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Home Travel Food & Drink

Understated Luxury and Class at Anantara Kalutara Resort in Sri Lanka

Unwind at this beautiful Bawa-designed boutique hotel along the southwest coast of Sri Lanka

by Flo
June 13, 2017 - Updated on January 10, 2021
in Food & Drink, Hotel Reviews, Travel
41
Anantara Kalutara Sri Lanka pool view
Woman at Anantara Kalutara hotel pool in Sri Lanka with text overlay Woman at Anantara Kalutara hotel lounge in Sri Lanka with text overlay

Since my first Anantara experience in Bali more than a decade ago, I’ve sought out other Anantara properties around the world for their signature service, incredible food and tasteful decor that doesn’t sacrifice comfort for style. When planning my next trip back to Sri Lanka I knew that I had to visit the newest Anantara hotel in Kalutara!

Sometimes you discover a place that transports you away to a world that you never want to leave. It’s only happened to me a handful of times, where I check into a hotel and it physically pains me to think about leaving. The people, the atmosphere, the room, the pool, the wonderful out-of-this-world hospitality: Anantara Kalutara is one of those places.

Reception at Anantara Kalutara hotel in Sri Lanka

There is no shortage of luxury properties in Sri Lanka, they seem to be popping up like daisies left, right and center, but with all these options it may seem tough to pinpoint the best of the best. Located along the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, Anantara Kalutara joins its sister property, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle, as the newest Anantara hotel in Ceylon.

Pool at Anantara Kalutara in Sri Lanka

Located only an hour and a half away from Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, Anantara Kalutara is a wonderful retreat that will make your troubles seem so far away.

Anantara Kalutara Sri Lanka lounge

Geoffrey Bawa is often considered one of the greatest architects of his generation, and is known for his signature style of combining sunlit, breezy structures with nature. We first stayed at one of his properties in Sigiriya, at the Heritance Kandalama, where he managed to effortlessly integrate the mountain with the design & architecture of the hotel. Anantara Kalutara is one of Bawa’s final projects and blends together the island’s topical features and culture with colonial and local designs. The property retains many of Bawa’s original works including the main building with the arrival hall, lobby lounge and upstairs bar.

The Rooms at Anantara Kalutara

Bedroom at Anantara Kalutara in Sri Lanka

Anantara Kalutara has approximately 140 rooms and offers a number of options to suit different budgets and preferences: it has ocean view rooms, pool suites and two-bedroom villas just to name a few. We stayed in the deluxe lagoon view room and were blown away by the airiness and sun-filled space that we were to call home for the next few nights.

Bedroom at Anantara Kalutara in Sri Lanka

True to their design philosophy, the room is cosy and comfortable without being stuffy, or what I like to call understated luxury. I arrived at 1 am in the morning and let me tell you, this is the type of room you want to hibernate in after a long day of traveling. Prior to your stay, each guest receives a pre-arrival survey in which you can select what type of pillow you want, and believe me when I tell you that these pillows make all the difference when you’re trying to get a good nights’ sleep.

Bathroom at Anantara Kalutara in Sri Lanka

The massive balcony overlooks the Kalu river and long pool area and makes for a fantastic reading nook. Step into the bathroom and you may never want to leave. The bathroom has two sinks, a freestanding bathtub, the dreamiest rain shower (+ regular shower head) and every amenity you could need.

The Facilities & Food at Anantara Kalutara

Olu restaurant at Anantara Kalutara in Sri Lanka

Where do I start? The property has a long main pool, kids pool, 24 hour fitness center as well as 5 dining facilities: Olu (international), Acquolina (Italian), Spice Traders (Asian), Upper deck (cocktail lounge) and Dining by Design, a private dining concept. We tried the lunch at Olu and the food was fresh and tasty – I’ve always believed that you can judge a hotel by their club sandwich, and Anantara Kalutara did not disappoint!

Restaurant at Anantara Kalutara in Sri Lanka

The hotel’s second-storey cocktail lounge is the perfect place to enjoy a Sri Lankan sunset – be sure to order the signature mojito! For dinner, we tried Spice Traders and was greeted with an amazing menu filled with delicious Indian, Chinese and Thai options. You must taste the beef massaman curry, garlic naan and fish tikka!

Anantara Kalutara Sri Lanka Spice Traders

Spa lovers will rejoice at the signature spa which offers an assortment of ayurveda treatments, traditional massages, manicures/pedicures and waxing services. The spa has a total of 10 rooms, 4 of which are couple’s treatment rooms. I sat down with the in-house Ayurveda doctor, Dr. Nadeesha, for an in-depth consultation to find out my constitution and learn more about ayurvedic treatments and practices that could enhance my overall well-being.

