Sri Lanka - OutboundHolidays

Prestigious Dubai Business Group to set up Hotel School…

A world renowned Dubai corporate group is keen to set up a hotel school in Sri Lanka to turn out trained personnel for its own hotels in the Gulf and elsewhere. Senior officials of the Jumeirah Group that owns the world’s only 7-star hotel, Burj al Arab, acknowledged as the best hotel in the world, are expected to visit Colombo shortly to explore the possibility of establishing a hotel school. This follows discussions that Deputy Tourism Minister Faizer Musthapha had with the chief executive officer of the Jumeirah group in Dubai last month.

Mr Musthapha who was in London last week on his way back from visits to the Gulf and Kuwait told The Sunday Times of the talks he had to promote tourism from the Gulf region and to search for employment opportunities for Sri Lankans in the tourism sector there.

The deputy minister said that the Jumeirah group which owns several hotels besides the Burj al Arab, the world’s tallest all-suite hotel, estimates that it alone would need 62,000 trained persons for its hotel sector in the next five years.Because of Sri Lanka’s reputation for providing skilled training for different sectors of the hotel industry from chefs to front office managers, the Jumeirah group is keen to set up a school in Sri Lanka.

Mr. Musthapha said that he initiated a scheme last year that gives theoretical and practical training to rural youth in a wide range of hotel jobs and already 500 of these youth had found employment in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE.

“Had they gone to the Gulf without that training they would have found employment only as unskilled workers. Now with the initial training they can find employment as skilled job seekers,” Mr. Musthapha said.

He said that at the start of this youth empowerment scheme 1000 youth had been selected from the Kandy district. They were given two months training in theory and thereafter one month actually working in hotels for on-the-job experience.

“We charge them Rs. 5,000 for this and at the end of three months they come out with valuable experience that makes it easier for them to find jobs here or abroad,” he said.

The scheme was extended to Colombo where 1000 youth drawn from the hinterland were trained. “We are hoping to extend this to the Eastern province too,” Mr. Musthapha said underlining his keen interest in attracting rural youth to his pet training scheme so as to provide them with gainful employment in Sri Lanka’s own hotel industry or abroad.

by Neville de Silva, London

METRO AND LIPTON TEA OFFER TRIP TO SRI LANKA…

By Walter Jayawardhana

In a major boost up for Sri Lanka tourism the United Kingdom’s free sheet leader, The Metro morning daily with 1.1 million circulation announced a trip to Sri Lanka’s tea country in collaboration with Lipton Tea for a summer contest winners.

Calling Sri Lanka “the spiritual home” of Lipton Tea the newspaper which distributes more than one million of its copies beating all other newspapers by giving away on all five working days mainly at Metropolitan London’s underground railway stations where Londoners in their millions converge to commute to work said, “Win tea in Sri Lanka,” in a front page announcement.

In a promotion for Lipton ice tea for the sweltering London summer contest the newspaper offered a week’s paid up vacation at “the spiritual home of Lipton Ice tea, the luxury tea factory hotel, built in the 1930s by British planters.”

“Pick and process of your own tea at the hotel’s miniature tea factory and indulge in five course fine dining in the hotel’s restored railway carriage restaurant,” the announcement accompanied by a scenic image of a Sri Lankan tea garden said.

Unilever, the current owners of Lipton Tea said the tea promotion is carried with the collaboration of Associated Newspapers Ltd. – a division of Daily Mail and General Trust that publishes the Metro.

The Scottish-born entrepreneur, Thomas Lipton acquired tea estates in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), organized packaging and transportation at low cost and made tea, a beverage then enjoyed only by the rich into the beverage of the common people all over the world. As he said, he wanted to sell tea “direct from the tea garden to the tea pot.” For his services he was knighted by Queen Victoria as Sir Thomas Lipton in 1898 at the relatively younger age of 48. Places attached with his life in the high grown tea area in Sri Lanka have become tourist attractions.

This prize includes: Return economy flights from London Heathrow to Colombo, Return airport to hotel transfers, 7 nights in a standard room at the Tea Factory or a escorted tour which incorporates the Tea Factory, Daily breakfast, Comprehensive travel insurance

Open for travel from the 1st April until the 31st October 2009, excluding all Bank Holiday periods and subject to availability.

