Three colours that conjure up a world full of harmony and exciting contrasts at the same time. Three destinations, each of which is enriching, impressive and unforgettable in its own way. Sri Lanka, a green pearl in the Indian Ocean, with its exoticism and many facets. Abu Dhabi, sitting majestic and sublime in the blue waters of the Persian Gulf. The golden Liwa Oasis with its magical ‘One thousand and one nights’ and the boundless expanse of the dune landscape. But there’s one name above all others that represents top class luxury: Anantara. At the end of this wonderful journey, I was unable to decide which of the three locations exudes the most magic and fascination. You’re best making that choice yourself.
Tropical heat embraces me. Palm trees sway in the wind and the sound of the waves can be heard from the nearby beach. I am greeted with a smile by Tamir Kobrin, director of the Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort in Sri Lanka as he invites me into the lobby lounge, where I savour a piece of the colonial past in the form of a high tea. The Swiss native is a pioneer in his field: the recently opened hotel is the island nation’s first luxury resort. Set in idyllic seclusion, perched on a cliff ledge on the outer reaches of the southern coast, immersed in the light green colour of a coconut plantation. After the hectic journey from the airport to the capital city of Colombo – bicycles and tuk-tuks, lorries and buses tilting forcefully in unexpected manoeuvres – this place welcomes me with soothing tranquillity. The accomplished architecture, which is a blend of Asian, colonial and modern elements, is characterised by natural materials and contemporary design. The main building and several two-storey outbuildings contain spacious rooms that offer all the comforts of a 5 star hotel. My accommodation is situated next to the large pool area: one of the beach villas with private pool. Although a little more privacy would be preferable, the comfort and closeness to the sea make this place the perfect tropical paradise.
I savour the peaceful tranquillity. I decide to visit ‘Il Mare’ for dinner, one of the resort’s four restaurants, and not only because of its wonderful views. The selection of Mediterranean specialities ranges from home-made pasta to local, freshly-caught fish and seafood. The themed buffets at Journeys, tapas and wine specialities at El Vino and Sri Lankan teppanyaki on the beach are all on the programme for the coming days. The next morning begins with a sporting theme: by taking part in some Tai Chi on the beach, I learn how to harmonise the body and mind. The Ayurveda treatments at the Anantara Spa, where wellness and beauty experts attend to guests with countless pampering treatments, have this same aim in mind. Those who prefer yoga, pilates, cardio or weight training will quickly observe: this is a good place for keeping fit. But even though the Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort attracts visitors to stay there, you shouldn’t miss out on the great selection of sights and worthwhile experiences that make Sri Lanka so unique – a lot of places can be reached within just a couple of hours: charter a motorboat in Mirissa and go whale watching. Discover wild animals on a safari in the Yala National Park. And the absolute must: take a trip through the highlands, which are home to the large herb and tea plantations. One thing is for certain: its beauty and diversity mean that Sri Lanka has the ideal prerequisites for becoming a top destination.
Abu Dhabi Stopover - Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa
My journey continues. It’s late in the evening, but the glamorous lights of the Abu Dhabi skyline are glittering. The capital city of the Emirate of the same name, after Dubai the second largest city in the United Arab Emirates, radiates a sense of wealth and elegance at first glance. The Arc cleverly encompasses both the time-honoured traditional and modern cosmopolitan: large office towers rise in filigree glass/steel architecture and sweep gracefully towards the sky, while right next to this, magnificent palaces and mosques with gilded domes and pillars reflect the Oriental architecture and way of life. But Abu Dhabi is much more than just a mainland, as the city extends far into the blue expanse of the Persian Gulf, with headlands and islands interspersed with countless waterways and lagoons. For my stay here, which is only for one night, I check into the Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa. Located just 15 minutes from the airport, a city hotel awaits me, that impresses guests with modern elegance and is directly adjacent to the sprawling Eastern Mangroves Nature Reserve. The Corniche, Abu Dhabi’s beautiful waterfront promenade, and the downtown area are just a five minute drive away, whereby the location combines a wealth of attractive options. The grand character that radiates from the building’s exterior is also expressed fully in its interior. The rooms and suites, with their living areas of between and 60 and 180 square metres, offer a great amount of space. Elegant furniture, materials and colours ensure stylish, luxury surroundings. More discerning travellers will probably opt for a Kasara Mangroves suite – these include a private pool and concierge service. The Royal Mangroves Residence, the largest VIP suite in the Emirate, offers boundless luxury. Encompassing an area of more than 2,000 square metres and befitting the social status of its guests, this residence offers 10 bedrooms, a private roof terrace with infinity pool and bar, butler, cook and wellness therapist. But even ‘normal’ guests also receive an all-round pampering.