After the extremely informative consultation (one of the things I learned was that I need to eat more astringent foods – ginger, lime, pepper!) I was led into the treatment room to join my partner for a pinda sweda treatment, an ayurvedic massage with cloth bags filled with herbs. The massage and treatment by the Balinese therapist is one of the best massages I have ever had in my life and it wasn’t long before I found myself drifting off and allowing my body and mind to relax.

Spa at Anantara Kalutara in Sri Lanka

The spa also offers free yoga lessons twice a week (Monday and Thursday mornings at time of writing) and can assist with booking private sessions. I tried out a hatha-style class with the local yoga teacher and was impressed by the amount of information he shared about each asana (pose).

The hatha class involved a number of standalone poses (not linked with vinyasas) and is a good intro to yoga for people who have not practiced before, or are relatively new to the practice – if you have been practicing Yoga for a while you may find this style of teaching a little too gentle. If you are looking for a more flow-style class I would recommend advising the hotel ahead of time so that they can inform the teacher accordingly.

Yoga class at Anantara Kalutara in Sri Lanka

Wifi is available throughout the property (with the exception of the spa) and we were pleasantly surprised by the signal strength as we had experienced some connectivity issues previously at the Anantara in Tangalle.

The Service at Anantara Kalutara

Geoffrey Bawa library at Anantara Kalutara in Sri Lanka

You can’t go wrong with the quality of service at Anantara properties, and the level of hospitality at Anantara Kalutara is no exception. If you want to truly feel pampered on your vacation, then look no further than Anantara. From Isuru who welcomed me at 1 am in the morning and Imran who greeted us with a massive smile at the front desk, to Rodney who hosted us at Olu and Dr. Nadeesha’s incredible warmth and patience, we truly left feeling like everyone had gone above and beyond to ensure that the stay was as enjoyable as possible. Click here to book your stay at Anantara Kalutara!

Things to Do Around Anantara Kalutara

Lagoon boat tour in Bentota Sri Lanka

If you want to step outside of the resort and explore the area, there are plenty of options. You can go on a local fishing trip to catch your own dinner with the help of the resorts “Fishing Guru”, sail down the Kalu on a river cruise, visit the Kalutara Bodhiya Buddhist Stupa, tour Geoffrey Bawa’s country residence, venture south to go on a mangrove tour in Bentota, go on a safari to Yala National Park or Udawalawe National Park, head to Galle Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and so on! The options are endless.

Dutch Hospital in Galle Fort Sri Lanka

Getting to Anantara Kalutara

Pool at Anantara Kalutara in Sri Lanka

The hotel is just 10 minutes away from the historic town of Kalutara and approximately 1.5 hours away from Bandaranaike International Airport. The hotel offers a luxury chauffeur service, or you can book your own transportation to/from the property (we paid approximately 9,000 Sri Lankan Rupees each way via a car service).

Click here to book your stay at Anantara Kalutara!

Hiriketiya Beach in Sri Lanka

All-in-all, Anantara Kalutara is yet another Anantara property not to be missed! I hope this Anantara Kalutara review helps you as you decide where to stay around the island.

Visiting Sri Lanka? You might also find these guides helpful:

  • Click here for the full list of 12 things you should know before your trip!
  • For more ideas of things to do while you’re in Sri Lanka, read my 2-week itinerary around the island
  • Venturing further south? Here is my ultimate guide to southern Sri Lanka
  • There are some incredible boutique and luxury hotels in Sri Lanka – here is my guide to the best accommodation around Sri Lanka
  • For more Sri Lanka travel tips and destination guides, head on over here

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No compensation was received for this review, however Anantara Kalutara offered my stay complimentary. As always, the opinions on Yogawinetravel.com are& (and always will be) my own!

This article contains affiliate links. If you choose to book using these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my website by using these links, I only recommend products or services that I have personally used & hotels I have visited and loved.

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Comments 41

  1. Claire Summers says:
    4 years ago

    Flo this place looks INCREDIBLE! All of your photos and stories from Sri Lanka are making me want to book a flight right now. Although I think if I stayed here I would never want to leave. That beach looks so inviting!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      This hotel is stunning! I’m all about avoiding cookie-cutter hotels and this place is right up my alley – comfortable yet luxurious!

      Reply
  2. Absolute Wanderlust says:
    4 years ago

    Wow, what an amazing property Flo! The room looks just perfect and the bathroom exquisite! I love the idea of understated luxury ❤

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      I tend to avoid places that are opulent and fancy schmancy, I love places that have a boutique feel so this was right up my alley 🙂

      Reply
  3. Jas from My Suitcase Journeys says:
    4 years ago

    I’ve yet to stay at a Anantara hotel but I’ve been hearing so many good things about it lately! I’m hoping to visit SE Asia in Jan and I really wish I have time to head over to Sri Lanka as well. All your photos from there make me wanna visit so bad!!!!!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      They have lots of properties around Asia, Jas! Make sure you check them out 🙂

      Reply
  4. roxanne bamboat says:
    4 years ago

    This looks beautiful ! I’m planning another trip to Sri Lanka soon so this is def going to be one of the spots !

