Pros

  • One outdoor pool area next to the beach
  • Pretty grounds and walking paths
  • Sleek rooms have balconies orpatios, bathrobes, and rain showerheads
  • Two restaurants and two bars
  • Water sports are available on the river side
  • Nice library with books and computer terminals
  • Weekly yoga classes in the lawn at no charge and small fitness room
  • Spa at sister resort next door
  • Free Wi-Fi and parking
See More Pros

Cons

  • The beach is not the draw, and the pool can get crowded
  • Ambience and nightlife is tame; young couples may get bored!
  • No gift shop on-site and no restaurants within walking distance
  • Courtyard rooms have lackluster views
  • Spotty Wi-Fi
See More Cons

Bottom Line

This 36-acre, 105-room upscale resort on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka is family-friendly and relaxed, drawing a mostly German and British crowd. The beach isn’t the draw -- it contains course, beige sand that burns hot in the sun, and the current is not always safe for swimming -- but it's fine for walks and sunsets. Rooms with varying views have modern furnishings and amenities, and bathrooms come with walk-in showers (Junior Suites have separate jetted tubs). Water sports at the Kalu Ganga River and excursions are available, but most guests tend to stick to the the outdoor pool, which can get a crowd (ahem, chairs get snagged early). There are two restaurants and two bars; a spa is available at the Anantara resort next door. Parking and Wi-Fi are free. 

See More Bottom Line

Amenities

  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Pool
  • Spa

Oyster Hotel Review

Avani Kalutara Resort

Scene

The resort is clean and simple, attracting those in search of a low-key, budget-friendly holiday

Guests (mostly families and couples from Western Europe) first pull into a beautiful entrance that looks onto a river with tall palms swaying in the breeze. The picturesque pathway lined with ponds and tropical vegetation -- especially pretty when lit at night -- leads towards a seated reception area for check-in where guests are presented with a refreshing towel and welcome drink. The hotel transitioned to the AVANI brand in 2011, and this line of Minor International properties focuses on contemporary decor, friendly service, and value (and they succeed). Next door is the more luxurious Anantara, another Minor International brand.

The lobby leads to more lounge areas as well as the a la carte restaurant and main bar, which tends to stay pretty tame. Rooms are situated in two- or three-story sections spread out across a large green lawn space, and a walking path winds along the river, which feeds into the Indian Ocean. Near the pool is the main access to the public beach; locals might attempt to grab guests' attention and sell wares, excursions, or tuk-tuk rides. This, combined with the fact that this part of the coast is not as attractive or swimmer-friendly as beaches to the south, helps make the pool and pool bar more popular. Guests might spend their days reading, partaking in water sports on the river, or checking out the nearby temple, taking time in between activities for buffet meals. Following dinner, there are boardgames, billiards, ping-pong, and occasional live music in the lounge. Young couples and more adventurous types may want to seek out livelier options, though the new Anantara next door may offer more variety when it opens.

See More Scene

Location

The resort is near neat historic sights, but do not expect to swim in the ocean.

This 36-acre property is technically located in the Kalutara region, a large coastal area in Sri Lanka about two hours' drive south of Colombo. Within Kalutara is a smaller section called Kalapuwa where the resort sits at the very end of a small peninsula between the Indian Ocean and the Kalu Ganga River. The river leads almost 100 miles to the Sri Pada sacred mountain believed to be the footprint of the Buddha. Kalutara was once the base for the island’s spice trade, and the area boasts colonial-era plantations (open for tours), temples, and the world’s only hollow Buddhist shrine. The village has little for tourists, aside from a few shops for handicrafts and sundries (there is not a shop at the hotel). Other than the occasional excursion or trip to town, guests tend to stick to the resort and the pool, since the beach is often unsafe for swimming.

Parking at the resort is free for those who rent a car, though guests typically choose to arrive by taxi service from Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. More adventurous types can save money and take the train from Colombo to the Katukurunda Railway stop a short drive from the hotel.

See More Location

Rooms

Sleek rooms have modern amenities and plush bathrobes.

After AVANI took over the property in 2011, all rooms went through an overhaul that included new furnishings, tile floors, and the introduction of an Asian-influenced decor scheme with gold and purple hues and hand-carved wooden backdrops. All rooms are equipped with AC units, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, and narrow work desks that sit up against the wall (note that Wi-Fi can be spotty in rooms). Free bottled water, tea, and instant coffee are stocked daily, as are minibar items like nuts, white wine, beer and soda. Bathrooms are equally modern and have walk-in glass showers with rainfall showerheads. 

