Need to know
Rooms
28 suites.
Check–Out
2pm, but flexible up to 6pm, if available. Earliest check-in is noon, although early birds can score a suite after 6am on request. Charges may apply to late check-out and early check-in.
More details
Rates usually include breakfast, afternoon tea and minibar soft drinks.
Also
The hillside spa suite is the go-to place for prettying up talons, trotters and travel-weary visages, but if it’s blissful body treatments you’re after, the coconut grove spa garden is the spot for sensual flight-revival healing a deux.
At the hotel
Beach, gardens, spa, library, beach club, concierge, free WiFi in public areas with USB sticks and micro-sims available for in-suite surfing, pre-loaded iPods on request. In rooms: plunge pool, minibar, Bose iPod dock, custom-made Link Natural toiletries, after-sun lotion, lemongrass and citronella insect repellent.
Our favourite rooms
Amanwella’s stylish suites are all similar in design, with sleeping, living and sumptuous bathing areas partitioned by floor-to-ceiling sliding doors. Indoor spaces spill onto view-boasting balconies and courtyards filled with banquettes and plunge pools. Ocean Pool Suites and Ocean Hill Pool Suites offer the most indulgent sea scopes. Of these, we love Suites 110, 111 and 112 as they enjoy the greatest privacy and are nearest the beach, just a short stroll away down a palm-dotted hillside.
Poolside
Tucked below the restaurant and bar, Amanwella’s 47-metre long infinity pool hugs the hillside and boasts breath-snatching views of the palm-speckled bay and the sea. Beside it, a deep terrace is topped with cushioned sunloungers.
Packing tips
Kaleidoscope-bright kaftans, floaty cotton shirts and floppy designer hats. You’ll spend your days barefoot, but bring flip-flops or sandals for the evening.
Children
Welcome. Up to two children under 11 can be accommodated per room (the first stays free, the second for $200 plus taxes a night); please contact our travel team for any bookings with children. There’s also a complimentary babysitting service.
Overview
Amanwella opens its doors to kids of all ages. For families of four or more, we recommend outer-connecting rooms, which are connected by a terrace. Every room category at Amanwella has at least one set of outer-connecting rooms. We ask guests who are interested in booking an outer-connecting room to contact our Smith travel team to make the arrangements for them.
Best for
All ages.
Recommended rooms
Two little Smiths under 11 can be accommodated in each room (the first stays free, the second for $200 plus taxes a night); please contact our travel team for any bookings with children.
Activities
The beach is a kids magnet, and the hotel’s collection of buckets, spades and sporting equipment outshine the board games available indoors. While the sea is no friend to weak swimmers, there are lifeguards on duty on the beach and they’ll even accompany smalls into the sea to ensure they’re safe. Fishing trips and surf lessons should interest older children, as will the chance to spot elephants, leopards and crocodiles in nearby national parks. Creative kids can join the chef in the Amanwella kitchen for a hands-on peek into the art of Sri Lankan snack-making.
Swimming pool
There’s no shallow section of the pool, but lifeguards provide an extra pair of eyes.
Meals
Baby and children’s menus are available, with kid-friendly fare including pureed fruits, tomato and cheese toasties, stir-fried noodles and banana splits.
Babysitting
Babysitting can be arranged – just speak to staff in advance.
No need to pack
Baby cots, highchairs.