Amanwella

Amanwella is a tranquil hideaway set amid palm trees that spill down to the golden beach and the sea, a little west from laid-back Tangalle.

27 contemporary suites are open to the sights and sounds of the bay with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. On one side they lead onto the entrance courtyard with a private plunge pool, the other to an expansive terrace with sun loungers, dining table and chairs, and views of the coconut grove, beach and ocean.

The restaurant serves fish straight off local fishermen’s boats and local produce sourced by the chef at the nearby market – an experience you can join to discover more about this fertile island.

The beach is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and surfing, some of the best in the region in fact, while a little further out you can try your hand at fishing. Blue whales can be sighted on their annual migration from December to April, as well as sperm whales and spinner dolphins.

Turtles can be spotted laying their eggs on the beach a little way along the coast and, inland, Yala and Udawalawe National Parks can be explored. There’s also a rich cultural heritage with a landscape dotted with ancient temples and you can even try your hand at pottery with a local artisan.