Anantara Hotels, Resorts & has opened its second resort in Sri Lanka, with the doors opening at the 141-key Anantara Kalutara Resort, a peacefully secluded hideaway located along the island’s south-west coast.

Only ten minutes from the town of Kalutara and an hour south of the capital Colombo, Anantara Kalutara has a unique setting between the Indian Ocean and Kalu River and boasts coastal, river and lagoon frontage, providing a tranquil retreat in between the array of enriching nearby adventures. 

Dillip Rajakarier, chief executive, Minor Hotels, commented: “We are excited to open Anantara Kalutara, our second luxury Anantara resort in Sri Lanka.

“With its unique ocean and river front location and its original design by famed Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, we are confident that Anantara Kalutara will become one of the ‘must stay’ luxury properties for discerning travellers visiting the island, along with the now well established Anantara Tangalle on the south coast.”

The resort was originally designed by Sri Lanka’s most notable architect, the late Geoffrey Bawa, and is inspired by his vision of simplistic elegance and great craftsmanship, whilst showcasing the Kalu River and Indian Ocean.

Blending effortlessly with the island’s tropical beauty and rich culture, the resort fuses natural luxury with colonial and Sri Lankan artistry.

The main building has a Dutch colonial style, with a soaring gable roof.

The reception’s free-flowing space ushers in the coastal breeze and overlooks the lagoon of the Kalu River estuary, creating a sense of destination on arrival.

The 141 guest rooms, suites and pool villas immerse guests in stunning views, with private balconies and terraces overlooking lush gardens, the ocean or lagoon.

The resort’s Anantara Spa is a serene double storey sanctuary, surrounded by a lotus pond.

Ten luxurious treatment rooms include six for individuals and four for couples, including the option for Ayurvedic therapies.

Soothing spa journeys draw on holistic Asian traditions and rejuvenating western spa wisdom, with an additional pavilion for yoga and meditation sessions.

Anantara Kalutara Resort is the brand’s second property in Sri Lanka, with the first, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, setting the benchmark for luxury resorts in Sri Lanka since its opening in January 2016.