Minor Hotels Group will launch its Anantara brand in Sri Lanka later this year.

The resort is set on a 21 acre coconut plantation in the south and will  have 120 guest rooms, as well as 32 one and two-bedroom pool villas.

The area surrounding the resort features tropical rainforests, paddy fields, Buddhist temples, resident blue whales, nesting marine turtles and unspoilt beaches.

The easiest access to the resort is via a 30 minute sea plane flight from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport to Dickwella, followed by a ten minute drive to the doorstep. Other transport options include chartering a private flight, helicopter transfers or making use of the resort’s luxury Hybrid SUV transfer service which is a three and a half hour drive from the capital.

Six restaurant, bar and lounge venues will showcase island cuisine and colonial customs. Journeys, the all-day international dining restaurant serves world classics and Sri Lankan, Middle Eastern and Asian specialties in a la carte or buffet style, with pool and ocean views. For lunch and dinner, Sri Lankan inspired Teppanyaki dining fires up the taste buds at the Verele beach restaurant.

After local fishermen have handed over their best fresh catches, the Il Mare chefs create delicious seafood and freshly made pasta dishes, the passions of the Italian coastline are savoured at this cliff-side restaurant. Capturing the Mediterranean’s convivial spirit, tapas and wine degustation menus are a real talking point at El Vino. By day the poolside bar serves refreshing beverages, light bites and sundowner cocktails, and for a charming retreat, the lobby lounge offers high tea with a Sri Lankan twist.

Rooted in Ayurveda, the Anantara Spa will stimulate holistic wellbeing. This ancient healing practice enhances the connection between mind, body and spirit. The spa features eight treatment suites, a reflexology centre and a beauty and hair salon.

The resort is an ideal base from which to explore Sri Lanka’s southern attractions including Wewurukannala Vihara temple, the rock temples of Mulkirigala and the Madunagala hot springs.  The resort is also close to wildlife reserves and only 30-minutes from Rekawa, a turtle conservation project.