The historic town of Kalutara on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast charms travellers with its culture and tropical nature. From the island’s spice trading days and colonial heritage, a rich tapestry of history beckons exploration – the 12th century Richmond Castle, the world’s only hollow Buddhist shrine and Kalutara Vihara, where vivid murals illustrate Buddha’s life.

Only an hour away from the excitement of Colombo, Anantara Kalutara Resort is a spanking new getaway that makes for the perfect base for the exploration of this nook of Sri Lanka.

With Indian Ocean and Kalu Ganga River views and a private river and lagoon frontage, the resort’s design inspiration is the architectural vision of the late Geoffrey Bawa – Sri Lanka’s most famous architect.