As I boarded, the promise of an enchanting journey ahead filled the air. Flying Business Class with SriLankan Airlines transformed the journey into a memorable escapade. As I settled into my plush seat, the friendly flight attendants welcomed me with warm smiles and a glass of sparkling champagne that shimmered like the Indian Ocean below. Soon enough, we glided into Colombo, a city alive with culture and hues. Upon my arrival at the Anantara Peace Haven Resort, I was instantly lulled by the gentle sound of waves crashing against the shore.
The brutal noise of everyday life faded away, replaced by a peaceful ambiance suffused with the fragrance of tropical flowers and fresh seafood grilling nearby. My luxurious villa had a private plunge pool, which beckoned me for a refreshing dip. As I settled in, excited for what lay ahead, I could feel Sri Lanka’s rich culture and bright spirit spilling from the very walls of this oasis.
CULINARY BLISS BY THE SEA
Let’s start with the food-where do I even begin? My culinary journey kicked off at Journey’s, the resort’s breakfast haven. The vibrant buffet was as impressive as an art gallery, boasting an array of dishes from traditional egg hoppers to decadent pastries.
My taste buds danced with delight at the first bite of savoury fish curry paired with that unique hopper texture. Post breakfast, I lounged by the infinity pool, which effortlessly merged into the horizon-each glance towards the ocean felt like I was shifting between reality and a surreal painting.
The true joy of dining at Anantara lies not only in casual meals between sun-soaked hours but in the mystical dinner experience that awaited me at Verele, the beachside teppanyaki restaurant. As the sun slipped below the horizon, live folk music curated a soothing backdrop to my BBQ feast.
I relished every moment as the skilled chefs prepared unique dishes, not just with ingredients but with love-a tradition handed down through generations. Each bite was an invitation into a world rich with history and vibrant flavours, a culinary dance of spices and textures that is quintessentially Sri Lankan.
Under the guidance of local chefs, I learned the secrets behind traditional Sri Lankan dishes, grating coconut and preparing aromatic curries. The air filled with laughter and the scent of freshly ground spices, and my creativity turned every dish into a small-plate masterpiece. Sharing what I cooked with fellow travellers over cocktails infused with innovative flavours like smoked Amarac was the cherry on top of this wonderful day.
WAVES, WELLNESS AND WONDERS
My adventurous side thrived during watching a thrilling surf lesson with an extraordinary instructor, who transformed missteps into pointers-by the end of it, you could be riding waves like a pro. A session of restorative yoga against the backdrop of the sun dipping into the ocean was the perfect balance, allowing me to connect both mentally and physically with nature. It was a moment of pure zen. Every treatment I enjoyed led me deeper into tranquillity, leaving me blissfully void of any worldly stress. Between flavours, surf and spa, I truly felt the essence of Sri Lanka’s welcoming charm.
— The author is an independent food & travel writer, a chef, and a catalyst
