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| Saturday, 25 October 2003 |
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More glitter to Southern stars By Pramod De Silva Sri Lanka's Southern coast is dotted with good hotels, even outstanding ones, but only a few make it right to the top. Saman Villas made it to the Small Luxury Hotels of the World a few years ago. Now, two other Southern stars have reached celestial heights in a galaxy of world hotels.
The highly respected Conde Nast Traveller (US) recently included the Dutch House (23, Upper Dickson Road, Galle) in its 80 Best New Hotels in the World Hot List. The Conde Nast reviewer heaped praise on the 1712 Dutch mansion "converted into a luxury hotel with just four suites by Channa Daswatte, heir apparent to legendary Geoffrey Bawa". He wrote: "At this cinnamon-coloured colonial residence, a vast lawn overlooks the Indian Ocean and an infinity pool is set amid palm fronds. Local beauties travel cool stone floors attending to guests who have exhausted the need to explore the seminal cultural sites up north (there, check into Kandalama Hotel, Bawa's luxury interpretation of a cave dwelling). Rooms have colonial antiques: wonderfully soft beds enveloped in mosquito netting dominate each suite; and bathrooms are generously outfitted with oversized claw-foot tubs." The sweet-toothed reviewer could not help saying that the hotel served the "best chocolate cake east of Suez" and recommended travellers to book the Ballroom Suite with a regal teak four-poster bed for their stay. The Dutch House is in good company: Among the hotels featured are Hotel Du Vin (Brighton), The Bale (Bali), Banyan Tree Mahe (Seychelles), Jock Safari Lodge (Kruger, South Africa), Grand Marina (Barcelona), Sofitel (Buenos Aires), Amigo (Brussels), Buddy Lodge (Bangkok), Four Seasons (Tokyo) and the Gault (Montreal). Conde Nast writers travel anonymously whenever possible, paying their own away and do not accept free promotional offers from any hotel, Tourist Board or organisation. The latest edition of Lonely Planet's Sri Lanka guide too heartily recommended Galle's Dutch House: "This former residence of a Dutch East Indies Admiral has been beautifully restored with Dutch colonial furniture. The four spacious suites have a private garden, views to the fort, a bathtub and romantic net-covered four-poster bed. There's a pool, croquet green, garden dining and plenty of little extras to keep you entertained." Lonely Planet also had good things to say about the Lighthouse, two kilometres away towards Colombo on the Galle Road:"This hotel occupies a prime position on the seafront. It beautifully blends Dutch colonial style with modern design. Check out the staircase sculpture 'The Portuguese Arriving in Ceylon Under A Cloud' for some macabre metalwork." UK's Sunday Times Travel magazine, in its October/November 2003 issue urged travellers to visit the Lighthouse, "a superb luxury hotel by the beach which echoes the style of the nearby Dutch Fort". Such enthusiastic recommendations by well-read travel publications can only help the local tourist industry to reach greater heights. ########### Serenity in Sanctuary by Chloe Griffiths Urban Colombo is a world of hustle and bustle, frenetic traffic and beeping horns, high humidity and oppressive polution. Many people feel the need to escape from the heat and congestion of life in the big city every once in a while.
"Its a totally different lifestyle experience." So says Soshana Wijeratne, strategy consultant for The Sanctuary which opened its doors in July 2002. Its owners, Mr. and Mrs. Omprasadham and Johanne Pieris wanted to create: "a place of true relaxation and total body care;" a space where professional treatments could be used to help people completely unwind and release the stresses of a hectic life in Colombo. Situated in Colombo 5 on 47/1 Jawatte Road, The Sanctuary Spa is a transformed house. Sensitive reconditioning has produced a space where, as you walk through the small, unassuming, entrance passageway you are not only met by smiling and welcoming staff but a calm air of serenity. Luxurious fittings and fixtures, an eye for detail and a respect for space and atmosphere has resulted in a small haven of peace. Here authentically trained staff can pamper you with an array of beauty treatments ranging from the traditional to the exotic. A manicure or a facial can be followed by an unusual Thai or Balinese massage or even a specialist Hot Stone Therapy. The Sanctuary Spa is the pioneer of spa's in Sri Lanka and by introducing the internationally acclaimed Hot Stone Therapy they are maintaining their reputation for introducing imaginative treatments to the Island. Wijeratne said "We have a fusion of international methods and standards combined wih a local twist. We try to give a local dimension but also to make people feel so comfortable they could be at home." Their many specialist treatments in Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Massage, Natural Treatments and Heavenly Baths combined with use of their sauna, steam and jacuzzi, natural cooling pool and beautifully designed garden pool enable you to truly relax. Treat yourself to anything from a single treatment to an intensive half or full day of pampering. Their high standards and luxurious methods have already been recognized by several international tour operators who are now suggesting customers spend their last day in Sri Lanka relaxing at The Sanctuary."Spa's are much sought after as it enhances the holiday experience for most individuals" said Wijeratne. The success of The Sanctuary's traditional yet new natural methods so far means Island-wide expansion is not far off and negotiations are already under way with leading hotels. The Sanctuary is open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday, including public holidays. |
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Produced by Lake House |
Both hotels happen to be in Galle. Both happen to share the word
'House'. Both of them evoke a sense of Dutch deja-vu. Indeed, the Dutch
House and the Lighthouse may be different in size, character and ambience,
but the duo undoubtedly are oases of comfort that can rejuvenate even the
most jaded traveller.
Tucked away in a hidden corner of inner city Colombo is just the place;
a small oasis of tranquility and peace far removed from the fast-paced
drama of everyday life outside. Step through the doors of The Sanctuary
Spa and "you really could be anywhere in the world."
