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Mandara Resort opens in Mirissa | Weligama | Sri…

Mandara Resort in Mirissa, Weligama which opened last month has became the latest addition to Sri Lanka’s rich list of boutique hotels. The owners who’s first hotel Rosen Renaissance in Kataragama, also now re branded ‘The Mandara Kataragama’, have invested over £2 million in this latest Board of Investments [BoI] approved venture.

The new Mandara Resort is perfectly located on one of the islands most beautiful beaches in Mirissa, in the deep south; a fishing enclave famous for its fresh seafood, tropical fruit and cinnamon plantations, just minutes away from the beautiful Weligama bay. Besides being surrounded by the sea, the hotel also offers its guests a swimming pool with magical fibre optic lighting.

Weligama is the perfect beach holiday destination with surfing, scuba diving, deep sea or big game fishing and snorkelling being the most popular offerings. There are many good hotels in the area and several ayurvedic spas and health centres as well. There’s also dolphin watching and seasonal whale watching excursions offered by the Mandara Resort, according to Conrad Fonseka, General Manager.

As a part of the resorts social responsibility to the community the management has given preference to recruit staff from the area, who will be trained in Kataragama and then brought back to the resort in Weligama.

The management explains that by having two strategically located hotels in the south of the country where a new international airport is under construction and several other developments happening in the region, they are looking towards the future with Mandara Kataragama ideally located to offer cultural and wildlife tours in the region, while the new Mandara Resort in Mirissa will be the beach destination. “By creating the hotel in Weligama the management is now in a better position to market both properties and give the beach and cultural concept to their overseas clients”.

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Sri Lanka to open tourism office in Dubai

Having seen the potential of the market, Sri Lanka Tourism will open a tourism promotion office in Dubai next month with an officer in-charge for the Middle East region. Beginning of this year, Sri Lanka Tourism tied up with Al Jazeera TV channel to promote the destination.

Sri Lanka Tourism delegates will participate in the 14th annual Arabian Travel Market (ATM) which is to be held at the International Exhibition and Convention Centre from May 6 to 9.

The ATM is the industry’s leading travel and tourism exhibition dedicated to unlock business potential within the Middle East and Pan Arab regions.

Sri Lanka Tourism delegates attending the event for the fifth consecutive year and will participate in the intensive meetings, seminars, press conferences and social networking opportunities along with key market players from six continents. Sri Lanka Tourism delegation is headed by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Faizer Mustapha, who played a key role to promote the event will set off for Dubai on May 6.

A tactical promotional offer ‘Middle East Kids Go Free’, by SriLankan Airlines, for every adult ticket purchased, one child is offered a free flight, will also be launched. The theme of the SriLankan stall this year will be ‘Ceylon Tea’. The stall will also display gem and jewellery and demonstration of handicraft making. The highlight of the exhibition will be the performance of Channa’s dance troupe.

The outbound tourist from the Mid East region has increased for the last few years. The highest performer between January and March this year was the Middle East, which registered an increase of 80.6 per cent in comparison with 2007.

Of the 294.6 per cent growth from the region in March this year, Iranian tourists formed the major portion with arrivals of 1,300 during the month. These arrivals were the result of the operation of nine charter flights supported by Sri Lanka Tourism.

Read original article in DailyNews.lk

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Miss Germany 2008 at Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions

Kim Valerie Voigt, the reigning Miss Germany was at Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions recently along with Carina Alexandra Nix who was the third runner up and Claudia Hein who is the current ‘Beauty of the World’.

While at Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions, the three beauty queens experienced the traditional Ayurvedic treatments on offer and later had only praise for the hotel and for the experience. “I have to say I felt bad two hours ago, and now I feel like I can go party” said Miss Germany, Kim Valerie Voigt. She further said that she had previously experienced an Ayurvedic treatment in Germany, but had not liked it very much and this was completely a different experience. Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions had changed her feelings towards Ayurveda.

