Sri Lanka - OutboundHolidays

Chaaya Citadel Hotel | Kandy | Sri Lanka

COMPARE PRICES FOR CHAAYA CITADEL FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

FOUR AND HALF STAR LUXURY HOTEL | 24 DELUXE SUITES | 97 SUPERIOR ROOMS

Why the King of Kandy kept coming back here.

Chaaya Citadel Kandy is constructed in the place of the former Dunuvila Wallauwa (The ancestral home of the Dunivila family). Dunuvila, one of the King’s Ministers, lived here with his extended family.

And, as the legend goes the King of Kandy would make it a point to break journey at this very location whenever he passed by in his boat. It is said that he did not simply stop to rest, but to bathe in the river and spend some time at the Wallauwa.

An old family photograph of the original Wallauwa still hangs at the entrance to the hotel.

The legend doesn’t tell us what attracted the King to this very spot again and again. We can only imagine. But the fact that the Sovereign kept coming back is possibly the same reason why guests keep coming back to Chaaya Citadel. For rest and rejuvenation. For romance and adventure. For nature and inspiration.

On the historic road that leads from Colombo to Kandy, 160 Km from Colombo, just before the bustling Kandy town stands the perfect destination for naturalists, culturists and romantics – Chaaya Citadel Kandy. It is a tribute to the natural citadel that was Senkadagala.

Sweeping green hills, the longest river in the country, misty mornings and the fresh outdoors, are just a few things that naturally come together here to make the perfect holiday. Just 2 1/2 hours from the Sri Lanka’s Capital City Colombo, Chaaya Citadel Kandy has reinvented itself taking into account the needs of holidaymakers around the world. Replete with a sense of history, serenity and majesty, the hotel offers guests the opportunity to experience the amazing Kandyan history, the culture and the arts that play a big role in the lives of the Sri Lankans. Five Experience Packages are designed to shower guests with a wealth of experience. The Chaaya chain of hotels, setting high standards, has a reputation for operating impressive hotels and resorts in the region and has been singled out for its efforts.

Chaaya Citadel Kandy, nestled in the hills of Sri Lanka, has received three ISO certifications – ISO 22000; 2005 for Food Safety Management, ISO 14001 for its environment and OHSAS 18001 for occupational health and safety. ‘Chaaya’ means ‘Reflection’ and it is time to reflect on a holiday experience here!

ACCOMMODATION

Deluxe Room / Suites: 24 spacious air-conditioned luxury rooms, overlooking the river, feature elements and themes inspired by Kandy’s rich cultural heritage adding an ethnic and luxuriant feeling from the moment guests enter the rooms. The doors are painted on both sides with exquisite Kandyan motifs while above the ultra comfortable queen size beds hang a pleasant surprise – hand-woven fabric drapes that adorn the interiors. Each room features a sitting area with a built-in couch and coffee table.

Features include a balcony with outdoor-style seating
A well stocked mini bar
Cable TV
A DVD player
A large bath
Glass shower cubical
Complimentary tea and coffee making facilities
Bathrobes and bathroom slippers
Complimentary toiletries, which include a moisturizer, a shaving kit, toothpaste and toothbrush and shower gel

Superior Rooms: All 97 air-conditioned rooms overlook the river and are elegantly furnished and complete with all four star luxuries. Above the beds hang hand-woven fabric wall hangings, featuring Kandyan motifs.

Features include a balcony with outdoor-style seating

A well stocked mini bar
Cable TV
A glass shower cubical
Complimentary tea and coffee making facilities
A hair drier and complimentary toiletries

CUISINE

Vel Eliya Restaurant: A spacious restaurant on the first floor of the main wing of the hotel offering guests an unobstructed view of the graceful Mahweli River that flows below. Vel Eliya offers a wide choice of buffet style dining choices at mealtime. Vibrant painted Kandyan-style designs adorn the ceiling and the pillars of the restaurant adding colour to the length and breath to this generously spacious and comfortable restaurant.

Giri Sikara Lounge and Bar: An open lounge bar overlooking the Pool and the Mahaweli River where guests are served up signature cocktails and mock tails any time of day. Beverages of every description, local and imported spirits and liqueurs are available on request. The non-traditional “Kandyan Kocktails” available here have become a hot choice with the guests while the exotic tropical fruit juices are all-time favourites. Traditional Kandyan designs on cloth beautify the entire ceiling area while large cement vases filled with water and freshly picked jasmines add a pleasant fragrance to the air. The lounge opens out to the Pool area inviting guests to indulge in a romantic stroll under the stars while soothing music fills the air. At night, after the Sun sets and the stars come out, Giri Sikara features live entertainment ‘ a band, in a casual yet exotic atmosphere making it the ideal spot to treat yourself to a drink or perhaps engage in some social dancing.

Uda Rata Bojun: (Meaning: A feast from the hill country) Fine Dining Restaurant at Chaaya Citadel The Uda Rata Bojun fine dining restaurant offers the finest authentic Kandyan cuisine in the hill capital. It serves up tried and tested and most loved recipes from the days gone by. The restaurant is famous for offering delightful choices from its ? La Carte menu, a choice fit for royalty! This tastefully decorated restaurant with its cozy interior offers split-level seating and includes a bar at the top-level. Its fabulous location next to the river means early diners can catch a picturesque view of the landscaped garden and the river beyond at dusk.

