This was our first stop in Sri Lanka and it did not disappoint. The first part we wanted somewhere to chill and adjust to the climate etc and Anantara did just that. Great property, food, staff and attention to detail. The whole team went out of their way to make us feel comfortable and welcome particularly to our toddler. Everyone learnt her name and she really enjoyed high giving everyone everyday from front desk, to the restaurant to housekeeping. They were super helpful ensuring she had sufficient food options with her egg allergy too. Food overall was great and rooms fantastic and spacious and well laid out. We had a pool access room and would recommend. We did bed and breakfast but ended up having dinner there most nights so would also recommend doing half board as discovered they often do good deals if you book direct. The spa was lovely and had a great massage. Also, the cocktails from the bar were delicious, some of the best i had in Sri Lanka! Lychee martini being a highlight.

Not a dislike but just a note there not much in walking distance from the hotel, hence my advice to do half board. You can do day trips elsewhere of course but personally think this hotel is suited to a holiday where you are looking to really kick back.

Our 2nd time back in 2 years because we love it that much. It feels like a small resort and even with the main hotel pool views and sea views while we stayed in the villas it felt like it was few people around at any given time which was quiet and lovely. Staff from management to housekeeping and restaurant staff were out of this world. We felt like royalty. They communicate via WhatsApp and coordinate reservations and meals. True professionals. The food is over the top amazing (please get the Peking Duck back on the menu at Spice traders 🙏). July is rainy and very humid and August was much better with less rain & humidity than July but still ditch that makeup 💄 because there’s no point). I see why winter is peak. I would still go back in August. The transfer to/from CMB we used Anantara luxury car for 3 of us. Mercedes small van in pristine condition with drink and snacks was top notch and made the 90 minute drive a breeze. Don’t forget croquet. We had so much time we booked private lessons twice! Loads of free activities too. Do the all-inclusive even if you don’t drink because you’ll find having a soda or snacks and meals adds up. All-in saves money unlike other resorts. The 1&2 bed villas with the pools are out of this world. Private and quiet and room for the whole family to have their space. The kids swim all day and I could read or do whatever and see the pool from every point in the villa. Big shout out to Dylan who kept our villa immaculate and created the most fun towel animals every morning.

If I HAD to say anything it would be the harassing of guys at the beach talking and giving out their taxi cards. It’s public of course but it was a bit annoying to say no thanks and they don’t stop and I finally had to get a bit firm with them. But I never felt unsafe as I was with my two daughters and was never worried at any point. It’s their job.

Walking into the Anantara Kalutara is like receiving the biggest, warmest hug. From the welcome experience onwards it’s impossible to fault it. The design of the hotel blends the lagoon and the sea plus the tradition and culture of Sri Lanka. There’s so many aspects to the hotel; the pools with their calm outlook, the restaurants with its soft muted colours and open spaces, the kitchen gardens, the walkways and paths to the sea. The bedroom stylish and calming. Even when the hotel was full, it felt spacious and relaxed with ample room to sit and chill. The Anantara’s main selling point must be its people. Nothing was too much trouble and everyone, without exception had time to chat. We felt truly valued as guests. The staff in the restaurant, pool areas and reception were fantastic. The chefs were always on hand and would even add Choices to the menu for us (my husband needed gluten free). I’d there was one outstanding feature of the hotel it would be their people. We’ve stayed with the group before and it’s the reason we return to this brand. Thank you to everyone we met at the hotel who made it such a wonderful experience. We are truly grateful to you.

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An excellent hotel with outstanding service. Nothing we asked about was ever ignored or declined. The staff we t above and beyond to support us in having an excellent holiday. It was our wedding anniversary and both of our children‘s birthdays when we were there and they pulled out all the stops for each celebration. From food, to kids club to happy hour to just remembering our names and what we’d been doing the day before, the staff were outstanding. We were there over Tamil new year and Easter and they put on amazing cultural events which were phenomenal. We felt like we had an excellent taste of the country before we even left the hotel! Huge shout out to the two ladies in kids club - our boy couldn’t stop talking about pizza making, t shirt painting and rabbit feeding! Alison’s huge shout out to Shamilan who served us breakfast each day where nothing was gone unnoticed! We cannot wait to come back!

The only very small things that could be improved is stronger fans in the restaurant as it was incredibly hot and when anything needed to be sent to the room like food or bath salts it seemed forgotten or took a very long time (over an hour). Important to note that there is no beach which might not appeal to some people.