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Kandy Perahera beckons

The Esala Perahera is a celebration of religion and culture which reflects the rich tradition and history of the island nation will parade the streets of Kandy in the central province this month. Many visitors including TV channel hosts and camera crews have already arrived in the hill capital to capture this annual historical event for a wider international audience.

This millennia old pageant is a grand procession that can be traced as far back in history as the 3rd century B.C. Originally enacted to appease the God’s and as a prayerful ritual to bring rain and freedom from drought, it has expanded to be the current magnificent pageant in veneration of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, which is believed to have been brought to Sri Lanka from India in the 4th century A.D.

To read the full story and history of this majestic pageant visit: LankaLibrary

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The Dutch House | Galle | Sri Lanka

EXCLUSIVE BOUTIQUE HOTEL | 4 SUITES

“There is simply nothing else like it in the orient.”
Hip Hotels Orient

High on a hill, yet within minutes of the city centre, and with magnificent views of the UN World Heritage listed fort of Galle, Doornberg or The Dutch House has set the pace in redefining luxury accommodation for the individual traveller in Sri Lanka.

Highly exclusive with only 4 suites this country house built in 1712 ensures complete privacy for its guests. Spacious living areas, an English tropical garden complete with croquet lawn and treetop infinity pool provides ample space for guests to find a quiet area in which to truly unwind. Period Dutch antiques reflect its early 18th century origins but blend in well with its contemporary collection of art.

Voted as one of the “top 20” hip hotels of the world, The Dutch House is the ultimate indulgence in space & privacy in one of Ceylon’s most well preserved historic mansions.

The discreet and friendly staff ensure your privacy yet provide a very relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere. Perfect for those looking for idle splendour, as doing nothing is the order of the day!

The Dutch House is located on Sri Lanka’s exotic south coast which is quietly becoming the Riviera of choice for the world’s most discerning and inquisitive travellers. The Dutch House is conveniently located above the UN World Heritage city of Galle, with easy access to several Buddhist temples, rainforests, lowland tea plantations and wildlife reserves along with some of the most fabulous beaches of the Indian Ocean.

The Dutch House is located high upon a hill that overlooks the Galle harbour with awesome vistas of the ocean beyond and next door to its sister property The Sun House – which is “Sri Lanka’s original boutique hotel…”

ACCOMMODATION

The Dutch House has 4 luxury suites that combine absolute grandeur with the utmost comfort. Filled with colonial antiques, the interiors evoke a pervasive mood of stillness and warmth which is at once romantic and relaxing.

Each bedroom is fully air conditioned with mosquito-net-draped 4 poster beds, luxurious silk drapes, cool polished concrete floors and stunning soft furnishings. The bedrooms lead into a private sitting room which contains comfortable sofas and writing desks with views over the magnificent Galle Fort, the croquet lawn or a private garden. Spacious bathrooms are fitted with fine showers and traditional claw-footed bath tubs which add to the colonial atmosphere.

DINING

At The Dutch House breakfast is at any time. There are no time constraints and guests can leisurely enjoy a delicious English breakfast: a range of eggs with toast and marmalade, fruit shakes and tea, served in the courtyard, verandah, the garden or bed.

Light lunches and snacks are served throughout the day in the garden, by the pool or in your room. Dinner is served at the next door sister property The Sun House which is renowned for some of the best food in Sri Lanka.

The dinner menu changes daily with a starter, main course and a choice of three delicious desserts.

Air Conditioning

Mosquito-net draped four-poster bed
Luxurious and elegant drapes and furnishings
Comfortable sofas and Antique Writing Desks
Colour Television with satellite connection
Telephone with direct dialling facility
Refrigerator and mini-bar
In room safe
Private gardens
Spacious Bathrooms, with claw-footed bathtubs, and showers
Complimentary toiletries in the bathroom, mirror and hair-dryer

Weddings:
“In organising our wedding we asked for something different though with a sense of style and fun. The whole occasion from elephant polo on the beach at Weligama, to the reception at the Dutch House, the party at Taprobane, and chauffeured transfers in between, was supremely well organised and more than matched expectations.”

