AVANI Hotels & Resorts, the internationally acclaimed brand,presents AVANI Kalutara, situated in a serene estuary where the Kalu Ganga meets the Indian Ocean
Words Nadhwa Mohamed Photographs Indika De Silva
The building, almost three decades old, is the only hotel to be refurbished by Geoffrey Bawa, the renowned Sri Lankan architect. The initial structure was never demolished and its original charm has been preserved. Meaning ‘Earth’ in Sanskirt, AVANI reflects the true nature of its name within its premises and interior.
AVANI Kalutara stands in harmony with the greenery and foliage that surrounds it. Luscious emerald green gardens and looming palm trees swaying in the backdrop of the glistening ocean make way for a picture-perfect view. The sea on one side, Kalutara lagoon on the other, and the river mouth just up ahead, the resort seems to be nestled in its very own private island, creating a blissful ambiance—an aspect loved by its many visitors. Not only is it calm and quiet, ideal for a romantic getaway for honeymooners, it is also a favourite vacation spot for families as well.
The breezy corridors and halls of the hotel carry striking hues that were colour schemed to match the setting and usher one into AVANI. Bright pops of colour here and there along with hanging lanterns, wooden accents and man-made ponds exude vibrance and refinement. A vast, elevated area, bedecked with sun loungers and beach umbrellas, surrounds the sparkling azure pools—a relaxing atmosphere to cool off in the warm sunny weather.
To enjoy a scrumptious meal within the comfort of the hotel, you can choose to dine at either Mangrove or Moya. While Mangrove, the main restaurant, serves buffet meals throughout the day and themed dinner buffets every night, Moya—the welcoming a la carte restaurant, offers an international fusion menu, seafood specialties and breathtaking views of the beach. With the vista of the Kalu Ganga (river), one can also enjoy flavoursome light meals and cocktails at the Miridiya Bar while the Karadiya Bar, located by the poolside, allows guests to indulge in the surrounding tranquillity and beauty over various drinks and snacks.
Moreover, you can request the management to arrange private dining settings anywhere from the beach to the gardens. The hotel is popular as a venue for conferences and seminars as well as private functions and parties, with its banquet room offering many amenities and business facilities.
The AVANI staff are very keen on finding ways to assist their guests, and the hotel offers remarkable 24 hour room service and in-room dining options as well. With 105 rooms spanning over the ground floor and two other floors, the hotel can accommodate guests in a range of rooms; Courtyard View Rooms, Superior Sea View Rooms and Superior Lagoon View Rooms as well as six Junior Suites. The rooms, designed with exotic colours and decor, are equipped with an IPTV, DVD players and mini bars and come with private balconies. The suites, spanning over 48 square metres, offer a bathtub, sitting area and both lagoon and sea views.
However, if you want to enjoy some time away from the comforts of your rooms, one can spend his/her evenings at AVANI enjoying live music, cultural shows and various forms of performances that are presented daily for entertainment.
For the fun-loving and the adventurous, AVANI offers exciting water sports activities at the Water Sports Centre from riding jet skis to deep sea fishing, kayaking along the Kalu Ganga river, boat riding, canoeing, snorkelling and scuba diving. Guests can revel in recreational activities such as table tennis and a game of pool along with water polo and beach volleyball as well as indoor games such as darts, carrom and chess. Here, you will also find an impressively well equipped gym where you can head for a good workout and weekly yoga classes.
After a tiring day, you can visit the rejuvenating Spa by Spa Ceylon. One of the best of its kind, here you will be completely pampered and spoilt with a variety of soothing herbal facials, ayurvedic therapies, massages and aromatherapy. Or, if you fancy a more quiet time, visit the library to avail yourself with interesting reads to broaden your knowledge of Sri Lanka.
For those who are interested in having a local themed wedding, AVANI Kalutara hosts Sri Lankan traditional weddings. Sri Lankan weddings are a colourful affair, and quite an incredible sight to be witnessed. The wedding ceremonies are complete with Kandyan traditional dancing and parading elephants.
AVANI brings together luxurious comforts and contemporary style, creating an outstanding vacation spot. Sophisticated and refined, AVANI Kalutara Resort is an all-rounder.
St. Sebastian’s Road, Katukurunda,
Kalutara
(+94 433) 297 700