There are four room types, all with patios or balconies. Standard Courtyard View Rooms are the lowest priced and face interior open-air hallways (no water views). Superior Lagoon View Rooms face the river side and often get a nice breeze on the patios. Superior Sea View Rooms face the Indian Ocean for sunset views and many of these first-floor units have easy access to sun loungers. Junior Suites are at the far end of the property with views of the river and the ocean from two separate balconies or patios. These units also have wooden floors, living rooms, and large bathrooms with jetted tubs. Neat additional design features -- like Asian-style closet doors -- add some charm. DVD players are available upon request.

See More Rooms

Features

Water sports on the river, and a nice outdoor pool that can get crowded

The resort is located along a wide stretch of beige sand beach (it can get hot!), but red flags are often up, which means the current is too dangerous for swimming. Therefore, the beach stays virtually free of crowds -- making it pleasant for long romantic walks especially during sunset. There are occasional vendors who wander up to the fence selling clothes or tuk-tuk rides, which can be a bit of an annoyance. This also keeps guests from spending too much time near the shore. 

The outdoor, rectangular swimming pool and adjacent kiddy pool are the place to be during the day. There are several wooden sun loungers and purple umbrellas both here as well as the lawn space beyond. A pool attendant provides towels, chair cushions, and umbrella service, but early risers tend to take the best spots in the morning before breakfast. 

Weekly yoga classes are provided at no charge on the lawn next to the Miridiya Bar and there is a small fitness room. The hotel also offers guests access to the spa at the Anantara resort next door. 

Water sports are offered from a center near the entrance on the river side. Calm water makes it more suitable than the ocean for kayaking, paddleboarding, water skiing, and tubing. Excursions, such as river kayaking tours, can be arranged at the concierge desk, as can bird watching, basket weaving, trips to temples, and tours of colonial plantation homes. 

When it's too hot or raining, guests might spend time in the shaded lounge areas, which offer chess, backgammon, billiards, table tennis, and darts. An air-conditioned library and business center are available, as is meeting space.

Miridiya Bar, the main lounge near the lobby, has indoor and outdoor tables with views of the river. It serves juice and snacks during the day and turns into the cocktail bar at night, where there's often live music -- though the scene is tame overall. Karadiya Bar is located next to the pool for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and light snacks. 

See More Features

All-Inclusive / Food

Two restaurants are available, though most choose a meal plan and stick to the buffet

Guests have the option to choose between different meal plans at the time of booking or when checking in; note that with all-inclusive rates some things may still cost extra (and a la carte restaurant meals are not included). Since the region of Kalutara does not have much variety, most guests tend to stay on-site for all three meals.

Mangrove restaurant is the hotel’s buffet and is located on the second floor, up a set of stairs next to the lobby. The main dining room is air-conditioned and has nice views of the pool and ocean from big windows. If it is not too hot, guests can also choose to sit outdoors in a space that faces the river. The buffet is good quality and the selection changes daily; there are local Sri Lankan dishes, as well as dishes with European, Chinese, and Mexican influences. 

Moya Restaurant, the a la carte restaurant on the ground floor next to the pool terrace, is open for lunch and dinner. The menu offers casual fare like gourmet sandwiches during the day, and a range of seafood and international dishes at night in a candlelit, romantic ambience.

Private dining on the grounds can be arranged; in-room dining is also available. 

See More All-Inclusive / Food

Oyster Hotel Review

Avani Kalutara Resort

Scene

The resort is clean and simple, attracting those in search of a low-key, budget-friendly holiday

Guests (mostly families and couples from Western Europe) first pull into a beautiful entrance that looks onto a river with tall palms swaying in the breeze. The picturesque pathway lined with ponds and tropical vegetation -- especially pretty when lit at night -- leads towards a seated reception area for check-in where guests are presented with a refreshing towel and welcome drink. The hotel transitioned to the AVANI brand in 2011, and this line of Minor International properties focuses on contemporary decor, friendly service, and value (and they succeed). Next door is the more luxurious Anantara, another Minor International brand.

The lobby leads to more lounge areas as well as the a la carte restaurant and main bar, which tends to stay pretty tame. Rooms are situated in two- or three-story sections spread out across a large green lawn space, and a walking path winds along the river, which feeds into the Indian Ocean. Near the pool is the main access to the public beach; locals might attempt to grab guests' attention and sell wares, excursions, or tuk-tuk rides. This, combined with the fact that this part of the coast is not as attractive or swimmer-friendly as beaches to the south, helps make the pool and pool bar more popular. Guests might spend their days reading, partaking in water sports on the river, or checking out the nearby temple, taking time in between activities for buffet meals. Following dinner, there are boardgames, billiards, ping-pong, and occasional live music in the lounge. Young couples and more adventurous types may want to seek out livelier options, though the new Anantara next door may offer more variety when it opens.

See More Scene

Location

The resort is near neat historic sights, but do not expect to swim in the ocean.

