Geoffrey Bawa (1919 – 2003) is among the most influential Sri Lankan architects of all time. This legendary architect has created a uniquely recognizable style of his own designs. Due to his exceptional skills and expertise, he calls as the Father of Sri Lankan architecture. Rather than creating traditional buildings, Geoffrey Bawa planned his creations to be filled with a sense of being one with nature. Thus, he could make an everlasting impact on modern architecture and created iconic Geoffrey Bawa hotels in Sri Lanka.
Almost all of the buildings he designed have become legendary creations in Sri Lanka. These extraordinary designs show his special creativity to make pleasurable buildings. His designs were based on using the maximum space of the building and the land while maintaining its aesthetic value. His architectural concept of “Tropical Modernism” was influential not only in Sri Lanka but also across the world. Thus, he could win several international awards for the formation of a new architectural identity. Without a doubt, Geoffrey Bawa is one of the most important Asian architects of the twentieth century.
In this post, we are going to introduce the 10 most luxurious hotels designed by Geoffrey Bawa in Sri Lanka. Surely, you can enjoy a lot in these hotels admiring his creativity and novel ideas.
1. Heritance Kandalama
Definitely, Heritance Kandalama Hotel is one of the most beautiful designs of Geoffrey Bawa. It shows amazing, eco-friendly architecture in beautiful surrounding. The unique feature of this hotel is building it in a huge cliff face overlooking Kandalama Lake. It perfectly blends with the surrounding environment and appears as a part of the jungle. The exterior of the hotel is totally covered with lush green hanging vines and flowering plants.
The Heritance Kandalama has 152 rooms divided into 8 categories along with 15 suites located in the Sigiriya and Dambulla wings. This tranquil retreat offers panoramic views of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Kandalama Lake. It has 3 impressive pools including an amazing infinity pool. Boasting spectacular architecture, this unique hotel features oversized glass walls that allow much natural light in.
Kandalama Hotel blends well with its surroundings and the beautifully-designed rooms face the forest, where you can see elephants and other amazing wildlife. Without a doubt, this is an ecotourism hotspot and paradise for nature lovers. Certainly, this is among Geoffrey Bawa’s top creations which represents the possible harmony between beautiful nature and modern engineering.
2. Heritance Ahungalla
Heritance Ahungalla was formerly known as Triton Hotel. This is one of Geoffrey Bawa’s earliest creations. It is a subtle blend of traditional art and the cosmopolitan life of Eastern culture and Western style. The striking feature of this hotel is the long driveway flanked on either side by ribbon ponds and tall graceful palms. It makes a quite photogenic scenery. The pool by the reception proudly displays a local sailboat at its crest with dramatic effect.
Your first approach to the hotel will make you witness this grandeur. There is a line of coconut trees with shadows on a mirror-like pool. The polished floor of the open lobby becomes one with the ocean that runs straight toward it. Once you step into the pool, it makes you feel as if you’re in the ocean itself. Thus, Heritance Ahungalla hotel ideal place to enjoy a relaxing beach holiday while indulging in world-class service.
The hotel’s design is unique with a series of connected pavilions that blends with the beauty of the beach landscape. All main areas have an unbroken view of the sparkling blue ocean. Trees grow inside and water cascades from one level to another giving a sense of being one with nature. There are two huge pools, one of deep turquoise and the other a dark midnight blue.
3. Heritance Ayurveda Maha Gedara
Designed by the renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, Heritance Ayurveda Maha Gedara in Beruwela is a blend of modern and traditional architecture. This is one of the top Ayurveda Hotels in Sri Lanka where you can get a healthy, life-enhancing experience through Ayurvedic treatments. There are many yoga and meditation sessions every day. The resort is set amidst sprawling six-acre gardens scattered with swaying palms and lush tropical foliage
Heritance Ayurveda Maha Gedara is specially designed to give an insight into the world of holistic living. This notable resort exudes an atmosphere of a sanctuary with earthly interiors and soft lighting which are essential for traditional healing. There are several types of accommodation options including classic rooms, deluxe rooms, and corner luxury rooms. All suites are tastefully decorated with minimalist interiors and soft lighting.
Sri Lanka is among the best wellness tourism destinations in the world which help to deepen your mental strength and enhance your physical wellbeing. Definitely, Ayurveda Maha Gedara is a world-class wellness retreat specially designed to reduce stress and gives you a spiritual experience.
4. Blue Water Wadduwa
The Blue Water Hotel in Wadduwa is among the top Sri Lanka beach resorts designed by world-renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa. It is a five-star luxury hotel with 152 rooms located on 15 acres of beachfront on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast. The Hotel stands as an iconic creation of Geoffrey Bawa, which shows his irresistible obsession with nature and light reflected through his finest architectural expressions.
The Blue Water is an example of a minimalist style. There are lengthy corridors, open views, skill in using the space and water, and beautiful frangipani trees. The shadows of palm trees dipped in blue water illuminated by the golden rays of the setting sun make a heavenly picture. That lets you succumb to the serene beauty of this gorgeous tropical island.
5. Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel
Geoffrey Bawa has designed several luxurious Jetwing hotels in Sri Lanka. Among them, Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel is a top architectural masterpiece. It is among the top luxurious hotels in the southern coastal city of Galle. With its modern facilities and services, Jetwing Lighthouse is a wonderful place to discover the renowned Dutch Fortress in Galle. Boasting beautiful views of the Indian Ocean, the hilltop Jetwing Lighthouse is just 2 km from the Galle world heritage site.