Pool Bar: With the turquoise swimming pool on one side and the flowing waters of the Mahaweli River on the other, the Pool Bar is a fabulous place to sit, sip a drink and watch village life literally go by. Rustic riverside scenes provide a calming backdrop of rare sites and sounds -boatmen guiding their boats along the river at dawn, children playing on the opposite river bank as the womenfolk bathe in its cool waters in the afternoon and exotic birds providing music whilst perched atop lush tree tops throughout the day. The Pool Bar is a favourite location when planning special theme dinners for small groups of guests who prefer a setting out of the ordinary, out in the open.

Products and Services: 24 Luxury Suites and 97 A/C Standard Rooms, Conference facilities, Room service, Swimming pool, Indoor games, Boating, Billiards, Snooker, Table tennis, River boat rides.

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

Address: Kandy, Sri Lanka

Airport: Colombo International

COMPARE PRICES FOR CHAAYA CITADEL FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

Colonial charm and comfort in the tea country |…

With two feathers already in its cap, Chaaya Resorts and Hotels are all set to introduce yet another fabulous hotel. Chaaya Citadel Kandy, popularly known till now simply as Citadel, will come alive in all its ancient glory this September. This newest re-branding effort follows the launch of Chaaya Village earlier this May, and more recently, Chaaya Lagoon Hakuraa Huraa in Maldives.

Situated in the midst of the misty hills of Kandy, the view from Chaaya Citadel is made even more breathtaking by the {en:Mahaweli River}, offering just the right amount of tranquillity in the otherwise bustling hill capital.

With refurbishment, the hotels’ already luxurious interior has been made even better, and the change is sure to be well received. Chaaya Citadel has 24 Deluxe rooms and Suites, and 97 Superior Rooms with thematic interiors as well as TV, Telephone, Mini-bar and other facilities.

“Chaaya means reflection. Chaaya Citadel, Kandy is a tribute to the true natural Citadel that was the ancient Kingdom of Kandy” says CEO of Chaaya Hotels and Resorts, Jayantissa Kehelpannala. “Our collection of antiques, the names of our key outlets, the mural-like paintings in our rooms and public areas, as well as staff attire, all reflect the rich heritage of Kandy” he added.

The “Vel Eliya” Main Restaurant serves international cuisine buffet style for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can expand their culinary horizons by tasting traditional Kandyan flavours, served to perfection at the “Uda Rata Bojun” Fine Dining restaurant, amongst many other a la carte preparations.

The bar lounge is relaxation personified, with comfy chairs set out for guests to sink into. The hotels’ other services and facilities include an {en:Ayurveda} centre, shopping arcade, foreign currency exchange, and left luggage service. For recreation there is the Swimming pool, Billiards, Snooker and Table Tennis.

“The commitment of our staff has been incredible. There have been long hours of training as well as openness to mindset changes, despite the hotel being fully operational during the pre-launch preparation stage. This will enable them to deliver the Chaaya promise of service.” Mr Kehelpannala stated.

Kandy is a city that can offer its visitor just about anything, from vibrant parades and awe inspiring temples, to quiet walks and serene boat rides. The Dalada Maligawe, housing the sacred tooth relic of Buddha, the beautiful Peradeniya Botanical Gardens exhibiting one of the loveliest shows of local fauna and flora, and the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage are only some of the items on the itinerary of anyone who visits Kandy. The Kandy Esala Perahara too is a sight to behold, held every July/August with much pomp and pageantry.

Chaaya Citadel Kandy, as with all the other Chaaya Hotels and Resorts, has designed five experience packages to give their guests lasting memories. Named “The Kandyan Bride”, “Ancient Trails”, “The Scenic Trek”, “Golfers’ Day in the Sun”, and “Culturally Yours”, they are each unique and are customized to suit varying interests. A traditional Kandyan wedding, a tour of our ancient temples, an exhilarating trek, a day at the golf course, and lessons in Kandyan dancing are only glimpses of what is offered through these packages.

The John Keells Group is Sri Lanka’s largest owner of hotel inventory with a portfolio of two city hotels and 12 resort hotels situated in prime locations in Sri Lanka and Maldives. The new rebranding strategy aims to raise quality standards and establish standard operating procedures to maintain them. The next hotel being prepared for a re-launch is Yala Village.

COMPARE AND BOOK SRI LANKA HOTEL FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

Tropical Leisure brings The Isle of Agnes to Sri…

Agnes’ legend comes to life in hotel of US$1000.00 – US$10,000.00 per night

Elephant Corridor fame-Tropical Leisure plans to open the country’s latest high yielding ‘Isle of Agnes’ resort.

The resort will reflect high tech and the future in harmony with nature while continuing the life-style of southern Sri Lanka into the next generation, a spokesperson for Tropical Leisure said.

It will be the latest state of the art in a hotel catering to the uppermost bracket of modern day tourists at US$1,000.00 – US$10,000.00 is born of an appreciation of those times and people, mainly Ceylonese who lived in those times with style to match the greatest empire the world had known, that of the British.

