Lankan Hotels

aragon

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  • Oct 16, 2008
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    Lankan rhapsody at Galle



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    LIFE & STYLE - TRAVEL:


    The seaside town of Galle leaves one delighted as the waves playfully caress the shore. It’s just the place to have a wonderful time with one’s family. Take a slice of Goa, add a hint of Mauritius, flavour it with Kerala and you get the splendid island of Sri Lanka. Coconut trees, beaches, temples, wildlife, forests, light houses, colonial buildings, as well as new age hotels and shopping - this country has something for everyone.


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    The city of Galle


    In the mood for some sun, sand and sea, we decide to head to the southern town of Galle. I don’t know what to expect of the place. All I know is that it was devastated by the 2004 tsunami.

    The drive to Galle is picturesque with the sea on one side and greenery interspersed with houses on the other, except for a long stretch of land with remnants of houses destroyed by the ruthless waves.

    A tall statue of the Buddha stands as a memory of those who lost their lives. Strangely enough, the very sea that was the cause for much woe steps up to cheer us up - the waves playfully caress the shore, little children prance about and the cool sea breeze pacifies.

    En route to Galle, we stop at the Matara Star Fort. Built in the 1760s, the fort has a unique star shape.

    The moat around even has a lazy looking crocodile perched on a wedge of rock. The next stop is the Dondra light house. I am a tad reluctant to visit the light house, but anyway head there, whining all the way. Like a battery-operated doll, I almost instantly stop complaining when I get off the vehicle. The place is breathtaking.

    The azure sea laced with white foam, there is greenery all around, and amidst that stands the resplendent white lighthouse. Out come the cameras and wide grins as we pose against the lively backdrop.

    Our tour guide has a tough time pulling us away from there. Every time he looks away and starts walking towards the vehicle, we stop to click more photographs. Once done, we pile into the vehicle gigging like school children.

    Shortly, we reach Galle. “We are at the Galle Fort,” announces the tour guide, and looking at me adds: “Maam, please change your footwear to something comfortable as we have to walk a bit.” I promptly remove my stilettos and slip into my sneakers, and we are off.

    Tales from the past

    The Fort was built by the Portuguese. Overlooking the sea, the Galle cricket stadium and offering a marvellous view of the town, this makes for a good photo stop.

    Earlier, the fort housed a prison, and even though it is not functional any more, strange noises are said to be heard here at midnight.

    On hearing that, I scream and move away from the prison gate where I had been pouting for the camera all this while.

    We walk along the ramparts to the lighthouse, and after a few kilometres, we come across a typical Dutch road with Dutch-style houses on either side.


    Artefacts galore

    Nestled in that very road is a quaint house with tonnes of antiques.

    It’s a museum and the collection is the single-handed effort of Gaffer, a businessman. The collection includes lamps, vases, crockery and cutlery, artefacts collected from ship wrecks and what not! By now, I am tired and just want to check into the hotel and plonk myself on the bed.

    After a half-hour drive, we reach The Fortress hotel. Stylishly seated on the beach, the huge white walls enclose lush lawns, a 75-metre swimming pool, boutiques, plush restaurants and exquisitely designed rooms. A friendly attender escorts me to my room.


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    The Fortress Loft Guestroom


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    The Fortress Poolside Lounge

    I am given the Ocean View room that offers a fantastic view of the ocean and the pool, has high-vaulted ceiling, wooden flooring, a separate wash area done up in glass, a personal Jacuzzi, a hip couch, huge snug bed and more.

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    The Fortress Bar

    Once he’s out, I slide into the Jacuzzi, sipping on Baileys, as the water works miracles on my tired muscles.

    Next morning, the alarm goes off at 6. I want to wake up and walk along the beach and take in the sights and sounds, but the comfy bed doesn’t want to let go of me, almost like an over possessive mother. Finally, I manage to leave by 6.30. There’s a slight drizzle, adding to the charm of the place.

    Fishermen on stilts sit patiently and wait for their catch, families and couples splash about in the waters and I take the opportunity to go for a swim in the fabulous pool.

     

    aragon

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  • Oct 16, 2008
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    Chaaya Blu Trincomalee to open next year




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    A member of the John Keells Hotels Group, Club Oceanic Trincomalee has closed operations to undergo a complete refurbishment and expansion.

    The 56-room Club Oceanic will receive a new look and theme by the design of master-architect Channa Daswatte and additional capacity to take its inventory to 80 rooms.

    It is expected that the hotel will reopen in May 2010 as "Chaaya Blu Trincomalee" joining the "Chaaya Hotels and Resorts" family of five other 4-star resorts in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. An investment of Rs. 450 million will be committed to this development.

