An early creation of Sri Lankas famous architect, Geoffrey Bawa, Heritance Ahungalla has just reopened after a complete refurbishment.   Heritance is located on a prized expanse of sandy beach protected on three sides by thick coconut groves and overlooks the turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean.   The hotel is approached through a long stretch of roadway off the main Galle Road, which provides for a dramatic entrance with views across the infinity pool edging the sea. The main areas on the ground as well as upper floors are designed as linked open pavilions all with continuous views of the sea. Bawa uses his signature architectural style that erases boundaries between the `outside and `inside, resulting in plenty of access to the natural elements - the tropical sun, ocean breeze, lush greenery and flowing water. Heritance is an architectural masterpiece and a great beach hotel.

Accommodation
The 160 newly-refurbished airconditioned rooms are tastefully designed to reflect a sense of elegance and sophistication with ensuite bathrooms and a balcony/terrace with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. Rooms have satellite TV, mini bars, safes, IDD phone facilities and elegant ensuite bathrooms with hot and cold water.

Facilities
A coffee shop, a fine dining restaurant, as well as a 24 hour room service provides for many options for meals at this hotel. Nightly entertainment programmes are scheduled including cultural shows and bands performing western and Sri Lankan music. The open verandas lead to two sprawling swimming pools and landscaped gardens with the sandy beaches and the blue sea beyond. For sports and recreation there is tennis, badminton, volleyball, table tennis, billiards, a games room and water sports including water skiing. For those wishing to be pampered, the new Six Senses Spa will help you to relax and unwind.

Excursions
The town of Ambalangoda is famous for its traditional crafts such as mask carving, batiks, antique Dutch period furniture and other antique ornaments, and handloom textiles. Fine tune your bargaining skills and venture out shopping in the quaint wayside shops and boutiques. This area is also well known for its traditional low country dance forms including masked dances. One hours drive will take you to the historic town of Galle and the Dutch Fort, a UNESCO-protected World Heritage site.  Located nearby to Ahungalla is the youthful town of Hikkaduwa with some of the best surfing beaches in Sri Lanka and a wide range of water sports including windsurfing and diving on coral reef.