This is an iconic depiction famous for blending interior and exterior spaces, connecting buildings with the natural environment. Minimalistic and elegant, this luxurious hotel features 4 dining options and 2 outdoor pools. Cardamom Café offers light meals and refreshments while Anchor Bar and Grill serves sandwiches and grilled dishes. Coats of Arms Bar features a pool table and library, as well as sweeping ocean views.
6. Cinnamon Bentota Beach
Cinnamon Bentota Beach is among the top Geoffrey Bawa hotels in Sri Lanka. It is an ultimate tropical paradise destination on the southern coast. This luxury beach resort has a heritage dating back to the 60s when it was first expertly designed by Sri Lanka’s best architect, Geoffrey Bawa.
The hotel is located on a unique and picturesque site in Bentota Beach. It is nestled along the mesmerizing Indian Ocean, breathtaking stretches of palm-fringed beaches, and a winding Bentota river. This premier strip calls as the ‘Gold Coast’ in Sri Lanka.
Bentota Beach Hotel is one of architect Geoffrey Bawa’s most important works. It contains 90 guest rooms. Originally, there were only 30 rooms. Later, additional guest wings with 20 and 40 were added later to increase the capacity of the hotel. All guest rooms face either the Indian Ocean to the west or the Bentota River to the north, assuring all visitors spectacular views from their private balconies.
7. Avani Bentota
Designed by world-renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, Avani Bentota Resort is located on Bentota beach on Sri Lanka’s western coastline. Bawa took inspiration from an 18th-century Dutch village to create this unique hotel. With a modern feel, it offers a tropical island beachside haven for the guests. This resort houses two outdoor pools in the large garden.
There are 75 luxury guest rooms with private balconies or courtyards facing the ocean. Guests can choose from the extensive multi-cuisine buffet that is on offer at the Breeze Restaurant or for modern Asian cuisine at Frangipani Restaurant. and experience bold flavors in specialty dishes. The hotel’s Bar offers live entertainment and the best of local and international spirits & cocktails along with delicious seafood.
Avani Bentota is quite famous as one of the top romantic hotels in Sri Lanka. Couples can indulge in candle-lit private dining and many other comforts in this peaceful beach haven. This lovely hotel offers the ultimate elegance and charm of a wonderful beach escape among all Geoffrey Bawa hotels in Sri Lanka.
8. Avani Kalutara
Designed in 1994 by Geoffrey Bawa, Avani Kalutara Resort is a wonderful beach hotel located in Kalutara. Wrapped by water on three sides, It gives spectacular views of both the Kalu River lagoon and the ocean. In other words, it is a luxurious resort where colonial charm blends with sophisticated style. You can enjoy romantic private dining by the glorious aqua-hued waters of the Indian Ocean.
Avani Kalutara has modern suites, including pool suites with their own private plunge pools. The rooms have crisp clean colors, from white to purple and cobalt blue, giving guests a relaxed and beautiful setting to spend their holidays.
This is among the top romantic hotels in Sri Lanka. You can bring your loved one to this luxuriate elegant heaven and enjoy the best holiday ever. With candle-lit private dining or Ayurvedic couple spa treatments, enjoy a romantic holiday filled with a sense of love and peace.
9. Anantara Kalutara
Anantara Kalutara Resort is among the last treasured works of the Geoffrey Bawa hotels in Sri Lanka. He began the design of this resort in 1995. The main building highlights his signature aesthetic idea of sunlit, breezy structures. The unique characteristics of this location were used to feature the extraordinary design of the hotel.
It boasts a secluded beachfront setting on the picturesque paradise, where the Kalu Ganga River meets the Indian Ocean. The main building is complete with a towering gable roof; believed to be its most iconic design feature. The high ceiling allows for a free flow of breeze while offering an unhindered view of the lagoon, ensuring each guest feels at ease and in complete freedom when they enter this Geoffrey Bawa architecture masterpiece.
This was one of his final projects. Following his illness and death, the project lay dormant for 15 years until one of his pupils completed this masterpiece. Thus, he incorporated Bawa’s vision into the design and included the resort library modeled on his personal study. Moreover, the furnishings either designed or owned by him are put together to create a particularly Bawa-style interior.
10. The Last House
The Last House in Tangalle is literally the last house designed by the great architect Geoffrey Bawa. Thus, this wonderful seaside escape remains the final example of his Tropical Modernism concept. This is a five-bedroomed small hotel that enjoys space, ventilation, and luxury. It has colorful walls and grey polished cement floors that are serving as a backdrop to a mixture of antique and modern furniture.
The interior design with art and fabrics shows an interesting cool design. Bedrooms enjoy views of the sea, set in tropical gardens with a central swimming pool. There is an impressive choice of truly experiential activities. Visitors can enjoy fresh local cuisine, with seafood inevitably as a specialty. Whether you are traveling with your family, friends, or as a couple, this is a serene tropical gem to stay on the quiet Tangalle beach.
To sum up, Geoffrey Bawa is one of the most valuable Sri Lankan architects who consider as the pioneer of modern architecture. All these hotels mentioned here are elegantly designed by the master architect Geoffrey Bawa himself. They are the perfect places for those seeking architectural perfection coupled with Sri Lanka’s tropical charm. Welcome guys, Stay, dine, and explore the comfort of one of these premier Geoffrey Bawa hotels in Sri Lanka!
Text by Magnificent Sri Lanka. Images from Wikimedia Commons and booking.com. All copyrights are reserved by the original authors.