“Agnes the southern Belle married at 15 who raised 7 children, planted and managed her estates, built and landscaped her bungalows while interacting with the other great families of the time and the foreigners who lived there, epitomized this. All the time she was at the side of her lawyer husband, whose champagne drinking expansive life-style was only matched by his social consciousness and politics at local government level,” the spokesperson said.

She added that the resort has been inspired by the diversity of language, architecture, furniture, eating habits, clothes during the Portuguese, Dutch and British Colonial times which blended to form vibrancy and style in southern Ceylon with few parallels in the world.

COMPARE AND BOOK SRI LANKA HOTELS FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

Galle | Sri Lanka | Destination Guide

COMPARE AND BOOK HOTELS IN GALLE FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

The historic port city of {en:Galle} in the southwest of Sri Lanka has a splendid natural harbour and was in use in pre-Christian times, but gained importance after the 12th century. By the 14th century it was arguably the most important port in the country, and it retained this pre-eminence until 1873 when an artificial harbour was built in Colombo. The great Chinese admiral Zheng commemorated his visit by leaving a trilingual inscription in 1411; the three languages were Chinese, Tamil, and Arabic, implying a cosmopolitan trading community. The Portuguese arrived in 1505, and later built a small fort; but it was after Galle was captured by the Dutch in 1640 that the city rose to its greatest prosperity. The Dutch rebuilt the town and strengthened the fortifications.

The English took over in 1796 but made few changes to the infrastructure, and its Dutch architecture of the 17th and 18th centuries which gives the town its present character and charm. Galle is known as the centre point of the southern coastal area & the fourth largest city in Sri Lanka. Even to someone who doesn’t know of the cities colonial past, it is hard not to notice the European influence in architecture in the area. It is undoubtedly Sri Lankas’ best preserved Colonial town.

According to James Emerson Tennent, Galle was the ancient seaport of {en:Tarshish}, from which King Solomon drew ivory, peacocks and other valuables. Certainly, cinnamon was exported from Sri Lanka as early as 1400 BC and the root of the word itself is Hebrew, so Galle may have been the main entrepot for the spice.

Galle had been a prominent seaport long before western rule in the country. Persians, Arabs, Greeks, Romans, Malays and Indians were doing business through Galle port. The “modern” history of Galle starts in 1505, when the first Portuguese ship, under {en:Lourenço de Almeida} was driven there by a storm. However, the people of the city refused to let the Portuguese enter it, so the Portuguese took it by force.

In 1640, the Portuguese had to surrender to the Dutch East India Company. The Dutch built the present Fort in the year 1663. They built a fortified wall, using solid granite, and built three bastions, known as “sun”, “moon” and “star”.

After the British took over the country from the Dutch in the year 1796, they wisely preserved the Fort unchanged, and used it as the administrative centre of Galle.

Hotels in Galle

Kandy | Sri Lanka | Destination Guide

COMPARE AND BOOK HOTELS IN KANDY FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

{en:Kandy} city is well known for its scenic beauty, favourable climate, cultural values and historical significance. The city is beautified by an inner tier of mountain ranges with Hantana towards the south, Udawattekelle to the East and Bahirawakanda towards the North West. Kandy is 9.22square miles in extent. The city is bounded by the Mahaweli Ganga [River] along its entire western, northern and eastern sides. The river, the longest in Sri Lanka, also provides natural protection as well as a healthy clean environment to the city.

The city of Kandy lies at an altitude between 1500-2000 feet. More precisely, the built-up area at approximately 1200 feet above sea level in Kandy plateau. Located at a distance of 72miles [116km] from the capital city of Colombo, it is considered as the largest city in the hill country of Sri Lanka, surrounded by a chain of hills. The tributaries of the Mahaweli running through the city provides the natural drainage to the city and functions as a natural water outlet too.

Kandy Lake

The lake at the center of the city with a traditional artistic feature is attractive and keeps the environment cool. So, the city is considered as one of the best tourist resorts on the island. This was built by the last king converting a stretch of paddy land into a lake over a period of 3 years and completed in 1812. Conceptually, it is a monumental creation of ‘Kiri Muhuda’. [Milky Sea] The banks of the lake are covered with an awesome variety of trees of which some are historic. Naturally, the narrow path along the Lake has become a popular walking stretch for city dwellers and lovers.

Art & Craft

Kandyan Art is a distinct school among the indigenous arts and crafts of Sri Lanka. Closely associated with the Buddhist temples, Kandyan Art encompasses frescoes, wall paintings, lacquer wood painting, wood carving, stone carving, metal work, jewellery, furniture, Kandyan architecture and much more.

Arts and Crafts form a rich mosaic in the cultural fabric of the Kandyan Society. The Artificer, Dancer, Weaver, Wood Carver, Artist and the Musician were held in high esteem. They contributed to the economic life of society second only to Agriculture. The ancient Artists and Craftsmen all over Asia had been well organized into guilds. A similar system prevailed in Sri Lanka as well from early times. The Knowledge practices and out forms were passed down from generation to generation. Even marriages were within the same group so that the craft was closely guarded.