    "Since the dawn of peace in Sri Lanka, the east coast has emerged strongly as the country's new tourism destination", said Executive Vice President of the John Keells Hotels Group and Sector head for Sri Lankan Resorts Jayantissa Kehelpannala.

    "Trincomalee in particular is becoming increasingly accessible to local and foreign holiday-makers with the development of the road network, allowing them to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Uppuveli and Nilaveli, some of the best diving and snorkelling spots in the country and a host of other activities including yachting, angling and whale watching.

    "Blu" is as seafarers would refer to the ocean and "Chaaya Blu Trincomalee, " will be pledged to promoting the rich offerings of the seas of Trinco to the world," he said.

    "Having been involved in Sri Lankan tourism as a group for over 35 years, we are excited and enthused by the emergence of east-coast tourism.

    We believe that Trincomalee has the potential to become one of the most sought-after destinations in the country and Chaaya Blu Trincomalee with its new retro-chic look will bridge the present deficit for quality 4-star accommodation," said Deputy Chairman John Keells Holdings and President of the Leisure Group Ajit Gunewardene. He said "The John Keells Hotels Group is proud to launch one of the first development projects towards promoting east-coast tourism."
     

    aragon

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  • Oct 16, 2008
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    BOI approves project to build modern city hotel in Jaffna

    The Board of Investment (BOI) has granted investment approval for Tilko Jaffna City Hotels Ltd., to establish a modern tourist hotel in the heart of Jaffna Town.

    BOI Chairman and Director General Dhammika Perera signed the agreement on behalf of the BOI formally presented the BOI Certificate of Registration to Mr. Thavarajah Thilagaraj, Managing Director of the Company.

    The project carried out under the Accelerated Development Programme for the Northern Province is for an initial investment of Rs. 80 million. The company will establish a modern hotel offering a comfortable stay for guests. The hotel will consist of 33 Guest Rooms and 2 Cottages to accommodate group tourist. The hotel will offer facilities such as a restaurant, gymnasium, and conference facilities.

    The hotel is established in a 340 perch land with an overview of the lagoon and the beach. Mr. Thilagaraj stated that the area lacked hotels offering proper facilities to tourist.

    Mr. Thilagaraj described the hotel as a Luxury Hotel targeting the business community, tourists and expatriates. The company has already commenced construction of the hotel and expects to commence commercial operations in February 2010.

    "There is so much investment potential in the area and investor confidence must further be enhanced" said Mr. Thilagaraj.

    According to the BOI the investor, also engaged in other development projects in the Northern and Eastern provinces, has commended on the BOI stating that it offered an excellent service.

    http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Se...px?ARTID=70288
     

    aragon

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  • Oct 16, 2008
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    Reef opens Reefresh Spa in Sri Lanka

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    Reef - The Ultimate Tropical Beach Villa, Sri Lanka launched in early 2009, has now opened, within its three acres of exotic tropical gardens, its private and intimate Reefresh Spa.

    Reef is a truly spectacular luxury beachside hideaway set in three acres of exotic tropical gardens, just 45mins south of Colombo, Sri Lanka. With a 65m sandy beachfront, all weather tennis court, large swimming pool, lush tropical gardens, huge lily ponds, garden pavilions, gourmet kitchens, Reef has set a new bench mark for luxury accommodation

    http://www.treatmentabroad.net/medic...tryId82=174039
     

    aragon

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  • Oct 16, 2008
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    Serene Pavilions: Luxury Boutique Hotel in Sri Lanka

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    Serene Pavilions Ltd has revealed 12 highly styled, luxurious pavilions positioned on the West coast, offering a new dimension to luxury hospitality on the island.

    Serene Pavilions just opened on October 1st, 2009. This new boutique hotel will accommodate up to 30 guests. Conveniently located on the west coast in Wadduwa, just a 45-minute drive from the capital city of Colombo, this beachside luxury hideaway will make an ideal Sri Lankan holiday experience, an incentive add-on to business trips, and perfect for honeymoons or for pure luxury escapism and indulgence.

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    Construction on Serene Pavilions commenced in November 2007, with an emphasis on space, tranquillity and peace of mind, using Balinese and Sri-Lankan architecture interlaced with walkways and water channels, pavilion-style accommodation, landscaped gardens, and outdoor decked living areas. The Serene Pavilions offers the Amritha Bar and The Pavilions Restaurant enjoying uninterrupted ocean views and a Club House reception area housing a library, spa, gym and jacuzzi swimming pool. A tennis court amidst the gardens is also available.