The resort offer the services of some of the most qualified Ayurveda Specialists in the country who prescribe a wide range of preventive and curative Ayurvedic remedies including for weight loss. The Team consists of well qualified and experienced doctors. Ayurvedic treatment has proved particularly successful in the treatment of chronic ailments as well as psychosomatic problems, such as neuralgia and rheumatic pain. The treatments are strongly focused on mobilising the body’s own resistance mechanisms.

The soothing head massages and oil treatments, for a well balanced mind and a well tailored detoxification programs are a must for a comprehensive slimming concept.

Tasty organically grown food, tailor made to a guest’s bio-energetic type will assist to spin the wheel in the right direction.

Jetwing has also launched a specialist arm to promote the aspect of wellness in our hotels headed by Rookamanie Fernandom, the former General Manager of Jetwing Ayurveda Pavillions. She will overlook the further development and promotion of this very exciting aspect with lots of new additions and experiences due to be introduced soon.

The Jetwing Hotels that now offer Spa and Ayurveda in addition to other traditional Wellness facilities are Jetwing Beach in Negombo, Jetwing Tropical Villas and Ayurveda in Beruwela, Jetwing Lighthouse in Galle and Jetwing Vil Uyana in Sigiriya.

The three beauties also visited Jetwing Vil Uyana, Jetwing St. Andrew’s and Jetwing Lighthouse during their tour of Sri Lanka.

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Sri Lanka Hotels Group Launches Loyalty Rewards Program

Aitken Spence Hotels, Sri Lanka’s leading resort operator is set to unveil an exclusive loyalty rewards program, ‘The Diamond Club’ with the tag line ‘Welcome to a world of extended privileges’.

Speaking at the launch ceremony Managing Director Malin Hapugoda says “The Diamond Club is our way of saying thank you to our loyal guests who have patronized our hotels over the years”. He added that ‘The Diamond Club’ is not just for rewarding existing cliental, but also to consolidate a loyal customer base.

Aitken Spence operates a portfolio of leading resorts in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, India and Oman. In Sri Lanka, the company manages ten hotels including the iconic Heritance Kandalama, Heritance Ahungalla and the Tea Factory.

Guests of any of the groups hotels can obtain a Diamond Club Membership by spending £50 at any one of the Aitken Spence hotels in Sri Lanka. The membership allows you to earn Diamond Club [DC] points for each stay, with 100 points for every fiver [£5] spent and points also awarded on 10% of the total bill value.

Some of the exclusive privileges granted to Diamond Club Members include redemption of points on future bookings, free stay against reward points at any of the Heritance Hotels and Resorts and Aitken Spence Hotels in Sri Lanka, room upgrades against reward points, special recognition to all members at the hotel, purchase of gift vouchers against reward points and the ability to make priority bookings.

In addition to this, the Diamond Club’s new website www.diamondclub.lk allows members to log in and monitor guests’ stays, points earned and redeemed, update personal info and view special offers as well. This interactive website is inter-linked with the terminals at the various hotels thus enabling the online updating of Member’s information.

Aitken Spence Hotels’ expertise in hotel design, building and management is complimented by its dedication and commitment to excellence. The resort operator has continuously set industry benchmarks and has received an array of international awards for high quality cuisine, service excellence, building conservation and environmental care at their luxury hotels.

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Saman Villas | Luxury Spa Hotel | Bentota |…

LUXURY SMALL BOUTIQUE HOTEL | 27 LUXURY SUITES

Relax, unwind and experience the luxury of Saman Villas; a paradise where emphasis is placed on privacy, comfort & unsurpassable hospitality.

Saman Villas Luxury Spa Hotel is located approximately 100km south of Colombo’s international airport. The hotel is perched on a rocky headland dividing two long seemingly endless surf swept golden beaches, backed by dense green coconut plantations. The property is an oasis of luxury and fine service dedicated to providing for every guest’s individual needs. The atmosphere is one of tranquillity and romance, disturbed only by the sounds of the birds, and the waves breaking on the rocks below. The views, from anywhere in the hotel, are magnificent.