The artists and craftsmen had the patronage of the king. The best were permanently employed in the royal household and were gifted with land in return for their services. All Royal requirements including, jewellery, ornaments utensils were turned out by them. Gifts given to other Heads of state on Delegations were all turned out by these craftsmen. Jewellery and ornaments required by the nobility too were turned out by the traditional Craftsmen. These items were also equally beautiful and high in quality.

Kandy Esala Perahera

The Esala Perahara held in Kandy is one of Asia’s most outstanding pageants and few can compare with it in antiquity, grandeur and splendour. It is held annually in July/August for ten days depending on the phases of the moon, usually finishing on the full-moon day of the month of August. Traditional dancers, drummers, caparisoned elephants; Kandyan Chieftains (Nilames) parade the streets of Kandy. In very early times the Sacred Tooth Relic was paraded to bring Peace and Prosperity to the country. Until the reign of King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe (1747-1781) this pageant was performed by the Dalada Maligawa only, but the King invited the four Devales to join this pageant, thus making the event even more culturally significant to all religions of the island.

Since then the parade has five processions – Dalada Maligawa, Natha Devala, Vishnu Devala, Kataragama Devala and Paththini Devala joining in with their Basnayake Nilames giving the leadership to the processions. People from all over the world witness this great pageant each year with devotion and awe. The Esala Perehera could be considered ‘the’ cultural symbol of Kandy and Sri Lanka.

History of Kandy

Available historical records suggest that Senkadagalapura [an early name for Kandy] was established by the King Wickramabahu III during the period of his reign from 1357-1374 AD. Some scholars contend that the original name of Kandy was Katubulu Nuwara located near present Watapuluwa. The more popular historical name – Senkadagala – according to folklore was originated from one of the several possible sources. These include naming after a brahmin with the name Senkanda who lived in a cave near by, a queen of King Wickramabahu named Senkanda, and after a coloured stone named Senkadagala. The present name Kandy is only an anglicized version of Kanda Uda Rata [meaning the “Land Upcountry”] originated in the colonial era.

After King Wickremabahu III who founded the city, Senasammata Wickremabahu ascended the throne in the 15th century (1473-1511) making it the new capital of the Kandyan Kingdom. He was followed by his son King Jayaweera Astan (1511-1551) and later by Karalliyadde Bandara (1551-1581). His successor however, preferred to rule the hill country from Sitawaka on the western flanks of the hills. A period of turmoil for power ended with the ascent to the throne by Konappu Bandara who came to be known as Wimaladharmasuriya I.

Wimaladharmasuriya I having embraced Buddhism consolidated his authority further by bringing the tooth relic of the Lord Buddha to Kandy from a place called Delgamuwa. He proceeded to build a temple for the sacred relic which subsequently developed into the present Dalada Maligawa. In between the death of Wimaladhramasuriya I in 1604 and the capture of the last King of Kandy by the British in 1815 seven successive kings ruled the Kandyan kingdom from its base at Senkadagala or its suburbs such as Meda Maha Nuwara, Kundasale and Hanguranketa. The beautiful Octagon at the Dalada Maligawa and the picturesque Kandy Lake were constructed during the time of the last King Sri Wickrema Rajasinghe who was exiled to South India by the British.

The history of Kandy and its townscape witnesses rapid and drastic change from the beginning of British rule particularly after the 1818 rebellion. As Sir Lowry in his {en:Gazetteer} recorded “The story of English rule in the Kandyan country during the rebellion of 1818 cannot be related without shame… Hardly a member of the leading families remained alive… Those whom the sword and the gun had spared cholera and small pox and privations had slain by the hundreds… Others became ignorant and apathetic. Any subsequent development efforts of the government for many years were only attempts begun and abandoned

However, Ananda Kumaraswamy – the great savant of eastern culture writing in 1912 after nearly hundred years of British occupation had this to say. “Hardy mountaineers of the interior, preserved their independence enabling us to form an estimate of Sinhalese as a live and individual people, with a national character and a national art; an individuality and art which is more difficult and often impossible to trace in the low country districts long subjected to western influence”.

Since its founding in the 14th Century, Kandy which remained the last stronghold of local kings had gone through many a vicissitude. Although Colombo represents the prime commercial and administrative center, Kandy continues to remain the cultural capital of Sri Lanka with a rich heritage of living monuments.

COMPARE AND BOOK HOTELS IN KANDY FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

Maldivian flights commence to Colombo

Maldivian, the airline division of Island Aviation Services of the Maldives has commenced its scheduled operations to Colombo.

Maldivian will initially operate five daily flights on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Two types of aircraft, Bombardier Dash8 Q300 (50 seats) and Q200 (37 seats) will be utilised by Maldivian for operations to and from Colombo. This is the second destination which has been included in the Maldivian International network after Trivandrum, India.

Managing Director of Maldivian, Bandhu Ibrahim Saleem said that he was happy with the commencement of the flights to Sri Lanka. “Given the vast tourist potential between our two countries, we foresee a booming business and great promise in this sector”.