Viscount and Viscountess Carlow

Celebration:
” The four days you organised for us as part of our celebrations for the 10th anniversary of flying to Sri Lanka were memorable, unusual and extremely well executed. My guests were extremely impressed with the attention to the smallest of details and i would be grateful if you could pass on my thanks to all who made it possible.”

David Turnbull
Managing Director and CEO,
Cathay Pacific Airways

Events:
“As the major sponsor for the annual Ceylon Elephant Polo Tournament, I would like to congratulate the organisers on their immaculate planning of the event; from the tournament itself, to all the associated dinners, balls, and other activities which truly make this event unique in Sri Lanka if not the world, the week is unforgettable in its unexpected but well timed surprises.”

His Grace the Duke of Argyll
Chivas Brothers
Scotland

Products & Services :Each bedroom is fully air conditioned with 4 poster beds and fitted mosquito nets. The bedrooms lead into the private sitting room contain comfortable sofas and writing desks with views over the magnificent Galle Fort, the croquet lawn or a private garden.

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

Address: Galle, Sri Lanka

Airport: Colombo International

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Galapita Lodge | Buttala | Sri Lanka

ECO LODGE & HEALING GARDEN | 5 PAVILION VILLAS

“Why go to heaven when you can come here”
Tashi – 10 year old Tibetan boy Feb 2006 – Guestbook

Galapita Healing Garden is one of those rare and magical places that seems to exist outside time as though the world only revolves around its boundaries as described by T.S. Eliot.

At the core of Galapita is a waterfall spilling into a gorge sculptured by the river of gems. The Galapita Lake and the paddy fields are beautifully laid before a stunning backdrop of Galapitagala ‘Rock upon a Rock’ in the nearby Yala Wildlife Reserve.

Cradled between the emerald green paddy fields and the river of gems is the two storied ecological abode – Navaratne Maluwa, the jewel of the Navaratne garden.

Across the river bridge over Sambandawala you alight on the Healing Garden. Nestled among the rocks along the meandering river of gems are Sleeping Pavilions, Healing Pavilions and Yoga Pavilions.

Walks on endless white sand paths, nutritious food, meditation and yoga, and the ayurveda treatments at the Galapita Healing Gardens will calm, relax, detoxify and rejuvenate your mind and soul

At Galapita the ecological pavilions and the 60 acre garden layout complete with Lake, Lotus Ponds, Paddy fields, are designed to reflect a contemporary interpretation of traditional Sri Lankan style and architecture. All buildings are constructed with local materials such as stone, wood, mud, and thatched roofs and by local villages. Galapita has adopted innovative environmental initiatives and planted over 10,000 indigenous trees to enrich the bio diversity.

At Galapita, all accessories are laid out for you with the compliments of the house, wicker baskets, canoes, mountain bikes, large inner tubes for floating down the river or binoculars are yours to select. If you request the staff they will guide you on trails of exploration in and around Galapita. Request in advance if you wish to visit any of the wildlife reserves in the vicinity such as Yala, Uda Walawe or Gal Oya or any of the sacred sites.

We recommend a picnic to the magnificent secret garden 45 minutes drive up river. Enjoy a day out by the 50 foot tall pigeon falls and explore other cascading waterfalls, and the surrounding forests. Occasionally you may encounter a snake and some snakes are poisonous, but the most comfort [comes from local wisdom, which] is that snakes try as hard as they can to stay away from us. Be cautious of running carelessly through undergrowth, don’t dig with bare hands under branches or fallen tree trunks. Your best protection is to walk slowly observing your surroundings and stay on the trails. As much as it is about anything, Galapita Healing Garden is about experiencing a relaxed contented lifestyle surrounded by nature, in peace and tranquillity.

ACCOMMODATION – PAVILIONS

Galapita Pavilions are made of natural renewable materials and are nestled among protected pockets of forests, paddy fields, waterfalls and a lake along the meandering river of gems.

The four Sleeping Pavilions named after trees and gems, combine intimate bonding with nature and each other with all traditional comforts too.

DINING

At Galapita they grow their own fruits, rice, vegetables and culinary herbs. The fish and prawns come fresh from the river and the lakes surrounding the retreat and of course the sea off Arugam Bay. With a special selection of authentic yet sensational home grown spices and traditional cooking methods, the chefs serve you vegetarian cuisine cooked to perfection, accompanied with buffalo curd, delicious salads and delightful desserts. There’s also the best Sri Lankan seafood and chicken cooked with spices and herbs from the gardens.

