By Dimithri Wijesinghe
Avani Kalutara Resort has recently undergone a makeover, unveiling a stunning new look with elevated suites, a brand-new culinary destination courtesy of the resort’s all-day dining eatery “Mangroves Restaurant”, and the “Ganga Ballroom” with 360-degree views of the Indian Ocean.
The property is quite literally a hidden away paradise, with its quietly tucked away location, right next to Anantara Kalutara Resort on the archipelago; you can soak in its wide, open spaces and ocean breeze while lounging in its tastefully contemporary interior. The resort was designed by Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, and built where the Kalu River falls to the Indian Ocean.
The refurbishment has introduced to the 105-room Avani Kalutara Resort, two new Avani Ocean View Pool Suites, four Avani Ocean View Suites, and 12 Avani Ocean Deluxe Rooms, all equipped with any and all amenities one could think of, with round-the-clock service.
The suites are endlessly spacious with light and airy interiors and the brand-new deluxe rooms come with more space and personal touches like AvaniFit yoga mats, dumbbells, and a Sony PlayStation upon request.
The dining areas have also undergone a revamping with the all-day dining restaurant now accessible on the ground floor; the Mangroves Restaurant offers international-themed nights, buffet, and à la carte menus, and guests are given the choice of meals al fresco overlooking the pool. They’ve also introduced a specialty dining experience known as “Miracle Dining” where guests can enjoy seafood and meats cooked to their liking by a private chef by the beach – or even by their suite.
They’ve also introduced a new outdoor lounge by their “Karadiya Bar” which is by the beach, which pays homage to the concept of salty water, and their “Miridiya Bar”, which offers views of the lagoon.
The resort also has a spa that is dedicated to Ayurveda wellness and offers massages, scrubs, and wellness packages. They also have a new collaboration with the luxury “Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastian Gonzalez” – an internationally renowned brand for their unique approach to foot treatments.
During our stay at the resort, one of the key highlights was their glider adventure tower, inclusive of abseiling, rock climbing, and a zip line that spans 165 metres over the lagoon. Speaking to Recreational Manager Thilina Chathuranga, he shared that the tower was constructed in June 2019 and that Avani Resort shares the tower with Anantara Resort.
The installation of the tower was carried out by Global Climbing Trading LLC, a Dubai-based company specialising in infrastructure design, installation, and maintenance of outdoor adventure sports. Chathuranga shared that the staff on board underwent training under the company after which they received a certificate, valid for two years, which they must renew every 
two years. Additionally, Global Climbing visits the property every six months to ensure that the tower is maintained to standards. During the rest of the operations, Chathuranga, who has experience as the Recreational Manager at Anantara Oman, overlooks the activities.
He stated that the techniques taught and utilised at the resort are what one would use if they were to experience rock climbing or abseiling in the outdoors; they teach the extensive techniques even within the simulated setting, according to him.
In Sri Lanka, while there are a number of aerial adventure parks which offer experiences like abseiling, rock climbing, and zip lining, Avani Kalutara Resort is the only resort property offering such activities presently in the island.
The glider adventure tower was set to undergo an expansion, where the height of the current tower was to be increased, so as to install a zip line which would then be even faster, for their guests to experience. However, they shared that due to the Easter Sunday tragedy and now the Covid-19 pandemic, the developments have since been delayed.
The glider adventure tower experience is open not only to in-house guests, but also to walk-in guests, and while the resort offers full experience packages which are all inclusive, you have the opportunity of only experiencing the zip line if you wish.