He said that there is still a huge amount of capacity and it is a growing market. Maldivian is represented in Sri Lanka by Hemas Aviation (Pvt) Ltd, the GSA for Maldivian since December 1, 2000.

Director Hemas Aviation (Pvt) Ltd., Imitiaz Esufally said Maldivian flying to Sri Lanka is a very welcome move as it will help increase trade, as well as the movement of people between the two countries.

This is a great for the aviation industry of Sri Lanka. He said that he was delighted that the air link between Sri Lanka and the Maldives has been further enhanced by the arrival of Maldivian.

“This will undoubtedly give the Sri Lankan market a greater choice of airlines and further assist passengers to conveniently link with their internal route network within the Maldives”, he said.

Head of Hemas Transportation sector Imitiaz Esufally said that the company has over a decade-long relationship with Maldivian, and looked forward to supporting and growing with them, in the years to come.

Maldivian is the airline division of Island Aviation Services based in Male in the Maldives.

It operates international flights in addition to inter-island services. Its main base is Male International Airport.

The Company’s core business activities include Domestic Air Services, Ground Handling, Cargo Services at the Male International Airport Operation of CIP lounge at the Male International Airport and the Engineering Services and Flight Operations.

Taj Airport Garden Hotel | Seeduwa | Sri Lanka

COMPARE PRICES FOR TAJ AIRPORT GARDEN HOTEL FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

AIRPORT BUSINESS HOTEL | 14 SUITES | 20 DELUXE ROOMS | 100 ROOMS

Taj Airport Garden Hotel is just 10 minutes from the Colombo International airport and stands in a sprawl of natures grandeur. For years, the hotel has been an ideal stopover for tired and weary airline passengers, airline crews or transit tourists arriving in Sri Lanka. Step in and be a part of one of the largest chain of luxury hotels in South Asia – the Taj Group of Hotels.

The hotel welcomes guests from the nearby Free Trade Zones where there’s an army of expatriate workers. The hotel is the perfect rendezvous, a luxurious haven for business travellers and leisure seekers alike. Perfection being the epitome of keeping with the Taj style and tradition, every minute detail of the hotel, along with every service offered has been perfected to achieve a paramount of excellence.

Emphasis lies on the business traveller, whose needs are ever increasing in this day and age, the hotel has long served as ‘the’ destination for business folks visiting Sri Lanka as the hotel is close to the airport and within easy access to the capitals business district.

ACCOMMODATION

Standard Rooms – The rooms are all very well appointed with guest amenities such as satellite television, safety lockers, e-mail and internet connections, 24 hour room service, a mini bar, IDD telephones, piped music and in-house laundry facilities, fulfilling every need of a busy business person.

Deluxe Rooms – Elegantly furnished Executive Deluxe Rooms are much larger in size, yet cosy and comfortable with all modern amenities as mentioned above, while also boasting a beautiful direct view of the Swimming Pool and the Negombo Lagoon.

Suites – Including all of the above amenities plus for those who love space, there’s a bedroom and sitting room offering panoramic views of the lagoon as well.

CUISINE

Taj Airport Garden Hotel offers a distinctive dining experience, one that explores the nuances of the finest Indian, Sri Lanka and international cuisines, serving traditional and contemporary favourites.

» Cricketers Arms – A traditional English Pub and sports bar which serves a wide range of liquor, wines, and delicious cocktails.

» Golden Dragon – This authentic Chinese Restaurant serves specially crafted Chinese delicacies in a warm oriental ambience.

» Society – Our round-the-clock eatery serves international favourites, with an amazing pool and lagoon view.

ATTRACTIONS

A sun worshipers paradise… Cool off in the crystal clear waters of our international size swimming pool, or take in the rays on the pool side deck – either way, it is the a relaxing experience. For those who place a high importance on physical fitness, a well-equipped gymnasium with a qualified trainer is available.

Business Centre – Our 24 hour business centre offers high-speed Broadband Internet connectivity, work stations, multimedia computers, printers, lap tops, cellular phones, e-mail, photocopying and secretarial services, providing the business person with an office away from office.

The hotel offers four Banquet Rooms, with a capacity ranging from 25-300 persons, for conferences, Seminars and Banquets.

Recreation – Tennis Court – Indoor Games – Volleyball – Outdoor Swimming Pool – Gymnasium – Water Sports – Wind Surfing.

The famous Negombo Lagoon borders the Taj Airport Garden and is an ideal location for water sports – water-skiing, wind surfing and canoeing all throughout the year. It has also been the venue for the annual wind surfing championships.

Products and Services: 120 centrally air-conditioned and sound-proofed rooms including 14 suites, offering modern amenities and gracious hospitable service including meeting rooms, 24hr room service, swimming pool, fitness centre, volleyball courts, tennis courts, table tennis, water sports, babysitting, beauty parlour/hair salon, car hire service, currency exchange, doctor-on-call, express laundry/dry cleaning, florist, travel assistance.

