Amaya Lake which we visited on
Sunday 2 March used to be called
the Culture Club and as we found
out during our re-discovery this
is for a good reason. Here in an
environment of luxury, where ox
carts deliver the laundry, you
can experience the traditional
way of life of the villages of
Sri Lanka.
The beauty of Amaya Lake is
evidenced immediately in the
large swimming pool with its
pool bar in the middle. Enter
the reception with its Vesak
style Chinese lanterns and the
pool is there below you.
Set on 12 hectares bordering
Kandalama Lake, 92 Sri lankan
villas or chalets are scattered
amongst the trees and connected
by paths which wind their way
through the naturally forested
grounds. You can also hire a
boat or pontoon and explore the
little island in the tank.
There are 3 grades of
accommodation:
Standard
Deluxe – we stayed in deluxe
Villa no 82
Lap of luxury villas with
private pools
A terrace fronts each villa,
with a traditional long seat
moulded into the patio. A
full-size image of King Kasyapa,
in the region’s local painting
style, graces the door. A
moulded sofa, with comfortable
cushions allows you to relax in
the sitting area. Then steps
lead to a slightly raised
bedroom area and a spacious
bathroom with rain showers
Two-and four-unit chalets
(double and quadruple villas
connected through a common
passageway with separate
entrances) are available for
families and interested groups.
Four adjoining villas
accommodate guests seeking a
luxurious space of their own.
Spacious. High wooden ceilings.
Contemporary décor, with
architecture inspired by the
local area, and furnishings in
elegant dark wood panelling.
Plasma screen televisions for
modern luxury. And above all
private pools in an environment
of total privacy.
Nearby is the Eco Village
offering an insight into the
culture of central Sri Lanka. A
village lifestyle for guests who
seek an experience found nowhere
else. Eleven traditional-style
but air-conditioned dwellings
with ensuite facilities face a
central pond.
The beauty of Amaya Lake is also
in the large swimming pool with
its pool bar in the middle.
Nearby, the Ayurvedic Spa and
Wewe Kade Ayurvedic restaurant
complement the indigenous
experience. Each house is unique
in design and possesses its own
name, for example, Kalundewa
Gedera – House at the Water Tank
of the Village of Black Bamboo.
Culture Club is the place for
perfect relaxation and walks
along Kandalama Lake, with
excursions to the Eco Village