Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort: A Slice of Paradise
My stay at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort was nothing short of spectacular. Nestled on a cliff with panoramic sea views and surrounded by a sprawling coconut plantation, this resort offers an immersive and luxurious experience. Here’s a breakdown of what stood out to me:
- Stunning Location: The resort is located in a breathtaking area with mesmerizing ocean views. The natural beauty surrounding the property is truly unparalleled.
- Exceptional Service: From the moment I arrived, the staff was incredibly accommodating and attentive. The traditional “raban drums” welcome and the departure ceremony with conch shell blowers were unique touches that added to the cultural experience.
- Luxurious Accommodations: The private villa I stayed in was a haven of comfort and elegance, complete with a personal plunge pool, a wine humidor, espresso machine, and high-end bath products. The villa’s design beautifully reflects Sri Lankan cultural aesthetics.
- Diverse Dining Options: The resort features six dining options, and I particularly enjoyed the Sri Lankan inspired Teppanyaki beach restaurant and the Italian restaurant, Il Mare. The food quality and variety were excellent.
- Wellness and Activities: The Anantara Spa offers exceptional treatments, including Ayurvedic massage and reflexology. I also appreciated the complimentary yoga sessions in the morning and evening with a fantastic instructor.
- Family-Friendly: The kids and teen club with trained childcare professionals is a great facility for families. The resort also offers a variety of activities, including surfing, cycling, and wildlife safaris, which cater to guests of all ages.
- Attention to Detail: The resort provides in-room check-in services and personalized butler services, enhancing the overall experience.
Areas for Improvement:
- The beach is not always accessible for swimming due to strong tides, which can be a bit disappointing for those looking to enjoy the ocean directly.
- The outdoor restaurant lighting could be improved to create a better ambiance during dinner.
- Water charges during dinner on a half-board basis could be made clearer to guests beforehand.
Overall, my stay was exceptional, thanks to the combination of luxurious accommodations, stunning natural surroundings, and top-notch service. I highly recommend Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort for anyone looking to experience the best of Sri Lankan hospitality and beauty.
Maxim –
[+] Even though our initial impressions were mixed, the management and staff worked diligently to ensure we had a wonderful experience. The beach was outstanding, exceptionally clean, and offered breathtaking views. The natural surroundings were magnificent, teeming with wildlife such as peacocks, monkeys, and squirrels, creating a unique and picturesque atmosphere that truly captured the essence of tropical nature. The expansive hotel grounds provided ample opportunities for leisurely walks, tennis, and featured stunning viewpoints perfect for dining, photography, yoga, or simply enjoying the ocean view. Dining at the hotel was a pleasure, with a diverse range of culinary options from Italian to Asian cuisine, all exceptionally delicious. Additionally, the hotel’s security team ensured a peaceful environment by keeping persistent local vendors at bay, allowing us to relax without disturbance.
[-] However, there were some downsides to our stay. While the staff’s dedication was commendable, it sometimes veered into persistence, becoming somewhat annoying with repeated attempts to encourage us to order more, often the most expensive items on the menu. The pricing at the hotel was peculiar, with everything being considerably overpriced—more so than even Europe’s most exclusive destinations. Despite this, the quality of the food was worth it. Unfortunately, this high price tag did not always equate to the best level of service, as the staff frequently insisted we write positive reviews and engaged in conversation while we were trying to enjoy our meals. Moreover, the addition of non-transparent taxes led to a final bill that was 30% higher than expected, making it at least 1.5 to 2 times more expensive than a comparable European restaurant. The breakfast offerings were also disappointing, more befitting a 3 or 4-star establishment, which was underwhelming given the overall setting. Lastly, despite the hotel’s claims of sustainability, the reality fell short. Walking around the hotel often felt dangerous due to fast-moving tuk-tuks emitting noxious fumes, making the experience feel more like being in a traffic jam with heavy exhaust pollution. Additionally, while the hotel provided glass water bottles in an attempt to be eco-friendly, the bottles were not sealed, which was unconventional and inconvenient for a place of this caliber.
In summary, this hotel offers stunning natural beauty and amenities that can create a truly memorable experience, enhanced by the tropical nature that surrounds it.
Abdallah –
[+] Our stay at Anantara Oeave Haven was truly exceptional!
The place offers stunning views, a wide range of experiences, and activities that cater to all family members. The staff was particularly impressive with their service.
The spa was fantastic, and the gym had a great variety of equipment and convenient hours.
[-] While the food at the restaurants was outstanding in both quality and variety, the outdoor restaurant lighting could be enhanced to create a more pleasant atmosphere.
Raya –
The hotel exceeded our expectations in every way. The staff delivered exceptional service, with a special mention to our host, Thisari, who was outstanding. She was incredibly responsive, prompt, and attentive, which significantly enhanced our comfort. Thisari’s professionalism greatly contributed to our positive experience.
The rooms were spotless and offered breathtaking views. The on-site restaurants were a treat, and the pools were not only beautiful but also provided amazing views. Although the beach was picturesque, its strong waves prevented us from swimming.
Overall, our stay was fantastic, and I would certainly consider returning during my next trip to Sri Lanka. The combination of excellent service, pristine accommodations, stunning views, and wonderful amenities makes this hotel an ideal choice for future visits!
Sharifa590 –
[+] Stunning location for unwinding and taking in the ocean views 😎
[-] Slightly pricey
Noura –
[+] Our stay here was delightful, and the staff’s attentiveness was truly commendable. With numerous restaurants and activities available on the premises, we found there was no need to venture out. Also, the abundant wildlife added a special touch to our experience.
[-] The only drawback was that we couldn’t swim in the ocean due to strong tides. We were informed that swimming is not permitted from October to January. Nevertheless, everything else was fantastic.
Shiela –
[+] Excellent location with a stunning surrounding atmosphere and fantastic staff. The room was beautiful and spacious.
Farida –
[+] The location is fantastic, the rooms are stunning, and the beach access is very convenient. The service was outstanding, with staff consistently going out of their way to make sure we had a memorable stay. We had an incredible experience at the resort.
[-] None
Pritisha –
[+] The property is stunning and expansive, offering plenty of activities to enjoy. The food at the breakfast buffet and all the restaurants was outstanding, and the service was prompt and efficient.
[-] Although it’s beyond their control, the beach is inaccessible due to rough conditions. It would be helpful if the staff provided a list of activities available on the property and in the surrounding area.
Muataz67 –
[+] The room, the resort, the staff, the service, and the food were all outstanding.
[-] No complaints
Emilija –
[+] The property is beautiful and situated in a breathtaking location. Our room had an incredible ocean view, and the staff were exceptionally kind and attentive. We thoroughly enjoyed the complimentary morning and evening yoga sessions with a fantastic instructor, as well as the delicious food. Overall, our stay was exceptional.
[-] However, we were unaware that there would be an additional charge for water during dinner despite being on a half-board plan.