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

Address: Seeduwa, Katunayake, Sri Lanka
Airport: Colombo International – 3.5km [5min]

COMPARE PRICES FOR TAJ AIRPORT GARDEN HOTEL FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions Resort | Negombo | Sri Lanka

COMPARE PRICES FOR JETWING AYURVEDA PAVILIONS HOTEL FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

AYURVEDA SPA RESORT | KING AND QUEEN VILLAS

Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions have a solid reputation for preventive and curative Ayurvedic treatments, offered to the many thousands who have visited their purpose built resort facilities in Negombo, Sri Lanka. With a team of highly qualified Ayurveda doctors, the resort is state of the art and fine-tuned towards your wellbeing. Although set amidst the bustling coastal town of Negombo, the Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions is a haven of tranquillity waiting to be experienced.

The hotel is a village-like collection of guest villas of two sizes – King Size & Queen Size. The King Size Villas consists of an entrance pavilion, a courtyard and a bedroom with a luxurious bathroom and modern conveniences. The Queen Size Villas consists of a smaller entrance gateway with the bedroom across the courtyard, which combines the massage area in its verandah. These guestrooms include luxurious bathrooms and all other modern amenities. Both types of villas provide typical Sri Lankan village atmosphere with comfortable verandahs, simple furniture suiting the tropical climate and semi-outdoor use. The internal courtyard of both types of villas are inspired from the traditional courtyards of Sri Lankan and ancestral houses called the “midula” with tropical trees and medicinal plants which over the next few years will provide handsome foliage.

THE SURROUNDS – NEGOMBO

Negombo, often called the “Golden Mile” on the West coast of Sri Lanka, is a unique resort town ideal for tourism. With the palm fringed golden beach, which is dotted with fishing villages, it is also called “Little Rome” due to its large number of Roman Catholic Churches. Hence, it makes Negombo a crossroad of religious and historical value where people of different cultures co-exist in harmony.

Its closeness to the Colombo International Airport makes Negombo a very convenient resort. Not only will you find several beach hotels but there is also a lot of history in the area. Here, an Old World atmosphere of 17th Century churches and forts sit side by side with modern hotels, guesthouses and restaurants that have sprung up along the beach in recent times.

Like many other coastal towns in Sri Lanka, Negombo was an important spice trade port long before the Portuguese set foot on the island. The Portuguese took possession of Negombo about 1600 and raised a small fort. The Dutch claimed the strong hold in 1640 and re-fortified it providing their initial foothold in Sri Lanka. When the British arrived in 1796, they found the fort abandoned. They tore most of the fort down and put up a large jail. A few other Dutch relics still remain, the main one being the canal system from Colombo to Puttalam, which is nearly 80 miles long.

Along the shopping streets of Negombo are numerous establishments selling religious medallions and artefacts, but these are balanced by a proliferation of toddy and Arrack taverns, which gives ample proof of the merry pattern of life that the population has adopted.

Negombo is a good place to watch fishermen at work. Their principle craft is the “Oruva”, a dugout outrigger canoe whose prehistoric evolution can be traced from the Comoro Islands off Mozambique, Africa to the South Seas. It has been here in Sri Lanka for a long time. You will see these fishermen bringing in their daily catch of crabs, prawns, seer and other fish to the fish markets. During the day they are mending their nets on the beach. Many make their homes on the small islands of Duva, across the lagoon from Negombo but connected by a motor-able causeway.

ACCOMMODATION

Each villa has a small backyard that contains specially selected medicinal plants and herbs, which guests are welcome to care for during their stay. Both types of villas enjoy similar spacious ensuite facilities with an outdoor bath in a small courtyard, which is a special feature of this purpose built facility. The guests can enjoy an herbal bath in the privacy of their own pavilions. The collection of twelve villas and the public facilities of a swimming pool, Ayurvedic restaurant and reception are also built like a small Sri Lankan village. The guests can walk along small footpaths that meander through the complex with potential green tropical vegetation of Ayurvedic plants and trees.

A very special feature of this garden is the discovery of several water features placed at important locations. These have been included to enhance the occupants’ eye and provide an atmosphere of serenity conducive to meditation.

CUISINE

Ayurveda does not prescribe one diet as best for everyone, such as raw foods, macrobiotics or the basic four food groups, but seeks to individualize and optimize nutrition for the individual, based on their constitutional type and the particular imbalances in the individual that need to be corrected. Food is selected based on its elemental balance, its taste, its effects on the body, and qualities of the foods. The main intention of diet in the Ayurvedic system is to nourish body tissue.

Ignoring the laws of correct living while allowing the accumulation of toxins in the body, results in disease. Ayurveda prescribes an individualized approach to the dietary and lifestyle practices, which keep people healthy and promote longevity. Ayurveda diet and cleansing practices are among the simplest, but most profoundly effective, it helps to restore your health and live a long and happy life.

Haute Cuisine a la Ayurveda Pavilions
The hotel restaurants serve only Ayurvedic cuisine and varieties of various tropical fruit drinks while a la carte menus ensure that all your senses are taken care of. All meals are accompanied with a description of the ingredients used & the benefits.

Facilities:

In-house Ayurvedic Therapy Centre.

Team of experienced doctors.

Ayurveda boutique.

Deluxe accommodation with all modern amenities.

Swimming pool with jet set facilities.

Meditation.

Yoga.

Authentic Ayurveda cookery demonstrations.