This 36-acre property is technically located in the Kalutara region, a large coastal area in Sri Lanka about two hours' drive south of Colombo. Within Kalutara is a smaller section called Kalapuwa where the resort sits at the very end of a small peninsula between the Indian Ocean and the Kalu Ganga River. The river leads almost 100 miles to the Sri Pada sacred mountain believed to be the footprint of the Buddha. Kalutara was once the base for the island’s spice trade, and the area boasts colonial-era plantations (open for tours), temples, and the world’s only hollow Buddhist shrine. The village has little for tourists, aside from a few shops for handicrafts and sundries (there is not a shop at the hotel). Other than the occasional excursion or trip to town, guests tend to stick to the resort and the pool, since the beach is often unsafe for swimming.

Parking at the resort is free for those who rent a car, though guests typically choose to arrive by taxi service from Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. More adventurous types can save money and take the train from Colombo to the Katukurunda Railway stop a short drive from the hotel.

See More Location

Rooms

Sleek rooms have modern amenities and plush bathrobes.

After AVANI took over the property in 2011, all rooms went through an overhaul that included new furnishings, tile floors, and the introduction of an Asian-influenced decor scheme with gold and purple hues and hand-carved wooden backdrops. All rooms are equipped with AC units, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, and narrow work desks that sit up against the wall (note that Wi-Fi can be spotty in rooms). Free bottled water, tea, and instant coffee are stocked daily, as are minibar items like nuts, white wine, beer and soda. Bathrooms are equally modern and have walk-in glass showers with rainfall showerheads. 

There are four room types, all with patios or balconies. Standard Courtyard View Rooms are the lowest priced and face interior open-air hallways (no water views). Superior Lagoon View Rooms face the river side and often get a nice breeze on the patios. Superior Sea View Rooms face the Indian Ocean for sunset views and many of these first-floor units have easy access to sun loungers. Junior Suites are at the far end of the property with views of the river and the ocean from two separate balconies or patios. These units also have wooden floors, living rooms, and large bathrooms with jetted tubs. Neat additional design features -- like Asian-style closet doors -- add some charm. DVD players are available upon request.

See More Rooms

Features

Water sports on the river, and a nice outdoor pool that can get crowded

The resort is located along a wide stretch of beige sand beach (it can get hot!), but red flags are often up, which means the current is too dangerous for swimming. Therefore, the beach stays virtually free of crowds -- making it pleasant for long romantic walks especially during sunset. There are occasional vendors who wander up to the fence selling clothes or tuk-tuk rides, which can be a bit of an annoyance. This also keeps guests from spending too much time near the shore. 

The outdoor, rectangular swimming pool and adjacent kiddy pool are the place to be during the day. There are several wooden sun loungers and purple umbrellas both here as well as the lawn space beyond. A pool attendant provides towels, chair cushions, and umbrella service, but early risers tend to take the best spots in the morning before breakfast. 

Weekly yoga classes are provided at no charge on the lawn next to the Miridiya Bar and there is a small fitness room. The hotel also offers guests access to the spa at the Anantara resort next door. 

Water sports are offered from a center near the entrance on the river side. Calm water makes it more suitable than the ocean for kayaking, paddleboarding, water skiing, and tubing. Excursions, such as river kayaking tours, can be arranged at the concierge desk, as can bird watching, basket weaving, trips to temples, and tours of colonial plantation homes. 

When it's too hot or raining, guests might spend time in the shaded lounge areas, which offer chess, backgammon, billiards, table tennis, and darts. An air-conditioned library and business center are available, as is meeting space.

Miridiya Bar, the main lounge near the lobby, has indoor and outdoor tables with views of the river. It serves juice and snacks during the day and turns into the cocktail bar at night, where there's often live music -- though the scene is tame overall. Karadiya Bar is located next to the pool for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and light snacks. 

See More Features

All-Inclusive / Food

Two restaurants are available, though most choose a meal plan and stick to the buffet

Guests have the option to choose between different meal plans at the time of booking or when checking in; note that with all-inclusive rates some things may still cost extra (and a la carte restaurant meals are not included). Since the region of Kalutara does not have much variety, most guests tend to stay on-site for all three meals.

Mangrove restaurant is the hotel’s buffet and is located on the second floor, up a set of stairs next to the lobby. The main dining room is air-conditioned and has nice views of the pool and ocean from big windows. If it is not too hot, guests can also choose to sit outdoors in a space that faces the river. The buffet is good quality and the selection changes daily; there are local Sri Lankan dishes, as well as dishes with European, Chinese, and Mexican influences. 

Moya Restaurant, the a la carte restaurant on the ground floor next to the pool terrace, is open for lunch and dinner. The menu offers casual fare like gourmet sandwiches during the day, and a range of seafood and international dishes at night in a candlelit, romantic ambience.

Private dining on the grounds can be arranged; in-room dining is also available. 

See More All-Inclusive / Food

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Beach

  • Cable

  • Children's Pool

  • Fitness Center

  • Free Breakfast

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Spa

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.