A fitting destination for those looking to balance time by the water with authentic travel experiences, Sri Lanka’s sundrenched south shores are home to two distinct Aman properties. The undisputed queen of the coastline is the quaint town of Galle, home to Amangalla, while just over an hour’s drive east, Amanwella provides a contemporary retreat with its own palm-fringed beach close to the picturesque village of Tangalle. With the summer months bringing warmer, drier weather, both hotels have introduced a number of new experiences for all ages to enjoy, while Amanwella is pleased to showcase its refreshed suites and social spaces following a short seasonal closure.
Amangalla, Galle
Resting on tree-lined Church Street, Amangalla’s historic setting has warmly welcomed guests since 1683 as part of what was then the New Oriental Hotel. Offering views of Galle Fort and the harbour on one side and the hotel’s pristine gardens and swimming pool on the other, lofty-ceilinged suites exude a sense of place and interconnecting rooms make it a haven for families exploring the area. Exquisite Sri Lankan and international cuisine can be savoured al fresco on the veranda or in the elegant Dining Room, while the atmospheric spa, The Baths, houses hydrotherapy facilities and a yoga pavilion.
New for the season, the resort’s Ayurveda Experience delivers a wholly transformative stay, rooted in ancient healing philosophy. Embracing this age-old wisdom, the experience is available for three or seven nights with both spa journeys including a doctor-led consultation, development of a personalised treatment plan, daily breakfast, Hatha yoga classes and 60-minute Ayurvedic therapy sessions. An all-encompassing journey, those embarking on the seven-night programme will also benefit from daily lunch and dinner, tailored to meet individual needs as prescribed in the treatment plan, alongside a trip to the Handunugoda tea plantation, and Buddhist blessings at the temples of Yatagala and Rumassala.
For those seeking a more active stay, the new Kanneliya Rainforest Trek ventures into Galle’s verdant surrounds. Accompanied by an expert tracker and guide, the exhilarating morning hike passes through lush tropical canopies, home to an abundance of flora, fauna and wildlife – from monkeys to chameleons – before arriving at a breathtaking waterfall where energy levels are replenished with a picnic breakfast. Slightly further afield, embark on an Elephant Safari in Udawalawe National Park. Departing the hotel at 5.30am, a two-hour drive leads to this spectacular 30,000-hectare nature reserve, home to an elephant population of over 400. A knowledgeable guide leads an unforgettable wildlife encounter by Jeep, followed by a private picnic breakfast or afternoon tea served in the heart of Udawale’s wilderness. This experience is also offered at Amanwella, with the national park approximately 1.5 hours from the resort by car.
Also within close proximity to Galle, the charming village of Balagoda, surrounded by picturesque rice paddy fields, beckons. Providing the opportunity to interact with friendly locals and marvel at magnificent views, the new Sunset Biking Tour is a memorable way to spend a balmy Sri Lankan night. A steady, scenic eight-kilometre ride weaves through the foliage before arriving at the Gin Ganga Dam at dusk where a high picnic tea is served, offering a serene dining experience in nature’s embrace.
Set in Sri Lanka’s most richly historic destination, those visiting Amangalla can explore the island’s colourful past. A new experience to the Sooriya Weaving Mills Handloom Factory reveals the age-old process of dying fabric in a range of vibrant hues. The factory is one of a few remaining establishments preserving ancient methods and techniques. Offering a glimpse into this timeless artistry, learn the technique, creating a keepsake napkin with guidance from the factory’s all-female workforce – many whom have dedicated more than four decades of their lives to the craft.
Just moments from the hotel itself, the walls of Galle Fort contain a bustling time capsule of narrow pathways lined with old houses, churches, boutiques and restaurants beneath terracotta-tiled rooftops. To capture these scenes, the new Galle Fort Watercolour Experience invites both experienced artists and beginners alike to create their own masterpiece in some of the most eye-catching areas of the ancient citadel. With all materials included and guidance from Janaka De Silvia, a visual art curator, and Chandana Samarakoon, a traditional Sri Lankan artist, the inspiring half-day session unleashes inner creativity while visiting Galle’s most iconic sights. For those travelling with little ones, Lotus Wood Painting and Chocolate Cooking Classes provide an informal immersion in Sri Lankan culture and craft, with these family friendly activities also led by expert guides.
