Anantara peace haven tangalle Hotel

Sri Lanka

Kissed by the Indian Ocean, this is a tropical hideaway of the nest order. Tucked on a rocky outcrop on the southernmost tip of India’s Teardrop and sprawling across a coconut grove, it feels more like a botanical garden than a hotel. Interiors are modern and fresh with plenty of blue accents and dark wood. Great views come as standard and most of the rooms overlook the ocean. If you can, plump for one of the villas. They’re super spacious and offer much more privacy, featuring a terrace with a gloriously oversized plunge pool. While the villas don’t uniformly offer coastal vistas, the gardens provide a joyful array of birdlife that’s entertainment in itself. King shers take ight, peacocks strut their stuff, and you’ll soon be able to tell your babblers and bulbuls from your barbets as they it between swaying palms. If you hear a bang on the roof, don’t panic: it’s just the purple-faced monkey clan doing the rounds. Four good restaurants, tennis courts, a huge double-tier pool with sunken loungers and a dream of a spa complete the look. Doubles from £236.