ACCOMMODATION

26 extravagantly appointed suites plus one two-storey villa. These are built in the form of separate villas on either side of the rocky headland for maximum privacy. Designed in the best of traditional Sri Lankan style, the accommodation offers every conceivable comfort.

Each suite is carefully positioned to provide spectacular views of the shoreline and sea. They include a terrace or balcony with a day bed and dining table, lounge area, sleeping deck, dressing room, open-air bath and shower with courtyard, individual climate control, telephone, CD player, LCD panel TV, hair dryer, vanity mirror, mini-bar and safe.

FACILITIES

The inviting infinity-edge swimming pool with sea blue water appears to merge with the vast Indian Ocean and beyond. The cascading gardens with beautifully manicured lawns on the rock face offer a variety of locations to appreciate the magnificent view, caressed by cooling sea breeze, in quite relaxation.

Two restaurants overlooking the pool and the sea beyond; the terrace restaurant caters for breakfast and lunch while the main restaurant on the upper level is open exclusively for dinner. The menus at the main restaurant offer a wide selection of Eastern, Western and Sri Lankan dishes with an extensive range of wines to complement your cuisine.

In addition, to the restaurant’s cuisine, other Asian menus could be arranged on request with prior notice. Special dining can be arranged with prior notice for guests seeking for particular dietary requirements such as low fat, high-fiber, low in carbohydrates/protein, meals for diabetics, meals excluding all dairy products, onion, garlic, peppers (of all kinds), dry yeast, gluten and root vegetables or even catering to guests who require halal food.

The lounge bar beside the pool has breathtaking views of the different shades of blue from the sea and the pool. The sunset bar on the upper floor has a panoramic view of the coast and the central hills.

Other facilities include a well stocked library with a variety of books covering Sri Lanka and music CD’s, snooker table, table tennis, badminton, boardroom facilities that can house up to 12 people and jewellery shop.

Evening entertainment arranged on most evenings; include Ballet and soothing instrumental music.

SPA EXPERIENCE

The glory of nature unfolds with every breath at Sahana Spa. Open-air pavilions, tranquil water gardens, a luxury spa with a host of treatments designed for peace, health and beauty.

Set amidst lofty trees of a tropical garden, with gushing water and the roar of the Indian Ocean.

Sheer luxury and pampering in the privacy of your own suite. Sauna, Jacuzzi, floral and mud baths, massages, wraps, magic portions and more.

Experience the myriad treatments that await you – under trained therapists. The treatments at the Sahana Spa are drawn from age old traditions of natural healing, using priceless essential oils and Sri Lankan herbs which have a long history of healing, combined with time tested holistic therapies – Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Nehydrating Moor muds – are used to caress the body, relax the senses and soothe the soul.

Spa Facilities

The Sahana Spa, a luxury all suite garden spa offers an array of treatments. Each suite features facilities of a luxury spa and offer treatments in complete privacy.

The Deluxe Suite, set in a water garden, is comprised of an aromatic sauna, steam shower, Jacuzzi, mud bath, treatment room and dining pavilion.

Individual music systems are provided in treatment areas, dining pavilions and relaxation pavilion, to complement your spa experience.

A separate treatment area is available for reflexology, pedicure and manicure.

