Wispy clouds of deep purples and golden oranges. Postcard-worthy palm trees turned into silhouettes by the glowing sky. The mist of the sea rolling across the sands in the distance. It was a picture-perfect sunset (with the full camera roll to prove it). The best part? We were the only ones around to see it.
At ÀNI Sri Lanka, it’s all yours. Part of the world’s first private resort collection, the retreat near Dickwella on the tear-drop-shaped island’s south coast is exclusively available for a single group booking.
Founded by Tim Reynolds in 2010, the brand now has four properties – in Anguilla, the Dominican Republic, Sri Lanka and Thailand – with a fifth planned for next year.
Here in Sri Lanka, the beachfront estate has been designed to maximise its Indian Ocean vistas by being built on a gentle slope. At its tallest point, the welcome pavilion, you can see the entire property, which is split into two. Both halves are centred around a two-storey living sala – Villa Monara, or peacock, and Villa Divia, aka leopard – complete with an infinity pool. With cosy cabanas and sunken sun loungers, either option is pure social media fodder. Just next to the infinity pools are smaller kids’ pools, which you can reach via a twisting water slide.
Privacy is of the utmost importance, with the jungle surrounding the property adding to the feeling of a remote escape. While you’ll most likely spend the majority of your time in or around the airy living salas, the property is also home to an outdoor tennis court, a glass-fronted gym, and a double spa treatment suite. Indulgences offered draw inspiration from Sri Lanka, and include Ayurveda, sports, reflexology, and head massages, with up to 15 spa treatments included per day.
The design throughout the property is best described as tropical modernism – think vaulted ceilings, deep woods, and furnishings using natural materials like bamboo. Those elements extend to the sleeping quarters, which includes eight split-level suites, four classic suites, and three family suites, which either have gorgeous terraces overlooking the resort garden or Indian Ocean, or plunge pools. Up to 30 guests can stay, with some interconnecting rooms suited to families. The resort is entirely wheelchair-accessible, with rooms comprising a number of features such as tilting mirrors and extra-wide door frames to accommodate all abilities.
The entryway of our Classic Suite serves as a kind of dressing room, with two deep wardrobes, as well as a minibar containing homemade snacks and fresh coconut, best sipped on in the plunge pool. In the bathroom, you’ll find his and hers sinks, a rainfall and an outdoor shower, as well as a deep bathtub. Retreating to the suite at night offers both relaxation and surprise, with different gifts left on the bed each night.
After one activity-packed day, we return to find a bath filled with flowers, as well as a pillow spray and a note wishing us a good night’s rest. On our final night, branded luggage tags have been covertly added to our suitcases – a soon-to-be hot commodity among luxury travellers, we expect.
ÀNI prides itself on its highly curated itineraries, with guests introduced to the hotel’s general manager before a stay to ascertain their preferences. Every moment, whether in the resort or outside, becomes a special occasion – particularly dining. One evening, chefs from Ministry of Crab, the world-renowned Sri Lankan restaurant, prepare a meal for us. On another, we head down to the beach for a barbecue dinner next to a moonlit bonfire, with dancers and drummers performing in traditional Sri Lankan devil masks. The resort’s own Chef Cyril is a master of many global cuisines, from Japanese to European, but one of our favourite meals comes in the form of a buffet dinner showcasing the best of Sri Lankan cuisine.
We dine under a canopy woven out of palm leaves, and when it begins to rain, the staff rush in, in sync, to raise umbrellas above us and shield us from the short downpour. The perfectly timed movement speaks to the overall excellence of the service – the team, consisting of 30 staff, acts together as a well-oiled machine. Cold towels and a refreshing mocktail are offered at every opportunity, and staff move swiftly to enact every want without needing to be asked – after mentioning shisha over dinner, we moved to the outdoor cinema to find hookahs waiting for us. Yet, somehow, every interaction feels heartfelt and genuine – a masterful feat.
Where ÀNI really shines is during excursions. Much like the in-resort activities, every element is elevated. A trip to Udawalawe National Park to see elephants includes a lakeside lunch. A tour through the villages takes place in a branded tuk tuk, and a journey to Mawella Lagoon sees us float through the lily pads to the sounds of a live flautist. The description on the itinerary cannot accurately prepare you for the reality, so allow yourself to be wowed.
Thanks to its personalised nature, no two stays at ÀNI Sri Lanka will ever be the same – but they will be exceptional. It is, after all, tailored completely to you.
For more information, visit aniprivateresorts.com