Does Sri Lanka offer luxury resorts by the West Coast Ocean to attract wealthy tourists from India, China, Russia, Britain and even Israel? We were curious to check it out at Anantara Kalutara Resort, 90 minutes south of the airport. This monumental and friendly resort is inspired by the impressive architecture of Geoffrey Bawa, the late reputed genius of Sri Lanka. Bawa, the father of Tropical Modernist architecture, began the design of the resort almost 30 years ago. The main building here is a signature aesthetic of a sunlit, breezy structure. This was to be one of his final projects. Due to his death, the project lay dormant for 15 years until one of his followers, Channa Daswatte, completed the architectural masterpiece. One not often to be seen in any resort on the globe. It is the hub for arriving guests, welcomed by encouraging young folk dancers. It is home for check-in and check-out procedures, the bar, lounge and the main dining room. An impressive multifunctional planning utilising winds and fresh air.

 

With an extraordinary secluded beachfront setting on the picturesque southwest coast, where the Kalu Ganga River meets the roaring Indian Ocean, this resort certainly offers an authentic local leisure experience for the upmarket. Our sense of wanderlust to a paradise was transformed into reality in our pool garden villa, with a unique design and comfort. It included a separate aristocratic well-equipped living room and an adjacent state-of-the-art bedroom. The two rooms are flanked by a fenced yard and a small pool. This intimate compound was pure luxury.

 

It was difficult to decide which of the soothing lagoons to enjoy. The family-oriented one, or the adults only. The beach was the most appealing to us, especially during the amazing sunsets. We relaxed under screwpines, a tropical tree with long blade-like leaves and fruit that looks like a pineapple. Just magical.

 

Anantara Kalutara was the best proof that high-end tourists will surely enjoy this island country. All they have to do is put it on their top lists in Asia. “What are the challenges?”, I asked Anantara Hotels and Resorts Country Director, Keith Tomkies. “We need to expand to new markets. There is a constant need for the Ministry of Tourism to find ways to encourage new visitors. A major challenge is the increase in the number of flights arriving here. Emirates and Qatar airlines are key players and Cathay Pacific just resumed flights. More direct flights from Europe are essential”, he says. Tomkies admits that I am the first Israeli he ever meets and tourists from the holy land are most welcome. He is definitely thrilled with the direct flight from Ben Gurion Airport. “We are around 90 minutes from the airport, ideally located between the lagoon and the ocean. Visitors will surely enjoy the rich history and culture that Sri Lanka presents, together with the many experiences the resort offers”, he promises.

 

Israelis might find the airfare costs high, however, staying in Sri Lanka in luxury resorts like the hotel in Kalutara is much more affordable than resorts in any place in Israel, or Europe. Visiting a friendly country that reflects a local heritage and is not affected by heavy tourism like in popular destinations in Asia is assured. A destination to explore.

Visit - https://www.anantara.com/en/kalutara