Excursions

Dutch Fort – Galle was the major port in Sri Lanka until the 19th century and is still a place of historical interest. The Galle fort which was built in 1663 is also declared an UNESCO world heritage site. (50 km)

Kalutara Viharaya – This is the only Buddhist shrine in the world which is hollow. The interior of the shrine contains 74 painted murals, each depicting different aspects of the Lord Buddha’s life. (27 km)

Keneliya – A scenic rain forest with beautiful waterfalls, and a rare variety of birds and other endangered species. (100 km)

Village Trekking Route – A scenic trekking route through the village with beautiful paddy fields and streams. The journey ends up at the highest point in Bentota. (3 km)

Sinharaja Rain Forest – The oldest rain forest in Sri Lanka which is a world heritage site declared by the UNESCO. (80 km)

Maduganga River Safari – Cruise through the mangroves and a host of little islands along a river resplendent with natural beauty. (18 km)

Turtle Conservation Project – This is the only place nearby to watch the turtles in their natural habitat. If you are lucky you could see the turtles laying eggs late evening. (10 km)

Products & Services: 27 Suites, Pool bar, Library & Library bar, Steam bath & sauna, Conference room, Swimming pool, Badminton, Table tennis, Snooker, Darts, Fishing, River cruises, Excursions.

Check-in/Check-out: Normal Check-in is 12.00 noon and Check-Out time is 11.00 a.m. Earlier Check-in or later Check-out can be requested on a case by case basis and the hotel may agree depending on availability.

Address: Aturuwella, Bentota. Sri Lanka

Airport: Colombo International – 100km

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Kirchhayn Bungalow | Haputale | Sri Lanka

UNIQUE TEA ESTATE BUNGALOW HOTEL

This unique tea estate bungalow on Aislaby Estate and Farm is still owned by the only remaining British planting family in Sri Lanka. The family arrived in Ceylon in 1884 and the estate has been in the family since the early 1920’s.

Set in the cooler climate of the hill country, Kirchhayn provides a wonderful retreat from the heat of the low country. Drive through picture postcard manicured tea to reach this traditional planter’s colonial house set in 8 acres of gardens and surrounded by 42 acres of premium quality tea.

The house has been lovingly restored by the family of the original owners of the estate and is set in a stunningly beautiful garden and surrounded by tea. The house has been crafted to give maximum comfort after a hard day on the estate and has stunning views over the surrounding area.

Kirchhayn Bungalow can be rented as a whole or by the room and is ideal as a retreat from the heat of the south or from the chaos of the roads if you are traveling the country.
Comments from the Guest Book

“An idyllic and tranquil spot. The highest quality food and perfect service. Thank you. Also for the walks and for the garden…. we want to take it with us! I wish our itinerary allowed us to stay longer.”

This bungalow is extraordinarily evocative of the old way of life of the British planting days. The style, the service, the gardens, even the bathrooms – magical. Thanks to the Bostocks for preserving this wonderful gem.”

The Features

Sitting Area
Being built as a traditional English tea planters house Kirchhayn has a comfortable drawing room with sofas and armchairs that you sink into as the fire roars in the hearth. There is a more informal sitting area with low sofas and planters chairs which has the garden on either side.

Dining
Breakfast is served on the verandah, from where you can see the tea pluckers starting their daily routine. Healthy tropical fruit and local “curd” or the full Sri Lankan breakfast of string hoppers, fish, beef or chicken curry, with Aislaby tea or Kirchhayn coffee.

Lunch can be a traditional rice and curry served on the verandah or a packed lunch can be arranged allowing you to venture to other parts of the tea estate to choose your picnic spot.
Dinner is in the candle lit dining room served by staff in traditional crisp white jacket and sarong. Here you will feast on a three course dinner accompanied by a selection of wines.

Bedrooms
There are 5 double room all with en suite bathrooms featuring bath and shower. Beds are turned down each evening and the mosquito nets set.

All rooms have a comfortable homely style. Two rooms can work well as family rooms. Baby cot available on request.

Bostock Suite – The master bedroom (named after the owners) has a queen bed, dressing room and French windows that lead onto the garden. The bathroom features an old fashioned claw footed wrought iron bath and walk-in shower.

Pyman Suite – Twin bedded room with en suite bath and shower (extra bed available)
Pyman suite named after Elizabeth Pyman (mother of Mark Bostock).