Lectures by Ayurveda specialists.

Music therapy.

Products and Services: Separate Ayurvedic treatment rooms for Queen Size Villas or King Size Villas, Yoga, Lectures by ayurveda specialists, Team of experienced Doctors, Sports and recreation facilities, Ayurveda boutique, Swimming pool, Meditation, Authentic ayurveda cooking demonstrations, Music Therapy.

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

Address: Ethukale, Negombo, Sri Lanka
Airport: Colombo International – 25min

COMPARE PRICES FOR JETWING AYURVEDA PAVILIONS HOTEL FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

Ayurveda is the Science of Life

COMPARE PRICES FOR JETWING AYURVEDA PAVILIONS HOTEL FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

Ayurveda literally means “The Science of Life” for the promotion of positive health and prevention and cure of diseases. It is in practice in India and its neighbouring countries for about 5000 years.

“Health”, according to Ayurveda, is not merely the freedom from diseases. A person is to be treated as healthy only when his mind, sense, organs and the soul are in the state of perfect of equilibrium to endow happiness. In addition, the body should be free from diseases.

Ayurveda lays a lot of emphasis on the prevention and cure of diseases. Therefore several therapeutic measures both for patients and healthy persons are prescribed in this system of medicine.

What Ayurveda Does
1. Preservation and promotion of positive health
2. Prevents diseases
3. Cures diseases.

What Ayurveda does for you?

Ayurveda is considered to be one of the best healthcare methods available in the world. It can not only cure but prevents diseases as well.

Ayurveda treatments can give us the opportunity to be aware of not only physical but also social distortions. If one is comfortable receiving Ayurveda treatments, most likely he has established good human relationships, which is essential for good health.

Therapeutic Measures – These are done to promote self-resistance (immunity) power in the body to overcome different changes and to cure a disease if it has already got manifested. Several therapeutic measures are available in Ayurveda such as drugs, diet, drinks, regimens and special therapies.

Benefits from Ayurveda Therapies

1. Prevents aging process
2. Corrects fatigue
3. Cures nervous disorders
4. Improves eye sight
5. Nourishes the tissues
6. Prolongs the span of life
7. Corrects sleep disturbances
8. Corrects stress / strains
9. Corrects joint and bone disorders
10. Improves digestive tract functions
11. Enhances beauty and completion
12. Cures from various diseases
(Specially those which are not cured by the other medical systems)

Principle of Ayurveda Treatment

A person is to be treated as healthy only when his mind, sense, organs and the soul is in the state of perfect equilibrium. In addition the body should be free from diseases. In ancient times people lived a healthy life & lived past one hundred years of age. But today people are living to only half of that age.

In the West it is believed that mankind started from one dark point and progressed to a bright future. According to Ayurveda, mankind started from an ideal and saintly world and proceeded to a corrupted, unhappy and disastrous existence. The quest is to regain some of original happy state to create a better future.

Ayurvedic medicine are developed from human experience and select only those methods that are proved effective.

In Ayurveda, natural medicine consists of plants, animal products and minerals. It does not directly attack the disease but, instead helps the living subject that has the disease.

Today we are so accustomed to modern drug therapy that we have forgotten the importance and necessity of releasing our bodies own healing powers. Without this force our bodies would remain in a state of disease.

There are an increasing number of Western people who are becoming disillusioned with the side effects of chemical drugs and are turning to Ayurvedic medicine as an effective alternative.

The basic and most important principal behind this Ayurvedic medicine is the balancing of our life force and maintenance and reliance in our body’s own natural healing power.

In Ayurvedic medicine we do not look for specific diseases but instead try to diagnose the unhealthy phenomenon that is occurring in a particular individual. We view the patient in terms of his body as unique from anyone else’s and take into consideration his basic constitution. Ayurveda then tries to find out why these diseases developed in the first place and works from there, rather than search for a cure.

Today, there are so many people who are midway between healthy and sick. We may call them half-healthy people. There is no positive way of helping them. In Ayurveda, we can immediately begin treatment to these half-healthy people before they get a disease. This is nothing but prevention. Ayurveda has a vast line of therapies to achieve this preventive health.

When we are healthy our body responds to the external environment in a natural, positive manner. Mental and emotional discomforts can be sensed immediately through Ayurvedic therapies. Thus this comfort and abnormal functioning of the mind and body can be relieved easily.

Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions Hotel and Resort – Negombo, Sri Lanka.

COMPARE PRICES FOR JETWING AYURVEDA PAVILIONS HOTEL FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

The Beach House | Tangalle | Sri Lanka

COMPARE SRI LANKA HOTEL PRICES FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!

BOUTIQUE BEACH VILLA | 4 DELUXE ROOMS | 1 GARDEN COTTAGE

“The best beach house on earth” UK Tatler April 2006

The Beach House is a beautiful Dutch colonial bungalow situated among coconut palms on its own stretch of white beach near Tangalle, on the south coast of Sri Lanka. This is the most idyllic beach villa offering its guests a relaxed and tranquil holiday away from the mass tourism and the unavoidable buffet. The Beach House was once the tropical retreat of American artist Douglas Johnson who lovingly restored the bungalow with the help of Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s most renowned architect.

