Luxury Holidays Sri Lanka
After visiting North India last year on a superbly arranged tailormade holiday, we decided to explore the Eastern Delights a bit more. We therefore decided to go on a luxury holiday to Sri Lanka that been this mysterious rich tea country, Ceylon to most of us. Though my son is well travelled and although I shall enjoy the explorative journey; the colonial history, the fascinating culture, the beautiful geography, I would without a doubt opt for the Aman hospitality as they create an exciting and enticing holiday experience for you. Sri Lanka has, of course, been many things to many people, but to most of us it was this mysterious rich tea country, Ceylon. Its natural beauty combined with two Aman resorts makes a perfect recipe for a luxury holiday to Sri Lanka.
Nestled in the centre of 400-year old Galle Fort — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Amangalla is housed in historic colonial buildings formerly known as the New Oriental Hotel. The property was founded in 1863 and traded under this name for 140 years. Amangalla is Amanresorts’ first property in Sri Lanka and perfect place to embark on a luxury holiday to Sri Lanka. It re-opened in February of 2005 after extensive renovation and restoration. Traders, merchants, and Dutch and English colonists have all left an indelible stamp on the character of Galle Fort. Today it is part of Sri Lanka’s living heritage and Amangalla plays an integral role. It is here that one can explore the history and understand the unique character of a town that has drawn to its port several famous names including national cricket hero Muttiah Muralitharan and, for my sons, this alone is an excellent reason for going.
Amangalla provides a tranquil and period styled base from which to explore the fascinating culture and tumultuous history of Galle Fort and Galle, which is acclaimed for its Dutch Fort, intricate Galle lace, ebony, woodcarvings and polished gems. It is surrounded by antiques, old prints, polished aged-floors, crisp white linen, pristine walls, rich mahogany, wood and rattan planters together with a gracious, welcoming and warm staff. Gentle strolls directly from the hotel unravel the unique history of this magnificent 36-hectare hexagonal stone fort, revealing colonial buildings still in use today, bustling narrow streets proffering the crafts of many generations, and the ramparts and seawall, where locals and visitors gather alike to fly kites, play cricket or simply inhale the wonders of its maritime legacy.
Entrance corridors, bedrooms, Chambers and Suites offer views overlooking Galle Fort or the hotel’s lush gardens. Suites feature antiques and well crafted reproductions set on polished teak floorboards dating back 300 years. While on a luxury holiday to Sri Lanka one would like to certainly like to rest and relax, something quite welcome while travelling with kids. Amangalla’s spa is known as the Baths. An arched hallway leads to five serene treatment rooms. Centered within the resort’s gardens, the Swimming Pool offers five shaded ambalamas and a series of sun loungers. Also nestled in the gardens is a Meditation and Yoga Pavilion.
For families this is an ideal as its one of the best locations in Sri Lanka for whale watching. Located just 40 minutes drive from Amangalla and 90 minutes from Amanwella is Mirissa Harbour. Here one boards an Indonesian fishing trawler restored for leisure cruising and sets sail for Weligama Bay where the giant mammals are known to cruise by. Guests can swim and snorkel from the boat, watch for whales and dolphins, do a spot of fishing with a hand line and have a picnic in a coconut-fringed cove.
Beyond Amangalla one can extend their Aman experience and their luxury holiday to Sri Lanka by visiting Amanwella which is situated in a mature coconut grove overlooking the mesmerizing Indian Ocean with a crescent shaped beach. The resort has 30 suites each with a terrace and plunge pool. Architecturally it looks stunning and has used natural materials, clay, stone and timber, to incredible effect. It is modern and calm, serene and stylish, a retreat dedicated to its environment with an innate understanding of what is required to enjoy the spoils of this rich land without compromising on location, authenticity or modern necessities. The scenery is tropically stamped: long white beaches, tall leaning palms, rocky outcrops, dense turquoise ocean, a buzzing local village life, nearby rock temples, and heart-surging wildlife.
Suite interiors are decidedly contemporary, with ocean or coconut plantation views on one side and access to a plunge pool on the other which you will expect whilst on a luxury holiday to Sri Lanka. Each has a spacious private terrace. The Restaurant offers vistas of the coconut grove and beach. It serves both Mediterranean and local cuisine, with fresh fish delivered daily by the local fishermen. Amanwella offers a number of cultural and nature tours, starting with the famous rock temples at Mulgirigalla. The Uda Walawe National Park is 75 minutes away and is renowned for its large herds of elephants and other wildlife. Even closer to home, there are several beaches where giant turtles lay their eggs every season.
For families looking for a luxury holiday to Sri Lanka, Amanwella’s golden sand beach is located in an 800m crescent-shaped cove, fringed with palm trees. During the winter months guests can enjoy swimming on calmer days, while snorkeling is possible along the southern headland, usually protected from the ocean swell during the dry season. During the summer months large waves make swimming conditions less favorable, but beach strolls and sunbathing are particularly enjoyable with the cooling onshore breeze.
Combining these two stays is known to Amanjunkies worldwide as the ‘Aman Sri Lanka Experience’ where culture, history and national treasures are brought to you in unparalleled style. Yes, we are the envy of many, but you, too, can experience this luxury holiday to Sri Lanka first hand.



