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      You’ll love it, Roxanne! It’s close to the airport so you can always stay here on your way out/back!

      Reply
  5. Bob R says:
    4 years ago

    Great spot. The restaurant –and its offerings!– looks amazing.

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      It’s a fantastic property, Bob – will definitely be back!

      Reply
  6. ben says:
    4 years ago

    What a paradise!

    so romantic and peaceful….

    must visit sometime!!

    Thx!!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Sri Lanka is a stunning country – you should definitely visit before it starts getting busier!

      Reply
  7. Kyo Kurosawa says:
    4 years ago

    wow, definitely on my bucket list

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      It’s a fantastic place to stay – I highly recommend it!

      Reply
  8. Cali says:
    4 years ago

    A pre-arrival survey asking which type of pillow!??!! Seriously??? Sign me up! These are gorgeous photos and looks like a very relaxing accommodation.

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Yes – and food preferences, intolerances, special requests – the works!

      Reply
  9. Monika mizinska says:
    4 years ago

    omg this is a dreamy resort! I’d love to visit it. thanks for sharing with us <3

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      I hope you make it to Sri Lanka soon!

      Reply
  10. Emily says:
    4 years ago

    This place looks incredible!! Especially that food. I’ve been dying to go to Sri Lanka for ages and this is just another reason 🙂

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Let me know if you’d like any other recommendations!

      Reply
  11. Eve K says:
    4 years ago

    I didnt know about this chain. Looks great. Will have to check out 🙂

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      They have lots of properties around Asia and they’re incredible!

      Reply
  12. Chris C says:
    4 years ago

    Great post. I’m a little jealous that you were able to enjoy that little piece of paradise! In terms of beach resorts, how would you rate this on a scale of 1 to 10?

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Can I give it a 11? 🙂

      Reply
  13. Wanderlusvegans says:
    4 years ago

    This looks like a fine resort. I could imagine myself spending two weeks here. Especially since I have spent the last two weeks sleeping in my car! I need a vacation from my vacation. Look out Sri Lanka here we come.

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Haha a vacation from your vacation – that road trip must have been intense!

      Reply
  14. Hannah says:
    4 years ago

    Looks amazing! Even more excited to go to Sri Lanka now! God I love those breakfast buffets 🙂

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      You are going to love it! Whereabouts in SL are you headed?

      Reply
  15. Rhiannon says:
    4 years ago

    This looks amazing! The food looks delicious, and it’s definitely an incredible place to stay for luxurious accomodation. Beautiful views!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      What really sold me on Anantara Kalutara is that it’s luxurious, but down-to-earth at the same time!

      Reply
  16. Julianne says:
    4 years ago

    You had me at cocktails and Sri Lankan sunsets. 🙂 Totally gorgeous place – now I know where I’m staying when we visit Sri Lanka!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      Honestly this hotel’s bar served up one of the best mojitos I’ve ever tasted! If you’re traveling further south along the coast make sure you check out their sister property in Tangalle as well!

      Reply
  17. Mina says:
    4 years ago

    This looks really like paradise! Added to my bucket list <3

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      I hope you get to stay here one day soon Mina!

      Reply
  18. Milijana says:
    4 years ago

    Since Sri Lanka is on my bucket list, I would gladly check in a paradise like Anantara Kalutara Resort. And I have to say it, I can’t wait to take a safari to Yala National park!!

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      I LOVED the safari in Yala – if you love elephants make sure you check out Udawalawe as well!

      Reply
  19. Abhinav Singh says:
    4 years ago

    Sri Lanka has some of the classiest hotels. This one in particular is so charming. The food is tempting.

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      There are some seriously stunning hotels opening up – it’s an amazing destination!

      Reply
  20. Bruce Schinkel says:
    4 years ago

    What a beautiful resort! i loved everything you shared, and would totally stay here when visiting Sri Lanka

    Reply
    • Flo says:
      4 years ago

      I hope you get to experience Sri Lankan hospitality here, Bruce!

      Reply
  21. Iza Abao says:
    4 years ago

    The resort is beautifully decorated. The room has a combination of modern and traditional Asian style.
    I like that the food selections have a variety. It is nice that they offer free yoga classes. I would take advantage of it if I was there. I am sure that if given a chance I would stay here. It has also a great staff and an amazing view.

    Reply

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Hello!

Hi! My name is Flo. I'm a wanderlusting yogi who won’t say no to a good white sangria. I believe that travel and yoga are important avenues to experience new stories, lifestyles, culture and views - join me on Yoga, Wine & Travel as I share destination & travel guides, tips and hacks as well as stories from my Yoga journey! Read more about me and Yoga, Wine & Travel here.

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