Pool Villas are also available).

Dining is a delight here, with a number of options available. Enjoy international cuisine at Journeys, Italian fare at Il Mare, or head to El Vino for a Mediterranean menu. Verele is a Teppanyaki restaurant with ‘Sri Lankan flair’, and Sri Lankan traditions are reflected in the High Tea in the Lobby Lounge, which features a selection of the finest single estate Sri Lankan teas. To immerse yourself further in Sri Lankan culture, try the Spice Spoons cooking class, which starts with a visit to a traditional local market.

There are a host of activities and excursions to enjoy at this resort. Explore the ancient coastal citadel of Galle, take a tuk-tuk tour of the local temples and spice markets, visit a working cinnamon plantation, visit the ancient monastery at Mulkirigala Rock Temple or take a trip to Mirissa Harbour where you might get a close-up view of blue and sperm whales. Resort experiences include a nature walk which explores the resort’s ecosystem and turtle conservation efforts, meeting the local fishermen bringing in the catch of the day and Harvest Table, a delicious lunch in the resort’s rustic tree-house set against a paddy field backdrop. There are plenty of activities on offer at the Kids Club and Teens Club in addition to watersports, surfing, paddle-boarding, biking, yoga, tennis, badminton, gym and a 25 metre pool.