Anantara Kalutara Resort: A Sri Lankan resort where kids are king

The property that was Sri Lanka's Indigo Resort and Spa has reopened as Anantara Kalutara Resort, with a big emphasis on family-friendly stays.

Situated on the south-west coast, 10 minutes from the town of Kalutara and an hour from the capital Colombo, the resort maintains the Geoffrey Bawa architectural design based on Dutch colonial style, elegance and great craftsmanship, showcasing the Kalu River and Indian Ocean location.

But in its second property in Sri Lanka, Anantara has introduced such touches as interconnecting villas for family travel, treats for kids on arrival (and a teddy bear at departure) and an Adventurer Club offering a program of cultural activities, outdoor games and excursions for junior guests.

The ethos extends into the Anantara Spa with family spa experiences, chocolate oil massage and hair braiding for small kids and facials, manicures and pedicures for teens as well as packages for ''Mum & Me'' and ''Dad & Me''.

The Watersports Centre invites guests to go jet skiing, water skiing and on banana rides and there's a children's section of the lagoon-side pool.

Equally, there are quiet retreats, such as the library dedicated to the late Geoffrey Bawa, showcasing drawings from his archive and some of his favourite designs in Batik. The spa, of course, has the couple rooms, Ayurvedic therapies and pavilion for yoga and meditation grown-ups desire.

And within the three restaurant and other choices, the resort's Dining by Design offers couples a romantic moment to dine from bespoke menus created by a personal chef and served by a butler in intimate settings.

From $460 a room a night. See anantara.com