You may ask the staff for any special requests you may have, such as organising a picnic lunch under a Banyan tree or dinner under the stars.

ACTIVITIES

RIVER OF GEMS

Menik Ganga, the fabled river of gems itself, is your hydrotherapy spa. When it rains in the mountains the river swells and gathers force cascading through the gorge at Galapita. Uncut sapphires and cat’s eyes have occasionally been found rolling seaward along the riverbed. Several fine stones have been unearthed here, including a cornflower blue sapphire weighing 18 carats. If you wish, you may try your hand at “panning” for gemstones.

This traditional mining technique is effective yet low in environmental impact. Any gemstones you find are yours to keep. A wicker basket and a few instructions in the fine art of panning, which the staff will be happy to provide, you will soon be on your way to the river to start panning and perhaps – who knows? – To strike it rich..!

CANOEING
Canoeing on Galapita Lake within the sanctuary, can be a heavenly experience in the moonlight under a canopy of stars, or cruise around during the day among flocks of birds.

TUBING
Large rubber tubes are available on request from the Agasti Lounge – The ideal starting point for tubing is by the Jacuzzi below the waterfall. After several bends and twists the river, descends to where the two branches rejoin together under a canopy of trees, (A ten minute ride). For the more adventurous type, pass the river converging point and ride up to the end of the rapids a further ten minutes away. Buzz can vary depending on the velocity of the river flow. Life jackets & helmets are provided.

HIKING
Sunrise over Galapitagala can be a breathtaking experience with peacocks flying in the mist that envelops at dawn. If you keep following the white sand paths you will be enraptured by the sight of birds, squirrels, bees and butterflies shimmering in the first rays of a breaking dawn.

BIKING
Ride by the Galapita Lake down to the closest village observing the stunning bird life, iguanas and other assorted wildlife. Ride through the sugar cane fields in the evening to “Indikola’ Lake where you chill out and watch the sunset over thousands of white water lilies and exotic bird life. Watch-out for wild elephants.

Ride to “Kuda Oya” [river] in the sugarcane fields for a picnic and river bath. [A three hour round trip]. Once again, beware of wild elephants.

Ride around Galapita Lake, cut across the dirt road to the village temple by the river. There are 7Th century stone sculptures and ruins in the temple gardens.

SAFARI
Dawn to dusk and into the night. You can cruise around the vicinity of Galapita or Yala National Park. You would almost always encounter elephants or if it’s your lucky day, bear or leopard. Request the staff in advance if you wish to visit any of the Wildlife reserves in the vicinity such as Yala, Uda Walawe or Galoya.

Remember to take along your flashlight and mosquito repellent for your night safaris.

YOGA & MEDITATION
Meditation is described as the highest form of yoga. Eliminating stress and providing a sense of peace and tranquillity, Yoga uses the physical body as a vehicle to reach the highest stage of spiritual consciousness. The southern end of the Galapita Healing Garden where the rivers converge, the Yoga Sala is built on the magnificent Asandgala sculptured with seven natural lotus ponds. This pavilion is a wonderful location to meet at dusk to enjoy magnificent sunsets.

Schedules of Yoga activities and visiting Yoga Teachers are available at the SPA. There are daily Yoga classes at the Sala, which are absolutely free.

Address: Buttala, Sri Lanka

Airport: Colombo International

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Club Palm Garden | Beruwela | Sri Lanka

BEACH CLUB RESORT | 140 AC ROOMS & SUITES

Pack your sandals and your sunscreen – you’re off on a sun-filled, fun-filled getaway to the Club Palm Garden in beautiful Beruwela on the south western coast of Sri Lanka.

Club Palm Garden is an all-inclusive hotel, which means your stay will be as comfortable and as complete as possible. Renowned for its high levels of service and extensive list of recreational activities, the hotel is ideal for families seeking a resort where there is enough to keep the children busy.

Located on the golden beaches of Beruwela the Club Palm Garden is the hotel for those sporty holiday makers who enjoy participating in organised activities. There is a golf course, 2 tennis courst, volley ball, water polo, horse riding, badminton, cycling, table tennis and aerobics to name but a few.