Lushington Suite – King bedded room with en suite bath and shower (extra bed available)
Lushington Suite named after Rony & Bobby Lushington who were the last expatriate managers on Aislaby Estate from 1956-1968.

Wickwar Suite – Twin bedded room with en suite bath and shower
Wickwar suite named after A J Wickwar, the original partner of Norman Bostock who were both instrumental in the building of Aislaby Estate.

Taylor Room – Two twin beds. Bathroom features walk in shower (no bath)
Taylor room named after Taylor who first introduced tea into Ceylon in 1842 after which date the coffee blight eradicated all coffee.

The Bungalow can accommodate a maximum of 12 persons (including children)

Location: In close proximity to “Lipton’s Tea Garden” which was the very first Tea Estate owned by Sir Thomas Lipton in Sri Lanka.

Address: Haputale, Bandarawela, Sri Lanka

Airport: Colombo International

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Staying in Style. By Royston Ellis

A rather grand boutique hotel has opened near Kandy that will appeal to guests who like ancient and modern, in this case a touch of aristocratic antiquity with contemporary comforts like air-conditioning, in-room television, free wireless internet access, and frilly curtains.

Called The Manor House, Kandy, it is not to be confused with another elaborate boutique hotel, The Kandy House.

In fact it is in Nugawela, not Kandy. Approaching from Colombo on the Kandy road, the easiest way to get there is to turn off at Peradeniya and proceed along the Katugastota to Kurunegala road for 3.5km from Katugastota. The Manor House is up a lane on the right, opposite Sudesh Hardware (full directions are given on the website).

Although the approach is suburban with some monstrous box houses on the way and little open space, the gleaming gates of the Manor House swing open to reveal a glimpse into history. Originally a traditional stately home, it was built in 1884 and known as Nugawela Aluth Walauwa. Its restoration to a spick and span hostelry is due to the enthusiasm of a young, USA-based Sri Lankan, Bhooshi De Silva, who fell in love with the decaying property.

His parents, Mr and Mrs. De Silva played a crucial role in rescuing the property from ruin as they took responsibility for the structural and interior design work. The result is a combination of contemporary fittings and flourishes that soften this venerable building forged by 19th century pride. The twin towers surmounting the two wings of the building are an impressive reminder of the building’s original importance when they conveyed to the populace at large the status of its owner.

Now paying guests can enjoy the privilege of baronial exclusivity. On arrival, guests are invited to light the oil lamp while a recording of Kandyan music of greeting plays in the background. Staff wear uniforms modelled on Kandy costumes. In the garden, tables are covered by hooped sunshades like those borne to shade nobles riding on elephants during peraheras.

The interior of the house as well as celebrating Kandyan style in its fittings, has a faux Regency feel with dozens of lavishly upholstered brocade chairs in its entrance hall.

This hall is actually a huge salon, divided by two traditional columned arches. Registration of guests takes place informally at a petite oval table but it is hard to concentrate given the brilliance of the setting. The old copper ceiling has had decades of paint removed and today shines as though new. It almost out-dazzles the sheen of the floor which is of highly polished tiles throughout the property. Drapes garlanding the veranda doors complement the curve of the arches leading to the dining area.

This is a formidable space with a refectory table set for 20 guests in its centre and tables at angles at the far end of the salon. It looks ready for a jolly dinner party. Guests can choose to have meals in the courtyard which, with its fountain, colonnaded cloisters and lawn, is ideal for a romantic meal. The set menu is different every day.

Breakfast can be served in the garden, overlooking the swimming pool. This is covered every night to prevent it being clogged by leaves since the restored garden has many trees, including a tall nutmeg and a stout breadfruit. There are pavilions for sauna and ayurveda therapy in the garden, and a beauty parlour inside the house. At the back is a billiard room with a new table the size of a small swimming pool.

