Anantara Tangalle

Anantara means ‘without end’ in Sanskrit. This hotel very much aims for this spirit of freedom, movement and harmony. As a complex it’s been thoroughly thought through and is well landscaped. Buggies take you to tennis courts or you can bicycle instead. There are three restaurants (Journeys has a mix of international and local cuisine and a fully-stocked buffet, Verele sticks to the unique local flavours, and the Italian Il Mare rests above on an ocean facing cliff top). Guests are given a theatrical welcome with traditional blessings to the sound of a conch, three girls alternately singing and drumming. The rooms have jac and teak wood and the furnishing includes rattan chairs with tweed cushions. Electric blinds break the room for privacy. Verandahs look out to sea and around the resort are little lobster basket lights creating a spiders’ web effect. Lounge chairs are actually absorbed into the two lengthy infinity pools. Out to sea fishermen brave the rocks. And it’s mercifully mosquito free. Peace haven or "piece of heaven".....whichever way you look at it, it’s assuredly pampering and tranquil.