Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort opens

Hemas Holdings in partnership with the Minor Hotel Group recently opened the first Anantara resort in Sri Lanka - Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort.

The resort on a 21-acre coconut estate overlooking the picturesque Tangalle Bay has 120 guest rooms, 32 private pool villas, a Anantara Spa, a double level infinity swimming pool, fully equipped cardio-gym and children's and teen's club. Cinnamon Air offers a daily flight from Colombo. The resort also operates a luxury bus service from Colombo.

A variety of restaurant, bar and lounge venues showcase vibrant cuisine, all with sea views. 'Journeys', the all-day restaurant serves world classics and Sri Lankan, Middle Eastern and Asian specialties. For lunch and dinner, Sri Lankan inspired Teppanyaki dining titillates the taste buds at the Verele beach restaurant. At the resort's signature restaurant, Il Mare, Italian coastal cuisine is savoured, capturing the Mediterranean's convivial spirit.

There are Tapas and wine degustation menus at El Vino and the Poolside Bar serves refreshing beverages, light bites and sundowner cocktails. The Lobby Lounge offers Sri Lankan high tea.

The Anantara Spa, stimulates a holistic well-being with ancient healing practices enhancing the connection between mind, body and spirit. Facilities comprise four double treatment suites and four single treatment suites, a beauty salon, facial room, specialist ayurvedic and reflexology and two tranquil relaxation areas.

The resort is close to the Yala, Bundala and Uda Walawe National Parks and the Rekawa Turtle Sanctuary. A hotel spokesman said, "The resort has already garnered much interest around the world, with CNN including the resort on their list of "11 hotels opening in 2015 we can't wait to check into".

The list, which was part of CNN's Quest's Passport to 2015, acts as a guide to the years' most anticipated cruises, destinations and events. The second Anantara property, Anantara Kalutara Resort, is due to open in March 2016. Serendib Leisure Management Ltd, the leisure arm of Hemas Holdings, manages Hotel Sigiriya, Club Hotel Dolphin and the internationally branded hotels Avani Bentota Resort and Spa, and Avani Kalutara Resort.