Bring your family, friends and furry friends and takeover the sensational site.
The air is rich with the smell of freshly baked cookies, and our cups are filled with tea. Our picnic is perfectly placed on the green grass, overlooking the Maaliyadda waves in the Indian Ocean. In true tropical style, the rain begins to fall. Without hesitation, eight-strong staff shield us with a plastic sheet. They hold each edge up like a tent pole, and don’t stop until the shower subsides. Welcome to ÀNI Sri Lanka.
ÀNI is an industry disrupter. If you haven’t heard of it, there’s a reason why: money talks, wealth whispers. The private resort is one of the high-end hotel sector’s best-kept secrets. Founded in 2010, ÀNI’s resorts can be found in Anguilla, Dominican Republic, Thailand and Sri Lanka, and are designed for a single group of guests across a set number of suites. It has also launched a pet programme so that guests can bring their furry friends.
Hollywood and Bollywood A-listers are fans of the brand, thanks to its decadence, discretion, and dedicated service. CEO, Yeshi Phuntsho, explains: “Celebrities love that they can have the place to themselves and that they don’t have to interact with other guests”.
Located a three-hour drive from Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, ÀNI Sri Lanka ensured that the pick-up and drop-off were sophisticated and smooth. The team were literally on hand with every amenity we needed (and didn’t know we needed): air-conditioning, cold towels, snacks, sunscreen and WiFi.
Rooms and suites
ÀNI Sri Lanka can accommodate between six and 30 guests. The rooms include eight split level suites, four classic suites and three family suites. Spanning 700 square feet, our split-level suite was a serene spot for three nights. The suite felt like a one-bedroom apartment with a spacious bedroom, bathroom and balcony.
The bedroom was the stuff dreams are made of. The layout made the most of the Instagram-worthy view. The king-size bed was positioned under the high bamboo ceilings and faced the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the stunning sea. It’s rare that we use a desk in a hotel, but this one was so spectacularly situated that it oozed inspiration.
The bathroom was made for luxuriating, thanks to its rainfall shower, outdoor shower, and circular bathtub (with sea salts on the side). The balcony boasted soft sofas, sunset views, and an unexpected guest—the resident peacock.
Restaurants and bars
Since ÀNI Sri Lanka isn’t your conventional hotel, it isn’t home to conventional restaurants. Head Chef, Cyril Human and his team can create any cuisine. We had world-class versions of international dishes, from scones that impressed this guest from England, to sushi that our fellow Japanese diner called authentic. Plus, the cocktail choices are endless – so much so, that when the staff asked for our order, any menu was replaced with a smile and the statement: “We can make anything”.
Sri Lankan meals were the hospitality highlight, and came courtesy of humble locals to a big business. Ministry of Crab is a homegrown success story, which can be found across the world in Bangkok, Singapore and Shanghai. Head Chef Dharshan Munidasa and his team made their way from Columbo to ÀNI Sri Lanka, and curated a magical meal.
Facilities
ÀNI Sri Lanka boasts beautiful facilities including two infinity pools, massages on demand and excursions that add a luxe yet local touch. The resort can be transformed with cooking classes, an outdoor cinema and games. Take your pick from archery, football, volleyball and more. Excursions include cycle tours, tuk-tuk rides, surfing and a once-in-a-lifetime safari trip to Udawalawe National Park. On our visit, we had the joy of seeing buffalos, crocodiles, peacocks and a family of elephants.
When you stay at a five-star property, it can feel like you’re not part of the community. If you want to explore the surrounding sites, ÀNI Sri Lanka can help. ÀNI Art Academy is a non-profit education organisation which nurtures local artists and offers a unique souvenir.
The Verdict
At the heart of ÀNI Sri Lanka are the 30 staff members. The team anticipates our needs with quiet confidence—never overbearing and always gracious. When we swam in the pool, someone offered to clean our sunglasses. When we were ill, someone bought toast on a silver platter. When we left for our night flight, pillows were placed on our car seat.
And, just like that tent in the rain, the ÀNI Sri Lanka team has got you luxuriously and lovingly covered.
GO: Visit https://aniprivateresorts.com for more information.