Rupali Dean
11-Jul-2025
Embark on a family vacation to Sri Lanka’s coastal gems, Anantara Kalutara and Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle. These luxury resorts offer a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences that promise to create lasting memories for the whole family.
Sri Lanka, a jewel in the Indian Ocean, is home to two luxurious family retreats: Anantara Kalutara and Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle. Offering a delightful mix of adventure, relaxation, and culinary adventures, these resorts promise an unforgettable getaway where families can bond, explore, and immerse themselves in vibrant local culture.
ANANTARA KALUTARA RESORT: A FAMILY PARADISE
Nestled along the shimmering shores of the Indian Ocean and the tranquil Kalu River, Anantara Kalutara Resort is the epitome of family luxury mixed with adventure. Just a short drive from bustling Colombo, this resort is an architectural dream, designed by the renowned Geoffrey Bawa. It masterfully combines colonial elegance with an inviting tropical flair, creating a picturesque backdrop for a family getaway. Upon arrival, the smell of salty ocean air mingling with a gentle breeze instantly soothes weary travellers. With 141 elegantly designed guest rooms, suites, and villas, families can choose from various accommodations that perfectly suit their needs. Interconnecting rooms offer comfort and camaraderie, while private balconies showcase stunning views of the lush gardens, cobalt ocean, or serene river.
As the sun sets, adventure beckons! Dive into an array of water sports at the resort’s Water Sports Centre, where children can zoom across the lagoon on jet skis or laugh gleefully while riding banana boats. For a slower pace, the lagoon-side pool's frothing Jacuzzi jets provide the perfect family hangout, and the dedicated Adventurer Club invites young explorers to indulge in engaging cultural activities and thrilling excursions tailored just for them. Culinary exploration takes centre stage with three distinct restaurants offering a delectable array of dining experiences. Enjoy the vibrant flavours of Sri Lankan cuisine or delve into international classics. At the Spice Spoons cooking school, families can unleash their inner gourmet, learning the secrets of local flavours while shopping in bustling markets. Beyond the resort, a world of discovery awaits! Immerse your family in Sri Lanka's rich history and breathtaking nature, from exhilarating national park safaris to picnicking near whimsical waterfalls. Don’t miss the chance to explore Galle’s stunning colonial architecture—a UNESCO World Heritage site—or marvel at playful dolphins and majestic whales during an unforgettable marine excursion. For added convenience, Anantara Kalutara’s SUV limousine service ensures seamless transportation to and from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport.
ANANTARA PEACE HAVEN TANGALLE RESORT: INDULGE IN LUXURY AND CULTURE
Perched along Sri Lanka’s southernmost shore, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort is a slice of paradise that marries luxurious accommodation with genuine cultural experiences. Framed by swaying coconut palms and pristine sands, this stunning retreat promises the perfect getaway for families eager to relax, explore, and create cherished memories together. Every detail at Anantara has been meticulously curated to ensure guests experience an extraordinary holiday. The resort boasts 152 beautifully appointed rooms and villas, adorned with handwoven furnishings and rich local artistry. Families can choose spacious interconnecting rooms or private villas featuring refreshing plunge pools—perfect for unwinding after day-long explorations. A haven for relaxation, the Anantara Spa invites families to indulge in a pampering array of rejuvenating Ayurveda treatments. Parents can enjoy heavenly massages while children dive into a world of fun at the children's club, where engaging activities, crafts, and games await. Dining becomes an adventure in itself with six exceptional restaurants, bars, and lounges. At Journeys, families can savour everything from traditional Sri Lankan fare to international classics, complete with live cooking stations that bring the region’s vibrant culinary heritage to life. For an extraordinary meal, Il Mare presents the delicate simplicity of coastal Italian cuisine with sweeping ocean views, while the farm-to-table Verele tantalises with its interactive teppanyaki dining experience.
Eager to explore? Anantara offers plenty of exciting excursions. Families can immerse themselves in the local culture by participating in cooking classes at Spice Spoons, with a trip to authentic markets included. Venture out for awe-inspiring wildlife safaris where playful elephants roam or enjoy enchanting close encounters with sea turtles at the Rekawa turtle conservation project. Thrill-seeking families can also embark on exhilarating whale and dolphin-watching boat trips to witness the majesty of the deep blue. Each experience at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle is infused with genuine hospitality, ensuring a memorable and enriching adventure for the entire family. Whether you’re lounging on the beach or embarking on wild escapades, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort offers more than just a vacation—it's a gateway to a world of thrilling experiences and deeper familial bonds in a breathtakingly beautiful setting. Embrace the magic of this coastal oasis as you create stories to last a lifetime.
(Awarded the "Best food writer in the country" by the Indian culinary forum, WACS and the ministry of Tourism, Rupali Dean writes on food and travel.)