ACCOMMODATION

The hotel boasts 140 spacious guest rooms and suites, each with its own private balcony or terrace, with ocean views, poolside, magnificent gardens or romantic beaches, has just that ambiance to make your holiday that much more memorable.

All rooms include individually controlled air-conditioning, hot and cold water, piped music, IDD telephones, ceiling fans and private balconies or terraces.

DINING

Main Restaurant: The Main Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a buffet setting. This dining room transforms for dinner with subtle décor enhancements during special theme evenings.

Pavilion [Lounge Bar]: The Lounge Bar is the center of action, creating an inviting atmosphere for both relaxing and socialising with live bands or DJ music and a host of animation shows.

Baywatch [Pool Bar]: Relax by the pool and enjoy cool drinks and the afternoon sea breeze.

ACTIVITIES

The Club Palm Garden is owned by Confifi Hotels Group and therefore guests have unlimited access to the Confifi Marina just 15 minutes away. Situated where the Bentota River meets the sea, the marina offers an array of water sports with professionally trained instructors and assistants along with quality equipment. Transfers from the hotel to the Marina and back are provided thrice a day. The dive masters speak English, German, French, Spanish, Flemish and Italian.

Activities include: Wind surfing – Traditional catamaran – Scuba diving & snorkelling – PADI licensed diving school – Deep sea fishing – Boating & water skiing – Jet scooters & water scooters – Speed boats & river cruises – Professional big game fishing boat

The Hotel also offers guests: Large freshwater swimming pool with a kiddies pool – Two [02] tennis courts – Mini golf – Mini eco-park – Basket ball – Volleyball – Badminton – Horse riding – Cycling – Table Tennis – Gymnasium / Fitness Centre – Billiards – games room & children’s play area – Gift and bookshop

An experienced Yoga Guru provides meditation and yoga sessions twice a week for a period of an hour.

One of the latest additions to the hotel is the “Mini Club” – a purpose built structure which includes children’s games, toys, computer games, videos, educational toys, fun games. The Club animators organise daily activities such as occupational games, recreational games, team events and mini sports events (i.e. kite making, painting competitions, karaoke etc.) Situated between the Riverina Hotel and Club Palm Garden, the Mini Club is exclusively used by both hotels for children between ages of 3 – 12 years.

FACILITIES

Laundry Service – 24-Hour Security service – Car Rental Service – Currency Exchange – Baby Sitting and Child Care Service – 24-Hour Front Desk – Non-Smoking Rooms – Tour or Excursion Service – Medical Services Available – 24-Hour janitor Service – Handicap Accessible Facilities

Weddings & Honeymoon:Club Palm Garden provides outstanding wedding packages which are available with a range of supporting services.

Products & Services: 140 attractively furnished rooms, Main dining restaurant, Two (02) bars, 24-hour room service, Large swimming pool with kiddie’s pool, Two (02) tennis courts, Mini golf, Mini eco-park, Kids club, Basket ball, Volleyball, Badminton, Horse riding, Cycling, Table Tennis, Gymnasium / Fitness Centre, Billiards, Games room & children’s play area, Gift and bookshop, Conference hall to seat 75 in a theatre style seating.

Check-in/Check-out Time: Check-in is 12.00 noon and Check-Out is 11.00 a.m. An 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.

Airport: Colombo International – 60km

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Riverina Hotel | Beruwela | Sri Lanka

4 STAR BEACH HOTEL | 192 AC ROOMS & SUITES

The Riverina Hotel Beruwela, is situated on a beach front surrounded by tropical gardens offering its guests eye-catching surroundings, an elegant interior and gracious hospitality. The hotel is approximately 2 hours drive south from the international airport and is the perfect destination to enjoy a tropical beach holiday, with beautiful beaches, swaying palms, warm surf and breathtaking sunsets; the Riverina is also counted among the major 4-star Hotels in Srilanka.

The Riverina Hotel caters more towards couples and families with a selection of contemporary amenities to guarantee a pleasant stay. It’s a tranquil setting which inspires couples to find romance and each other, while activities such as swimming, body surfing, boogie boarding, tennis, table tennis, pool, a gymnasium, fitness centre and night club provide for those who want to experience a more active holiday.