The house has a total area of 14,000 square feet so it is not surprising to find six bedrooms and four suites as well as vast public areas. The rooms are named after local flowers with drawings of the flower hanging on the bedroom walls; each has a different colour scheme derived from the flower after which it is named. The doors of each room are heavy teak, the frames topped with ornate fanlights over which hang dainty curtains. All have bathrooms with showers and basic necessities.

Typical of such houses, there is a bedroom leading directly off the entrance veranda. Other rooms on the ground floor open onto the courtyard. None is furnished the same as the others. One is a suite with its own sitting room and a rococo bed that could have come from a Bollywood movie, with an elaborate pineapple carved in its headboard.

The first floor suites, reached by a staircase of teak, are centred around a broad landing and have two four poster beds snug below rural wooden ceilings. High above the centre of the landing is a minstrels’ gallery linking one wing with the other. The twin towers are climbed by a staircase from individual first floor sitting rooms to the compact bedroom that tops each tower. Staying in style like a Kandyan aristocrat of old comes at a lordly price, from US$140 double per night, with breakfast.

*Click here to read the original article in the sundaytimes.lk

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The Manor House | Kandy | Sri Lanka

LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL | 4 SUITES | 10 ROOMS

“The Manor House Kandy” is the perfect intersection of old world regal stately charm complimented with new-world luxuries, function and style. Previously known as the Nugawela Walauwa, it was built in 1884 and was the residence of the chief custodian of the sacred tooth relic of Buddha, which is housed at the Temple of the Tooth nearby. You now have an opportunity to stay in this very historic Walauwa [Manor] – a residence belonging to the great aristocracy of the Kandyan Kingdom.

This traditional century old stately house was fully refurbished in 2005. The Manor House Kandy promises the visitor a grand welcome with 10 luxuriously appointed bedrooms, 4 exquisite suites, majestic living rooms and most of all an inconspicuous staff ready to welcome you as the new owner of this Walauwa.

For a review by Royston Ellis, here!

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Vivanta by Taj | Bentota | Sri Lanka

LUXURY BEACH RESORT | 162 DELUXE ROOMS

Vivanta by Taj, formerly Taj Exotica, is rated amongst the most luxurious five star beach resorts in South Asia. This exquisite 162 deluxe room hotel is located on the south-west coast of Sri Lanka along the famous golden mile beach at Bentota. The Hotel is uniquely located on a large headland overlooking the Indian Ocean. The resort offers an array of activities including several water sports, two tennis courts, table tennis, billiards, gym and a whole lot more.

It is the perfect sanctuary for a luxurious holiday on Asia’s most exotic island, known for thousands of years as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.

ACCOMMODATION

The accommodation at Vivanta by Taj is offered in three categories; standard, deluxe and superior sea view.

Enjoy refreshing views of the magnificent Indian Ocean or the lush vegetation of the hotel’s beautiful tropical landscaped gardens. All rooms are air-conditioned and are “airy” with large windows and private balconies. Mini-bar, Television, electric safe, tea coffee making facilities and 24-hour room service.

The Bathrooms include Bath and shower and also a separate Telephone and Hairdryer

DINING

Dining at Vivanta by Taj is always a delightful experience, there’s a variety of restaurants to pick from whether it’s fine dinning or al fresco. Seafood is always a speciality and is served up in many mouth watering recipes. Here is a description of the restaurants within the Taj:

Palms Coffee Shop

The Palms coffee shop is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and offering indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the swimming pool.

The Palm’s sumptuous buffets featuring Sri Lankan and Indian specialties along with a wide array of International cuisine’s have earned it the reputation as the best on the coast. There are daily specials on the menu and an a la carte menu to round out its varied and delicious dining options.

Oriental Pavilion

For authentic Chinese cuisine the hotel boasts the Oriental Pavilion, where there’s Mouth watering Cantonese cuisine spiced with a wide selection of fiery Szechwan dishes. The Oriental Pavilion restaurant overlooks the beachfront gardens.

