Nestled by the edge of a bay on Unawatuna beach, 4 km away from the historic town of Galle, lies the redeveloped Unawatuna Beach Resort (UBR) - 'Calamander Unawatuna Beach'. Maintaining the relaxed nature of the old establishment along with its signature great food and al-fresco dining, Calamander mainly embodies an improvement in the quality of rooms and the facilities to official four star status.

Entering the premises of Calamander, one is first greeted by the beautiful blue of the ocean beyond, although the famed long stretches of beaches are a thing of the past now in Unawatuna. Crowned as a must-see tourist destination mainly because of its signature scenic beaches made up of long stretches of sand and ‘pool-like’ sea, the Unawatuna of today is sadly being slowly and surely destroyed by severe soil erosion. A quick chat with residents down the beach unveiled their view of the problem – the man-made sea wall constructed with huge boulders at the nearby Walle Devalaya.

Disappointment of a lack of beach aside, Calamander affords visitors pretty much all else required for a chilled out holiday by the sea, inclusive of a large swimming pool with a kiddies’ pool area, a range of Ayurvedic treatments, PADI Diving Club and more.

The swimming pool, located slightly away from the hotel, seemed to be the hotel’s main attraction affording relaxation for those who preferred to recline in comfortable pool-side chairs with a good book and excitement for those who’d like to take a dip in the pool. A table-tennis court right beside the pool seemed to also bring in tourists eager for a work-out.

Flanked by the theme of orange – orange recliners, cushions and garden umbrellas, Calamander offers the standard facilities of a balcony, air conditioning, Hans Grohe showers, 32 Inch Flatscreen Toshiba TV, Satellite channels with movies, Free WI-FI, minibar, kettle, free tea/coffee, hairdryer and complimentary bottled drinking water in all its rooms. Luxury rooms include a Jacuzzi bath and a sea view.

Dining at the hotel is most easily its best feature, as the hotel’s restaurant Barracuda, located right along on the beach with a breathtaking view of the ocean, offers a delicious and extensive array of Western cuisine, seafood and delectable local dishes. Guests are most definitely impressed by the restaurant’s vast selection of food, especially at the buffets.

The hotel’s Bar located just a few feet from the restaurant - Coco Rumba Bar, is another captivating feature offering an ideal beach side setting under shady trees, to enjoy some exciting drinks and good music.

Other facilities at the hotel include a tennis court, beach volley ball, theme nights and entertainment and conference facilities.
If you’re looking for a restful holiday adorned by good ambience and great food, Calamander would be a good way to go.

Text and pics by Jennifer Rodrigo