Anantara gears up for an authentic experience in Tangalle
The team heading the Anantara resort from left: Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort General Manager Tamir Kobrin,Hemas Serendib Leisure Managing Director Ranil de Silva and Hemas Group CEO Steven Enderby. Pix by Ranjith Perera
Tangalle is getting a boost with the Minor Hotel Group opening their first luxury property Anantara hotel in Sri Lanka that would cater to the up market traveler with Hemas with a second hotel scheduled for launch at Kalutara in March 2016.The hotel titled Anatara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort which is part of the branded luxury hotels under the Minor Hotel Group opened its 36th property this week giving its clientele an authentic Sri Lankan experience from the country’s street food and beachside experience, the hotel’s General Manager Tamir Kobrin said at a media briefing in Colombo. With previous experience in working at MHG hotels around the world he has been brought in to create an experience at the property that comprises of 120 rooms and 32 villas.
The staff has been given training into the culinary, hospitality, cuisine and attention to detail that is required to give that truly authentic experience for travelers visiting this destination, he explained.Located on a 21 acre coconut estate overlooking the Tangalle Bay the hotel also has the Anantara Spa that provides for a holistic wellbeing with ancient healing practices. It has facilities for four double treatment suites and four single treatment suites, a beauty salon, facial room, specialist Ayurvedic and reflexology rooms, as well as two tranquil relaxation areas.
The Sri Lankan street food “kottu” would be prepared to experience the manner in which it is prepared at the Verele – Beachside Restaurant, Mr. Kobrin said.
He noted that the hotel also caters to its clientele with a high tea preparation in the afternoons with Sri Lankan servings on display as well.
In this regard, the GM explained that they would even cater to the expatriates living in Tangalle adding that the hotel would cater to a mix of clients in the high end category.Selling rooms at US$300 and villas at US$500 on a bed and breakfast basis the guests would ideally stay for over seven nights with the possibility of flying in on their private charters or helicopters or planes as well.
Hemas Chairman Abbas Esufally addressing the media said that the Tangalle property which was a coconut plantation was identified for development for the leisure sector about 25 years ago.He said that this would be the beginning of a much longer road the company wants to follow as part of the fastest growing hotel chain in Asia.The resort will also provide an opportunity for tourists to explore the local attractions including Yala, Bundala and Uda Walawe National Parks and Rekawa Turtle Sanctuary.The second property would be coming up in Kalutara next March with 141 rooms for Anantara Kalutara Resort.
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort General Manager Tamir Kobrin (right) addressing the media while Hemas Group Chairman Abbas Esufally looks on.