Kalapuwa   Kalutara, Sri Lanka
Opened
2016
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Wellness ResortOutside the door
The house
AnantaraTropical modernist outpost
Coastal winds sweep through quiet courtyards and open timber walkways where days unfold unhurriedly between riverbanks and crashing surf.
“the resort features a lofty main building, which houses the lobby and restaurants, with open airways to encourage a smooth breeze”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Open-air corridors, Dutch colonial gables, and hanging batik banners realize Geoffrey Bawa's tropical modernist vision.
Notable
Multi-level spa pavilion set among lotus ponds offering dedicated Ayurvedic therapies, yoga sessions, and steam rooms.
Notable
An oceanfront peninsula retreat offering archery on the lagoon, watersports, two expansive pools, and multiple regional restaurants.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and Wallpaper*.
Take a shot at one of the world’s oldest and noblest sports, archery, when you stay at Anantara Kalutara in Sri Lanka.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Set on a secluded southwest coast spit, the grounds are bounded by ocean surf on one side and a calm mangrove-lined estuary on the other.
The rooms
Accommodations feature deep soaking tubs and private balconies, while freestanding pool villas add enclosed tropical gardens and dedicated plunge pools.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Timber decks surround the central lagoon pool, and an oceanfront infinity pool looks out across the Indian Ocean.
The spa
Treatment suites open onto courtyards with outdoor soaking tubs, offering traditional Ayurvedic therapies alongside Balinese bodywork.
The gym
Floor-to-ceiling glass in the fitness center looks out over lush riverbanks, with an open pavilion for yoga.
At the table
Spice Traders serves regional Asian dishes beside the river, and Acquolina offers Italian plates near the ocean.
How it began
Commissioned in the 1990s, construction halted through civil conflict and a tsunami before the project finally reached completion decades later.
Good to know
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Anantara Kalutara Resort
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.