Although not looking like much from the exterior, the villa comes alive within with heavy wooden colonial furniture, sweeping verandahs so typical of Sri Lanka’s old Dutch villas and cushions in muted greys, blues and creams. Artistic details – shell mosaic mirrors, Johnson’s collection of pictures and collages, and quirky ornaments – make it homely and stylish.

Nominated as one of the Top Twenty Villas in the world by CondeNaste Traveller, the Beach House attracts its fair share of celebrity holidaymakers, but it’s still well within the reach of those serious about spoiling themselves. Perfect for spending days lazing by the beach and if you get itchy feet, trips to see temples, wildlife and historical towns will be all arranged for you.

The Beach House has been upgraded to meet the needs of the most demanding modern beachcombers. Five en-suite bedrooms, many with outdoor bathrooms offer dreamy nights for guests, while a full time staff of four provide discreetly for your every need.

“This is a shining example of barefoot luxury.” – UK Tatler

ACCOMMODATION

The house sleeps 9 in its 4 doubles in the main house and 1 single in a separate cottage. Rooms are a wonderful mixture of cool tiled floors, white beamed ceilings and comfortable four poster beds with mosquito nets and large windows with security grilles. There’s no air conditioning but ceiling fans and the sea breeze guaranteed keep you cool. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms, which have just been completely modernised. As you have direct access to the beach, you can wander from your bedroom down to the waves before your first fruit juice of the day.

There are plenty of places to relax – a colonial-style sitting room inside and a large colonnaded verandah around two sides of the house. Since its restoration in 1992, the colour scheme has turned from eclectic to mainly blues and whites, reflecting its beach surrounds. Apparently, Douglas Johnson was so particular about which colours he wanted the walls painted that his house-painters lost their tempers more than once!

CUISINE

The house is fully staffed with a cook, shopper and maid, so you won’t have to do a thing, except look after yourself. As with many of the most exclusive resorts in Sri Lanka, meals are as simple or elaborate as you wish.

Guests are advised to have a chat with the resident chef when arriving at the Beach House and inform him of your preferences, likes or dislikes. Thereafter prepare to be surprised. A range of spicy local curries and traditional Western treats are served on the dining terrace amid lighted coconut palms and the sound of the ocean.

Alternatively, speak to the cook every morning about your requirements for the day. He is also great with BBQs, beach dinners and lunches for day trips. Guests pay the staff directly for the ingredients on a daily basis. The staff will then do all the shopping and cooking, the cost of which is included in the rental price.

If you do decide to try the local restaurants, Chanika’s, near the Tangalle Bay hotel is reputed for its fabulous and reasonably-priced lobster. Tangalle is a fishing port so seafood is generally fresh and good.

ACTIVITIES

Sun yourself all day, cool off in the pool or the ocean, read a pile of books while lazing around doing nothing but taking in the opulent nature of your surroundings

Visit the nearby blowhole, which is most active in June during the monsoon season and is the second largest natural blowhole in the world

Take a day trip on one of the local boats organised for you by staff, complete with a delicious pack-lunch if you require it.

Go snorkelling at the nearby bay. Between November and March, scuba diving can be arranged at the local PADI dive centre at a nearby hotel, Lets Dive, is run by German PADI instructors.

Tangalle is famous for its turtles – you can see them swimming offshore in some of the nearby bays. Check out the turtle conservation project at Rekawa, a small fishing village 10km away.

Visit the ancient rock temple at Mulkirigala, a stunning 25km ride away past lotus ponds, paddy fields and local villages. Wewurukannala Temple is also close by with its giant 165ft high Buddha statue.

If wildlife is more your interest, visit the Uda Welawe National Park the best Elephant park in the country or nearby Yala National Park is world famous, boasting the highest density of Leopards in the wild anywhere in the world. (60km north east)

Features: Annabel Heseltine spent her honeymoon at the Beach House. Distinguished visitors visit from all over the world to stay in this exclusive retreat. Ideal for a group of friends, families or honeymooners.

Children: Children under 14 years are not allowed as the Beach House is filled with precious antiques.

Best time: December to April for the best weather and beaches, May to November for the cheaper prices.

How long: How long can you afford? Two weeks here would see you emerge as a more relaxed and peaceful person – however, finding anywhere to live up to this extraordinary holiday home in the future, might prove tricky!

What to take: A pile of good books, swimwear, shades, cool casual clothing and mosquito repellent for the evenings.

Products and Services: 4 double bed rooms (one bedroom is housed in its own garden cottage), All bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms, An enclosed sitting room leads onto the front terrace with blissfully comfortable lounging seats looking out across the Indian Ocean, Swimming Pool (shaded by palm trees this large pool remains invitingly cool all day), Dining area (a table is set on the veranda), Kitchen / Staff (a fully equipped kitchen and a full time staff of 4 will ensure you are pampered and left to drift from dreamy day to dreamy day)

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 can be requested on a case by case basis and the hotel may agree depending on availability.

Address: Tangalle, Sri Lanka

Airport: Colombo International – 210km

COMPARE SRI LANKA HOTEL PRICES FROM 30+ TOP SITES