The Riverina Hotel includes two spas that offer relaxing and healing treatments for its guests. Ayurveda Spas therapies help relieve stress and revitalise your 5 senses. Rest, relax and rejuvenate with natural treatments and therapies that will have you feeling like a new person by the end of your holiday.

ACCOMMODATION

The accommodation at Riverina Hotel in Beruwela is warm and friendly as is the service. The rooms and suites are all well appointed and are designed to pamper guests with the best of comfort and luxury. The rooms have private balcony or terrace that overlooks splendid gardens and exotic beaches.

The option include 144 seaside rooms that consist of 132 standard rooms along with 3 suites, 2 family rooms and 7 inter-connecting rooms. There are also 48 garden rooms. All rooms are well furnished and equipped with modern amenities.

Air-conditioning facility – IDD facilities – Attached bathrooms with tub and shower stalls – Tea and coffee making facilities – Mini bar – Television with Satellite facility – Internet access in room – Piped music facility – Hair dryer – In-room safety facility – Choice of king or twin arrangement – Ironing Board – In Room Movies – Free Newspaper service.

DINING

The hotels main restaurant serves a sumptuous mix of European and Asian cuisine and all the local delights. There’s also a coffee shop that offers an extensive variety of intercontinental dishes along with wonderful coffee. The hotel consists of a Lounge bar and a Pool Bar that offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and cocktails along with some healthy snacks.

ACTIVITIES

The Riverina Hotel is owned by famous Confifi Hotels Group and therefore guests have unlimited access to the Confifi Marina just 15 minutes away. Situated where the Bentota River meets the sea and offering an array of water sports with professionally trained instructors and assistants along with quality equipment. Transfers from the hotel to the Marina and back are provided thrice a day. The dive masters speak English, German, French, Spanish, Flemish and Italian.

FACILITIES

Weddings & Honeymoon

With four unique and beautiful locations for saying your vows, the Riverina hotels provides scenic surroundings, outstanding customer services and wedding packages which are available with a range of supporting services.

Products & Services : 3 Suites & 192 A/C Rooms, Swimming pool, Lounge bar, Pool bar, Conference & Banquet halls, Two Tennis courts, Mini Golf, Billiards, Discotheque, Spa facilities, Watersports

Address: Beruwela, Sri Lanka

Airport: Colombo International – 60km

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Tropical Villas | Beruwela | Sri Lanka

BUDGET BEACH RESORT | 54 AC ROOMS

Tropical Villas is a Jetwing Group hotel situated in Beruwela, a fishing village on the south west coast of Sri Lanka. Beruwela is a delightful beach resort that’s grown in popularity over the last few years with alluring surf washed beaches, a charming fishing harbour and where flowing rivers wind their way to the sea. Jetwings Tropical Villas is an excellent budget property that we like to recommend to both our independent travellers and families alike.

If you’re looking for an affordable tropical beach holiday, where the sun is hot, the surf is warm and the service is brilliant, then Tropical Villas in Beruwela is the perfect destination for you. Guests can look forward to the peace and seclusion of their own private [air conditioned] villa overlooking the large refreshing swimming pool and the bright blue ocean beyond.

Tropical Villas are located inside lush tropical gardens, shaded by coconut palms and Temple flowers [Frangipani]. The villas are charming split-level chalets with individual lounge areas offering perfect privacy and seclusion.

ACCOMMODATION

At Tropical Villas in Beruwela accommodation is in the form of split-level villas. There are 54 rooms in all. Each is air conditioned and equipped with large plasma-screen television, music system, IDD telephones and mini bars.

All rooms have attached bathrooms with classy toiletries and bath amenities, there’s hot and cold water and all the other generalities. The rooms also have tamper-proof lockers for your valuables and tea / coffee making facilities.

CUISINE

Tropical Villas offers its guests both western and eastern cuisines in its restaurant. The cuisine is a variety of fresh seafood and fresh local produce, prepared by the resident chefs to your specific liking. There’s local delicacies and western menus that are certain to keep you satisfied, while tropical fruit platters and international deserts will take care of your sweet tooth.

The food is generally good and sometimes much better than the 3 star rating demands, but if you feel like having a change, there’s a host of local restaurants to try out.

FACILITIES

Ceiling fan, Mini Bar, Telephone , Hot & Cold water, Air conditioned, Tea/Coffee making facilities, Private Balcony or Terrace, Television, Music.

