Nature and luxury entwined - Amaara Forest 

Situated deep in the forests that surround the giant monolith of Sigiriya, Amaara Forest is the newest hotel in the vicinity to open its doors. Amaara Forest, the second hotel in the Amaara Hotels portfolio has been in operation for four months and is a welcome oasis for travellers. 

Spread over twenty one acres the property comprises 45 very generously proportioned rooms with ensuite facilities including powerful rainwater showers. The masterpiece of the room is the large bed with an ultra thick mattress which gives you an impression that you are sleeping on air and ensures a good night’s rest. The rooms come equipped with all modern conveniences including super fast WiFi. While some of the rooms overlook the pool and forest beyond, the others are amidst the shrubs and trees giving visitors an authentic experience of living amongst nature. 

The main restaurant of the hotel is called Kaya and the food served is wholesome and tasty. The restaurant serves buffet meals which offer a great selection of both Eastern and Western cuisine. The a la carte menu also offers a carefully curated selection which includes cuisine with a touch of fusion. The Thimbiri restaurant is the hotel’s fine dining restaurant overlooking the pool and the forest beyond. For those who wish to dine under the stars the Maadang Forest restaurant, is in a beautiful setting under a small canopy of trees at the periphery of the property by the Sigiri Oya which snakes through the property. The Maadang restaurant serves a good BBQ meal and what is great about the place is the ambiance which gives the diner a unique experience of dining in the deep forest. The well appointed Kumbuk bar is also a great stop for travellers especially after indulging in an excursion. There is also a plush conference room which makes Amaara Forest an ideal location to hold corporate events too. 

Amaara Forest is designed in such a way that it can offer so much for those seeing a family vacation while also being secluded enough for those who are seeking a romantic getaway. The large swimming pool overlooks the forest and is served by the Illuk Pool bar which has a variety of cocktails and mocktails. Another plus point of this hotel is that it has a few rooms offering access to disabled travellers. 

Another unique feature of the hotel is its 18 hole putting green spread over 10,000 square feet, probably the only one of its kind in the area. There is a network of cycling and walking paths which can be used by those who wish to explore the property which is teeming with birdlife. Both adults and children’s bikes are available for those who wish to cycle around and explore further. A naturalist is also available to help identify the numerous birdlife that can be found in the property. The Sigiri Oya which runs through the property has the clearest of water and is ideal to bring out the “Tarzan” in both kids and adults alike. 

Due to its location in Sigiriya there are many excursions on offer. Apart from visiting the iconic UNESCO heritage sight of Sigiriya and the Dambulla rock caves, Amaara Forest is a great base from which you can travel further afield and visit Ritigala, Anuraradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks. On request the hotel can organise excursions to local sights. The hotel also has two safari jeeps which can be hired to visit the national parks in the region. 

Smiling and courteous staff greet you wherever you and are always at hand to ensure you want for nothing. Apart from the ambiance, cuisine and comforts of the hotel which are of a high standard it is the service that defines this hotel. 

By Tina Edward Gunawardhana 
Photographs by Alice Luker