Avani Kalutara

The 105 rooms and junior suites are stylish and contemporary with traditional Sri Lankan touches such as carved wooden panelling, soft silks and shuttered windows. Standard rooms surround a pretty courtyard, while others have views of the lagoon or ocean. The main restaurant, Mangrove, offers a range of themed buffets, while Moya’s oceanfront terrace is a great place for lighter meals.

The hotel provides entertainment most evenings, including cultural shows and live music, but there’s also lots to see in the local area once you have spent enough time indulging yourself with blissful spa treatments, enjoying a yoga class, relaxing beside the pool or on the sandy beach.

A short trip to the neighbouring town of Palataota is a must to see an exquisite country retreat – Richmond House – which was originally a spice plantation mansion. Set in a 42 acre fruit garden estate, it was built in 1896 and is a magnificent hybrid of Indian and British architecture.

Like many parts of Sri Lanka, Kalutara is bird watcher’s paradise.  Keep an eye out for the white vented drongo, eagles, owls, white-breasted water hen, Ceylon myna and black hooded oriole swooping overhead.

Although the hotel doesn’t offer a childrens’ club, families are welcome and there is a smaller children’s pool.