Products & Services: 54 large deluxe air conditioned rooms, Gem & Jewellery shop, Swimming Pool/Kiddies Pool, Pool Table, Snooker, Evening Programme with live entertainment, Theme Nights, Room Service, T.V in the main bar, Doctor on call, I.D.D telephones, E-mail & Internet Facilities, Facsimile, Parking Facilities, Car Rental, Hair Dryer on request, Baby Cots on request, Safety Lockers, Tours organized on request.

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

Address: Beruwela, Sri Lanka

Airport: Colombo International – 90km

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Club Villa Hotel | Bentota | Sri Lanka

BOUTIQUE VILLA HOTEL | 17 STANDARD AC ROOMS

Bentota is a charming beach side town housing some of the best hotels in Sri Lanka. The Club Villa Hotel is one of the more popular 3 star hotels in Bentota and although a 3 star property, Club Villa feels a lot more luxurious than a regular 3 star.

The Villa is designed by Geoffrey Bawa, South Asia’s most celebrated and famous architect, showcasing Bawa’s unique capability to blend modern functionality with colonial charm. The design provides for open spaces and generous corridors which gives a luxurious and relaxing atmosphere. Surrounded with luscious green gardens and lily ponds, this unique boutique villa property is set to provide you with a memorable holiday you’re not likely to forget in a hurry.

The location of Club Villa enables its guests to enjoy uninterrupted views of the azure Indian ocean. Easily accessible from the towns centre, Club Villa Hotel is ideal for couples, honeymooners and romantics who desire privacy and tranquil surroundings.

ACCOMMODATION

The Club Villa Hotel offers its guests 17 rooms which are individually appointed with colonial period furniture and equipt with telephones, internet broadband and housekeeping facilities. Room facilities include all basic and modern amenities and also offer balconies, en-suite bathrooms and baby cots where required.

Please note that not all rooms are air conditioned, but are compensated with ceiling fans. Air conditioning is available in a few of the suites; please check when booking. As the villa is in very close proximity to the ocean, air conditioning is not reccommended.

DINING

The dinning experience at Club Villa Hotel is always something to look forward to, as the resident chef is a master in local cuisine and especially seafood. Barbecued Lobster, grilled sear fish and crab, tuna stakes are just a few of his favourites. You can have your meals in the restaurant, the garden or even on the beach. A few of the must haves are definetely the; Grilled sear fish with petit petatoes and fresh vegetables, and also the Plum glazed chicken supreme.

Club Villa offers its guests a fine dinning experience where there’s also a choice selection of French, South African, Australian and Califofian wines.

ACTIVITIES

The hotel offers several excursions and even country wide tours. Additionally there’s all the usual excursions offered in Bentota. Visits to the turtle hatchary in Kosgoda, mask makers and batik fabric weavers in Ambalangoda, the ancient Dutch Fort in the World Heritage City of Galle, surfing and snorkelling down the coast in Hikkaduwa…and lots more.

FACILITIES

Tropical Secluded Beach
Laundry Services
Maid and Babysitting Services
Swimming Pool
Room Service
Scuba Diving
Weddings Organised
Honeymoon Specials

Honeymoons and Weddings
The Club Villa Hotel, Bentota is an ideal venue to hold your wedding or honeymoon. The hotel offers special rates for honeymoon and for wedding functions.

Products & Services : Swimming pool; Spa; Ayurvedic massages; Beautiful lawns and gardens. The restaurant serves European and Sri Lankan cuisine and menus are tailor made to suit your personal requirements, the Bar offers a selection of wines, liqueurs and fresh fruit drinks.

Address: Bentota, Sri Lanka

Airport: Colombo International – 100km

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Taru Villas Taprobana | Bentota | Sri Lanka

DELUXE 4 STAR BOUTIQUE HOTEL | 9 SUPERIOR ROOMS

If you are looking for that perfect Sri Lankan beach holiday away from the big cities, then head 40 miles south of Colombo to the tropical sandy beaches and mangrove lagoons of Bentota.

