Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, South Coast

rooms

The rooms and villas offer plenty of space and are beautifully decorated with indigenous Sri Lankan design and locally sourced furnishings. Each room has a terrace or balcony that overlook the gardens, or for a small supplement, the beach and rolling ocean. The sumptuous Villas are ideal for bigger families or groups of friends, the most difficult decision will be whether you’d like to enjoy a garden, ocean or beachside setting while bobbing around in your private plunge pool, but we’ll leave that conundrum for you to decide!

facilities & activities

There's plenty to do at the resort. The main draw is the tropical swimming pool surrounded by beautiful gardens or perhaps you'd like to just relax under the swaying palms as you sip a refreshing cocktail?To re-blance both mind and body, many guests enjoy taking advantage of the sunrise yoga classes. For those who want to brush up their culinary skills  there's cookery classes on offer or the more active might enjoy a game of tennis or badminton. It's definitely worth borrowing a bicycle to explore the lovely local area. Finish your day with an undulgent treatment at the spa.

For those wanting to explore, there are many excursions on offer - all organised for you in resort. Meet rescued elephants, head out to sea for a spot of whale-watching (December to April) or enjoy the mesermising sight of turtles on the beach. Yala National Park lies just 2 hours away and offers a different side to Sri Lanka - one that will see you searching for storks, peacocks, crocodiles and the elusive leopard with your experienced Park Ranger. Galle itself offers culture in spades -  the Dutch Fort tour is fascinating, especially when combined with a visit to the colonial tea plantations and ancient temples just around the corner.

dining

Foodies are in for a treat here with no less than 6 dining venues offering an array of Sri Lankan, Middle Eastern, Chinese and Indian dishes. It all kicks off with a sumptuous breakfast where there is a veritable feast of options. It's not just about the food though - careful thought has gone into the dining settings - choose from pool-side, shore-side and cliff-side spots which offer some stunning vistas - the perfect accompaniment to the fresh local produce served and those appealing fine wines. Lighter bites for those inbetween moments (teenagers, we're looking at you!) can be found at the Pool Bar and the Lobby Lounge offers a colonial style high tea to rival the Ritz. For those dining ‘a deux’ then enjoy a private dinner in the beautiful gardens, with a sumptuous menu designed exclusively for you.

family

Children of all ages are very welcome here; they’ll love the acres of gardens and the huge pool – complete with a shallow end that is lovely for very little ones. Whilst the ocean can be too rough for swimming, there is a peaceful cove not far away – hop in a tuk tuk and enjoy the ride there! There's a great kids club too - with supervised activities such as arts and crafts, games, a shaded playground and movie nights. Even the teens are catered for with a games rooms and lots of organised socials.

Interconnecting Deluxe Ocean View Rooms are available whilst the Garden View and Ocean Villas provide plenty of space and day beds for additional children. Alternatively, the selection of Villas available offer plenty of space for families and friends, plus have the added bonus of a private pool.

location

Despite the unique and secluded location, the resort is halfway between the cultural city of Galle and Yala National Park and therefore easily accessible. The scenic drive from Bandaranaike International airport takes 3 and half hours or take a 45 minute Cinnamon Air flight to Dickwella from where it's just a 10 minute drive to the resort.