Sea View Restaurant

The Sea view Restaurant offers an intimate setting in cosy surroundings. The restaurant is a favourite among guests as it offers an array of exotic sea food & continental dishes.

Sea Lounge Bar

The Sea Lounge is a lounge bar offering an assortment of the best Ceylon Teas and Coffee during the day. This cosy and elegant bar turns in to a favourite evening hangout with live music and celebrated cocktails.

Aquarius Pool Bar

A swim-up bar offering the perfect tropical juices and best sunset cocktails.

ACTIVITIES

Vivanta by Taj provides guests with lots of recreation and sport activities, there are two tennis courts, a fully equipped gymnasium and a Health Club, all available for guest to use as well as billiards, Table Tennis and other indoor games.

My Kind of Place, the resort’s discotheque offers the latest hip-hop, R&B, trance and other popular dance sounds, a spacious dance floor and a wide array of cocktails and beverages to keep you dancing all night long.

There’s also: Beach Volleyball – Fitness Centre with Sauna, Jacuzzi – Steam facilities & Gymnasium – Badminton Court – Pool Table – Night Club – Boccia – Water Polo & Water Aerobics – YOGA – Regular Cultural Shows – Body Boards – Windsurfing

At additional cost: Jet Ski – Waterskiing – Big Game Fishing / Deep Sea

Hotel Business Services include:

Broadband Internet access
Multimedia computers
Secretarial services
Timings
Workstations

Hotel Leisure and Other Services Include:

Babysitting
Beauty parlour/Hair salon
Car hire service
Currency exchange
Doctor-on-call
Express laundry/dry cleaning
Florist
Travel assistance

Indoor Activities:

Asphalt Tennis Court
Daily entertainment at the bar
Darts
Discotheque
Gymnasium and Health Club (Sauna/Jacuzzi and massage rooms)
Horse Rides and Elephant rides
Outdoor Pool
Pool Table
Regular cultural shows and animation
Table Tennis
Water sports & rental centre includes jet ski, water ski, banana boat ride, windsurfing, and more.
Transportation to the centre is free

Products & Services: 162 spacious rooms with spectacular views of the sea and the beautiful landscaped gardens. All rooms offer a balcony/terrace as well as large bay windows. Every room is well equipped with guest amenities including minibar, air conditioning, ceiling fan, electronic safe, tea/coffee maker, IDD telephones, and Satellite TV.

Check-in/Check-out Time: Normal Check-in is 12.00 noon and Check-Out is 11.00 a.m. Earlier Check-in or later Check-out time could be requested on a case by case basis and the hotel may agree depending on availability.

Address: Bentota, Sri Lanka

Airport: Colombo International

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Galle Fort Hotel wins UNESCO Heritage Award of Distinction

The 2007 UNESCO Asia – Pacific Heritage Award of Distinction, for heritage conservation, was presented to Galle Fort Hotel by Richard Engelhardt, UNESCO Regional Advisor for Culture in Asia and the Pacific region at a presentation ceremony jointly organized by UNESCO and the Galle Heritage Foundation.

2007 UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Awards

“This carefully considered transformation of an abandoned historic residential compound into a stylish luxury boutique hotel has evocatively captured the spirit of place of the colonial World Heritage fortified town of Galle. The restoration has been carried out with sensitivity to the historic fabric and the surrounding urban context, retaining the buildings modest scale and street façade. The removal of unsympathetic elements has revealed the original Dutch Villa and its later English architectural Dutch influences, while the elegant interior design and modern additions have added new layers of meaning. The restoration was undertaken using local expertise and craftsmanship. The temporary adaptation of the hotel into an emergency shelter in the aftermath of the 2005 tsunami and the subsequent contribution of the hotel to the recovery of Galle through cultural tourism have demonstrated the potential of such commercial ventures to contribute to community development in an historic urban heritage context.”

The Jury Panel of the 2007 UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Awards

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