A relaxed and peaceful place Bentota, where it’s easy to unwind and forget the stress of work and city. A clam breezy beach front where long lazy sunny days blend easily with warm tropical evenings. The sunsets are magical and come mealtime, there’s always a tantalizing feast waiting to be savoured. The lively fish markets of the nearby town are famous for stunningly fresh seafood, while fresh local fruit and vegetables are always on the days menu.

Conceived by designer Taru as a source of inspiration and a means of escape from the stress of contemporary living, Taru Villas’ Taprobana lulls you into a sense of oneness with itself as you walk barefoot on its cool cement floors, soak up the atmosphere of its exotic garden, and lose yourself in the play of light and shadows on the surface of its turquoise pool.

Taru Villas’ Taprobana offers nine individually designed supremely comfortable rooms; a beautiful, deserted beach; discreet service and fine cuisine – “One of the best small boutique hotels in Bentota, Sri Lanka”

ACCOMMODATION

Taru Villas Taprobana Hotel offers nine superior comfort rooms which are decorated with period antique furniture and artworks that reflect a grand European colonial past. All rooms have individual colour schemes with silk furnishings which are elegantly blended with photographs of famed photographer Lionel Wendt and there’s modern steel furniture too.

The nine rooms are well appointed with spacious balconies overlooking the lotus pond and the frangipani trees in the hotel garden. The private balconies are one of the foremost elements of the rooms at Taprobana.

The nine rooms are categorized into three main categories:

Taprobana: Is an exclusive suite which includes three double rooms and is ideal for family holidays. The plain cement floors of the rooms are set-off against rich red walls. Each room has a four poster antique bed which boasts rich silken cushions and cotton sheets.

Triple Suites: Well appointed with all modern amenities and comfortable four poster beds, one of the unique features of these suites is the staircase which connects the entire suite.

Private Suites: There are five suites in this category which are perfect for honeymooners or couples looking for reignite their romance. Although slightly smaller in size, these suites boast of elegant furnishings and sculpted candles, flower filled bowls which provide an intimate ambience.

DINING

Dining at Taru Villas Taprobana Hotel is always a pleasant experience. The onsite restaurant offers top class Sri Lankan and Thai cuisine. There’s also western cuisine for those who prefer the slightly less spicy; salads, pastas, fish and chips, stakes along with other western dishes can be ordered. The restaurant also offers light snacks throughout the day. The guests are also pampered with afternoon complimentary tea, served just before sunset, this is an important part of the room facilities at the hotel.

Activity

Frolic on the endless beach, meditate, jog, “boogie board”, watch the fishermen bring in their nets, catch a rare early-morning sighting of dolphins, bask in the moonlight or soak up the sun’s afternoon rays with an ice-cold beer at hand Read a favourite book by the poolside, or sip a “sundowner” in the “Pavilion” Visit a nearby turtle hatchery and delight in releasing newly-hatched baby turtles into the ocean Cruise down the backwaters of Balapitiya river, through mangrove tunnels and around tiny islands housing temples Enjoy the facilities of professional water sports centers, a five-minute “tuk-tuk” ride away, offering everything for the water skiing/ jet skiing/ diving/ banana-boat enthusiast Be inspired by your surroundings and daydream Play cards, chess, backgammon Explore ancient Buddhist temples or the culturally rich Heritage Site of the Galle Fort, or the exotic Brief gardens of Bevis Bawa Discover the bustling market and shops of the nearest town (Aluthgama – just two kilometers away) and pick up some souvenirs of Sri Lanka, such as a traditional carved “devil-dancer” mask Unwind with a massage by a local ayurvedic masseur Watch the trains that rumble occasionally past the bottom of the garden Listen to birdsong at dawn, frog chorus at dusk Do nothing… (highly recommended!)

Dream Honeymoons and Weddings
You would be hard-pressed to find a lovelier honeymoon destination in Sri Lanka , with all the right ingredients for a romantic and intimate holiday, our specially arranged “honeymoon deals”, for a minimum of seven days stay are available, which include the Superior Room at reduced rates and extras such as exotic fruit platter on arrival, breakfast in bed and special candle lit dinners for two. Please contact us for more details.

Products & Services :Taru Villa Taprobana offers nine individually designed, supremely comfortable rooms; a beautiful, succluded beach; discreet service and exquisite fusion cuisine.

Address: Bentota, Sri Lanka

Airport: Colombo International – 100km

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