The two Aman properties in Sri Lanka – Amangalla and Amanwella – introduce an exciting range of summertime activities for travellers of all persuasions.

A fitting destination for those looking to balance time by the water with authentic travel experiences, Sri Lanka’s sundrenched south shores are home to two distinct Aman properties. The undisputed queen of the coastline is the quaint town of Galle, home to Amangalla, while just over an hour’s drive east, Amanwella provides a contemporary retreat with its own palm-fringed beach close to the picturesque village of Tangalle.

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With the summer months bringing warmer, drier weather, both hotels have introduced a number of new experiences for all ages to enjoy, while Amanwella is showcasing its refreshed suites and social spaces following a short seasonal closure.

Amangalla, Galle

Resting on tree-lined Church Street, Amangalla’s historic setting has warmly welcomed guests since 1683 as part of what was then the New Oriental Hotel.

Offering views of Galle Fort and the harbour on one side and the hotel’s pristine gardens and swimming pool on the other, lofty-ceilinged suites exude a sense of place and interconnecting rooms make it a haven for families exploring the area. Exquisite Sri Lankan and international cuisine can be savoured al fresco on the veranda or in the elegant Dining Room, while the atmospheric spa, The Baths, houses hydrotherapy facilities and a yoga pavilion.

New for the season, the resort’s Ayurveda Experience delivers a wholly transformative stay, rooted in ancient healing philosophy. Embracing this age-old wisdom, the experience is available for three or seven nights with both spa journeys including a doctor-led consultation, development of a personalised treatment plan, daily breakfast, Hatha yoga classes and 60-minute Ayurvedic therapy sessions.

An all-encompassing journey, those embarking on the seven-night programme will also benefit from daily lunch and dinner, tailored to meet individual needs as prescribed in the treatment plan, alongside a trip to the Handunugoda tea plantation, and Buddhist blessings at the temples of Yatagala and Rumassala.

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For those seeking a more active stay, the new Kanneliya Rainforest Trek ventures into Galle’s verdant surrounds. Accompanied by an expert tracker and guide, the exhilarating morning hike passes through lush tropical canopies, home to an abundance of flora, fauna and wildlife – from monkeys to chameleons – before arriving at a breathtaking waterfall where energy levels are replenished with a picnic breakfast.

Slightly further afield, embark on an Elephant Safari in Udawalawe National Park. Departing the hotel at 5.30 am, a two-hour drive leads to this spectacular 30,000-hectare nature reserve, home to an elephant population of over 400.

A knowledgeable guide leads an unforgettable wildlife encounter by Jeep, followed by a private picnic breakfast or afternoon tea served in the heart of Udawale’s wilderness. This experience is also offered at Amanwella, with the national park approximately 1.5 hours from the resort by car.

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Also within close proximity to Galle, the charming village of Balagoda, surrounded by picturesque rice paddy fields, beckons. Providing the opportunity to interact with friendly locals and marvel at magnificent views, the new Sunset Biking Tour is a memorable way to spend a balmy Sri Lankan night. A steady, scenic eight-kilometre ride weaves through the foliage before arriving at the Gin Ganga Dam at dusk where a high picnic tea is served, offering a serene dining experience in nature’s embrace.

Set in Sri Lanka’s most richly historic destination, those visiting Amangalla can explore the island’s colourful past. A new experience to the Sooriya Weaving Mills Handloom Factory reveals the age-old process of dying fabric in a range of vibrant hues.

The factory is one of a few remaining establishments preserving ancient methods and techniques. Offering a glimpse into this timeless artistry, learn the technique, of creating a keepsake napkin with guidance from the factory’s all-female workforce – many of whom have dedicated more than four decades of their lives to the craft.

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Just moments from the hotel itself, the walls of Galle Fort contain a bustling time capsule of narrow pathways lined with old houses, churches, boutiques and restaurants beneath terracotta-tiled rooftops. To capture these scenes, the new Galle Fort Watercolour Experience invites both experienced artists and beginners alike to create their own masterpieces in some of the most eye-catching areas of the ancient citadel.

With all materials included and guidance from Janaka De Silvia, a visual art curator, and Chandana Samarakoon, a traditional Sri Lankan artist, the inspiring half-day session unleashes inner creativity while visiting Galle’s most iconic sights.

For those travelling with little ones, Lotus Wood Painting and Chocolate Cooking Classes provide an informal immersion in Sri Lankan culture and craft, with these family-friendly activities also led by expert guides.

Amanwella, Tangelle

Further along the coast, a winding jungle track reveals Amanwella and its incomparable oceanside setting. Perched above a private golden sand beach, the resort is the perfect rural complement to Amangalla.

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Having recently reopened following a short closure to enhance the on-property experience, newly refurbished suites with their own private terraces and plunge pools, are an inviting option for visitors. Furthermore, the restaurant, 47-metre swimming pool and other public spaces have also benefitted from renovation works, including new floors and joinery.

Down on the sand, the Beach Club offers laidback dining, complemented by an open-air yoga deck – where new family yoga sessions provide an interactive way to reconnect and find a place of considered calm – and complimentary watersports.

From December to April, the south coast of Sri Lanka is considered one of the best places in the world for whale watching, while year-round, its shores attract both experienced and novice surfers with the beaches near Amanwella boasting a range of breaks and private surfing lessons for all abilities.

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Also on the water, fishing in the Indian Ocean makes for the most rewarding of experiences. Departing Amanwella, at dawn, Wasantha, a local fisherman, teaches the traditional handline method of fishing on an invigorating three-hour boat trip before Amanwella’s chefs prepare the day’s catch for lunch or dinner.

Finally, a new programme of cooking classes in the tranquil Coconut Grove provides insight into the country’s culinary heritage. Suitable for all ages, the resort’s head chef leads interactive sessions creating delicious local dishes such as prawn curry and coconut sambal.

There is also the opportunity to venture out with the chef in the early hours, sourcing seasonal ingredients from the market before cooking the produce and enjoying the creations for lunch

For more Experiences click here.