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    Set amidst a 7-acre coconut grove with direct access to its sandy beach facing the Indian Ocean, all pavilions have their own private plunge pools surrounded by a large ground floor pool decking area with Bali designed sun protection cover with outside shower and facilities as well as 24 hour private butler service. Each pavilion consists of either one or two elegant bedrooms with attached dressing room, a spacious sitting room and dining area, a furnished kitchenette, a butler’s pantry, a private bar and a large bathroom featuring 2 vanity units, separate shower room and Jacuzzi. They are equipped with flat TV, DVD/CD player, safe, hairdryer, tea and coffee makers and other items to pamper the most sophisticated of guests.

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    Eight of the one-bedroom pavilions are two storeyed and positioned on the ocean front with spacious first floor balconies offering unrivalled views. The four garden and central pool pavilions (one with one-bedroom and three with two-bedrooms) are spread across 225 square metres on the same level, wrapped around by a private garden and decking. All have been built 12 feet above sea-level.

    The Serene Pavilions‘ signature centrepiece is its Amritha Bar and The Pavilions’ Restaurant, which links the garden and pool area to the beachfront. The bar is situated on the ground floor overlooking the ocean, surrounded by a timber deck stretching onto lush gardens and the beach.

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    The Pavilions Restaurant, on the first floor, offers a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean, and provides an á la carte menu including Eastern, Asian, International and Western cuisine. A wine cellar with a range of fine wines is also available for the discerning palate. The gourmet Executive Chef offers world-wide experience and will create a choice of menu at the guests’ choice of location.​
     

    aragon

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  • Oct 16, 2008
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    The Gallery Café

    The Gallery Café is situated in the center of the city of Colombo yet it remains a beautiful quiet haven to all our patrons. It is unlike any other restaurant in Sri Lanka. Situated within the former office of Sri Lanka's renowned architect, Geoffrey Bawa, this restaurant has attracted some of the world's top designers, artists and many heads of state. The Gallery Café is a feast for the eyes and palette, whether it be during the day when one can appreciate every aspect of its design or at night when the whole restaurant is transformed into a candlelit magical space.


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    aragon

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  • Oct 16, 2008
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    Nilaveli Beach Hotel

    Nilaveli Beach Hotel

    Located on the East Coast of Sri Lanka, known the world over for its beautiful soft white sand beaches which slope gently into clear shallow seas, the vast Indian Ocean which washes on to the shores of this coastal resort holds a treasure chest of dreams just waiting to be opened.


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    Here you could swim around the multi-hued reef protecting the island like so many layers of ribbon cake – turquoise, ochre, salmon pink, smoky grey, sandstone and cobalt blue – and revel in an underwater world of colourful translucence, feasting your eyes on shoals of jewel-hued fish darting among the surrounding coral and rocks.
    Nilaveli Beach Hotel is located 275 Km from Colombo, on the East coast along the pristine beach of Nilaveli and considered as one of the finest unspoilt beaches in Asia with white sands and clear blue seas. The ideal season on the East coast is from April to October. The hotel overlooks the pigeon island now a breeding ground for migratory birds, was originally used by the British during the second world war for target practice. Pigeon island is also an excellent location for Game snorkeling. A popular Hindu temple perched high a top Swami Rock which divides Trincomalee's emeralds bays. The other places of interest are Fort Fredrick,remnant of Trinco's colonial history. The hotel has 31 Rooms which includes Standard AC and Deluxe rooms. The other facilities are swimming pool and Beach bar and restaurant.

    In 1775 a teenage midshipman named Horatio Nelson arrived in Trincomalee aboard the HMS “Seahorse”. Later, as admiral of the British Navy, he remembered it as “the finest harbour in the world” – tribute indeed from such a man.

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    A number of shipwrecks including the aircraft carrier HMS “Hermes” which went down during World War II into 30 fathoms of water, and its sister ship the HMS “Empire” which came to its rescue only to suffer the same fate, lie submerged beneath the waters.


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    The HMS “Hermes” was rediscovered only in the 1970s, its hulk, teeming with marine life. The HMS “Empire” has not yet been found – who knows, you just might be the one to make this momentous discovery!

    The Nilaveli Beach on the East Coast is “the other side of the island”, one that remains pristine, pure and very private even today – it is undoubtedly the best in Sri Lanka and one of the premier beaches in Asia.

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    aragon

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  • Oct 16, 2008
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    More from Nilaveli Beach Hotel

    More from Nilaveli Beach Hotel

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