Exotic living from Aman Resorts Sri Lanka properties

Imagine a holiday during your retirement where you and your wife pilot your own plane to an exotic destination in the Indian Ocean and spend a few nights at an up scale hideaway?

It might be only a dream for most Sri Lankans but that is the kind of guest that the two Aman Resorts in Sri Lanka are attracting to the country - sophisticated, up market travellers who want something different to what the regular hotels offer and who are willing to pay the price for that one of a kind experience. The presence of Aman Resorts in the country means Sri Lanka makes its way into the map of the affluent leisure seekers of the world.

Not confined to just those who want to relax and rejuvenate, what the resorts have to offer by way of private environments and personalized service and high quality facilities, are also ideal for small high-level directors/CEO meetings, away from the hectic pace of their everyday lives.

Travellers wishing to avoid the bumpy, potholed Sri Lankan roads have the option of flying into both resorts either with the Sri Lankan Airlines Air Taxi service or the helicopter service offered by Deccan Aviation. Most guests flying into the country make use of the Air Taxi service and the costly price tag doesn’t deter them, hotel staff said. The warm smile and the cold towel along with the heartfelt “Ayubowan” that you are greeted with at Amangalla and Amanwella is a welcome break away from the hustle and bustle and the hectic pace of everyday life and it assures you that you will truly experience what they at Aman call the “lifestyle experience, without limitations.”

Aman Resorts which operates 18 properties in 11 countries marks its presence in Sri Lanka with the sister resorts Amangalla in Galle and Amanwella in Tangalle, both of which came into operation in 2005.

Amangalla, deriving its name from a combination of “aman”, the Sanskrit word for peace and “galla” the Sinhalese name for the town of Galle, is nestled in the heart of the fabled Galle Fort which is rich in both history and culture.

Amangalla came into being after the property once known as the New Oriental Hotel was acquired by the Aman group. Adding the spice of history to the Aman experience, Amangalla still retains the “old world feeling” while still offering its guests the best of modern luxuries. “The Zaal” or the Great Hall with its soaring ceilings, overhead fans and chandeliers and The Dining Room with its period chairs and tables, crisp white linen, antique silverware and the original 300 year old wooden flooring makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. “Bedrooms”, “Chambers” and “Suites” make up the 28 room accommodation, each furnished identically in keeping with the colonial feeling of the resort. There is also “The Garden House” situated in the resort’s garden, which is a two storey house that comes with its own butler. Amangalla’s gardens are a peaceful oasis of greenery and quiet amidst the hustle and bustle of the Galle Fort.

“The Baths”, Amangalla’s spa is well equipped to deliver its promise of restoring the body and soothing the mind. The soft lighting of the five rooms that make up the treatment chambers add to the ambience of the spa which also offers such luxuries as hydrotherapy pools, sauna, steam room, a cold plunge pool along with their excellent menu of massages at the hands of expert massage therapists. Guests can also indulge in yoga or meditation at the specially built pavilions.

Amangalla also has a centrally located swimming pool and offers Internet access to their guests through its well stocked library which contains books on many topics and also audio CDs, newspapers and many more.

A two hour drive further south brings you to Amanwella, Aman Resorts’ second hotel in the country. The name Amanwella is from the Sanskrit word for peace “aman” and “wella” the Sinhalese word for beach. The name itself conjures up pictures of blue seas and golden beaches which is part of the experience Amanwella promises.

Located on a crescent shaped beach, Amanwella is spread out across the coconut grove in which it is situated. All 30 suites are air-conditioned and come with their own private pool and terrace and stunning views of the coconut grove and the ocean. The layout of all suites are identical, the only difference being the location and view, based on which they are categorized into “Suites” and “Ocean Suites”. Amanwella being a contemporary beach front resort offers a completely different experience from that of Amangalla.

Offering stunning views from every direction, the Beach Club provides options for water sports and casual dining, or guests may sunbathe on the expansive terrace that surrounds the 41-metre infinity pool.

The poolside terrace is available for light meals and alfresco dining, while the restaurant specialises in Asian and Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on freshly caught local seafood.

Guests at both Aman resorts have the opportunity to enrich themselves on the culture of Sri Lanka. At Amangalla, a stroll through the Galle Fort with the locals will enable the guests to witness the activities of the Fort residents going about their daily activities. Amanwella is situated close to the Bundala, Uda Walawe and Yala National Parks and excursions can be arranged for nature lovers. Both properties are situated close to places of religious and cultural interest and the management will make the necessary arrangements for anyone who wishes to visit them.

And there is good news for Sri Lankans who might want to experience what the Aman Resorts have to offer but thought it was too far away a wish.

Both resorts are offering special “Residents’ Rates” to Sri Lankan and resident expatriates who would normally have to go overseas to experience an Aman resort hotel and therefore pay overseas rates, which are usually over $600. They are also giving a 25% discount on all food and beverage and spa treatments.

The per night rate at Amangalla varies from US$215 to US$310 nett with breakfast.

At Amanwella the nightly rates range from US260 nett to US$335 nett including breakfast.

(The Sunday Times FT was invited on a media familiarisation tour of the two Aman Resorts hotels in Sri Lanka by the company).