Breakfast spread, variety of the dinner buffets, afternoon tea arrangement Proactiveness of the staff across the restaurants, house keeping, kids activity center and gym Massive 55 meter swimming pool with prompt poolside service and availability of life guards Kids activity center where our daughter was very well engaged

At Aquolina - The parma ham tasted old and the rinds were not removed At Spice Traders - The chicken satay was served without peanut sauce, the chicken and seafood seemed a tad overcooked, however, the amuse-bouche served ahead of our orders was really innovative.

From the moment we arrived at Anantara Kalutara, we knew we were in for something special. Nestled between the Indian Ocean and the Kalu Ganga River, this breathtaking resort perfectly blends luxury, serenity, and genuine Sri Lankan hospitality. Our week-long stay was nothing short of perfection. The architectural beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and stunning views set the stage for a truly unforgettable experience. Every detail, from the spacious, beautifully designed rooms to the world-class dining options, reflected Anantara’s commitment to excellence. What truly set this experience apart, however, was the exceptional staff who went above and beyond to make us feel not just like guests, but like family. Sampath, Thavindu, Vitaj, Ishah, Ravindu, Suwindu, and Pubudu were all outstanding, each contributing to the warm and welcoming atmosphere that made our stay so special. A particular mention must go to Pumudith, who was an absolute gem. His kindness, positivity, and genuine desire to ensure we had the best possible stay made a huge impact on us. Whether it was his fantastic service, insightful tips about Sri Lanka, or just his infectious enthusiasm, he truly elevated our experience. When I fell ill, he even went out of his way to bring me lime juice, which—miraculously—cured me! The food was phenomenal, the spa was a sanctuary of relaxation, and the overall atmosphere of the resort exuded elegance and tranquility. Whether we were lounging by the pool, enjoying a sunset cocktail, or taking in the stunning natural surroundings, every moment felt magical. If you’re looking for a place that combines five-star luxury with the warmth of genuine hospitality, Anantara Kalutara is the perfect destination. We left feeling rejuvenated, pampered, and already planning our return. Thank you to the entire team for an unforgettable stay!

Nothing

Deluxe lagoon room was large and very comfortable. Huge bed, large walk-in wardrobe, big bathroom with double sinks, rainfall shower in wet room with a free-standing bath. Food in the main restaurant was good, but US$52 for the evening buffet seemed excessive. Pool-side lunch menu was small but reasonable prices and food was ok. Main pool was very big, plenty of sunbeds, and rarely crowded. Good views from the pool. Best thing about this hotel is the staff. The people are friendly and kind. Special mention to Pumudith and Suwindu at the pool who were really lovely!

The adult-only pool is towards the beach, and is a thin strip pool with not many beds, which is a shame. Main pool is about 4m deep throughout which is ok, but a deeper end would have been nice. The bulk of the bar and restaurant seating is outside, which can be extremely hot and humid. Service in the restaurant can be a bit slow at times. They spray regularly to control the mosquitoes, but I still got a fair amount of bites on the overcast days. Drinks and food are quite expensive.

The room, views, location and staff were excellent.

There were many lights in the room focussed on various features, but they were dim and there was no overall light to illuminate the whole room resulting in having to work out which switches operated which lights and needed many lights to illuminate the whole room and at bedtime to switch them off! A master switch at the bed side would have helped. This is a common drawback with some of the higher priced hotels. The accompaniments (which were inexpensive vegetarian dishes) with the al-a-carte dishes we had were small in quantity, even though the quantity in the main dishes were good. Considering this, in our opinion, these dishes were significantly overpriced . The taste was generally fair.

Breakfast Buffet was really nice

The Pricing of Dinner Buffet way above market rates bring down slightly the value for money element Pricing a Thai sit down meal dinner with Thai chefs at Rs.29,500/- per person was unjustified and way above value for money criteria. However, the quality of food was excellent in normal buffet. Welcome was beyond expectations, staff was extremely courteous including Uneska of front desk, Shamal Wanigasuriya Asst Front Office Manager,Lashan Liyanage Front Office Manager, Pastry Chef Lankathilake and all stewards and staff were really caring, attentive, informative, supportive and creating a better experience in hospitality sector,

The breakfast was great. The pools were amazing. I loved the property and the nature that was surrounding us. Right from the squirrels to the birds to the Kaduru trees <3. I want a special mention to Mahimi who was really knowledgable of the property and also guided us well throughout our stay. So polite and accommodating.

That I decided to do the buffet dinner because the night that I arrived there was delicious sea food grill every where. But it was Mediterranean the night I joined the buffet and that is so common where I live, the UAE - so it was not special and not worth the money I spent on it.