Anantara Kalutara Hotel, Sri Lanka

Anantara Kalutara sits on Sri Lanka's southwest coast with a lovely dual waterway frontage, which is unusual for a resort of this size. You are on a stretch of coast that puts both Colombo and Galle Fort within easy reach (each about an hour's drive), while the historic town of Kalutara with its spice trading and colonial heritage is just ten minutes away. The setting gives you plenty of options beyond the resort grounds, from tea plantation visits to river cruises along the Kalu Ganga.

The property has 141 rooms, suites and pool villas, all designed with authentic Sri Lankan accents that give each space a real sense of place. Balconies and terraces face either the ocean or the lagoon, so the views vary nicely depending on your preference. There are interconnecting rooms for families, accessible options and villas with shared gardens if you are travelling in a group.

This is a resort that works well for a mixed itinerary. You could spend a few days here after a cultural tour of the Cultural Triangle or before heading to Galle. The dual waterway location means you can do both beach relaxation and river exploration without changing hotels. The nearby reefs are worth exploring for snorkellers and divers too.

Anantara Kalutara is a solid choice for couples and families who want a well-run resort with Sri Lankan character, rather than a generic international hotel. The location is its real strength, giving you a comfortable base from which to explore the southwest coast's many attractions.