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| Monday, 27 October 2003 |
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Connaissance's third five star investment: Dutch style, Lankan smile by Tharika Goonathilake The Connaissance Group, pioneers in the theme resorts concept in Sri Lanka, will shortly launch its third five star investment at Koggala, at a cost of Rs 250 million. The chain's latest boutique style resort, 'The Fortress', envisages the construction of a Dutch era-styled architectural masterpiece dating back to the 18th century, requisite with period furniture and facilities on a four-acre site. According to Connaissance Director-Operations Lalin T. Samarawickrama, the success story of the chain's other two theme- resorts, Culture Club and Le Kandyan, based on an 'era setting' have been a major contributory factor for the new investment. Samarawickrama said the Government's sustained peace initiative has bolstered investor confidence in surging ahead with this project, further facilitated through increasing occupancy levels, "thanks largely due to the incident free environment in the country." The 47-roomed, 'Fortress' will also help to fortify the Connaissance chain's presence in the South while adding to the region's lure, he said. "There is a total revival in the industry after many years of drought of low occupancy and poor yields. Sri Lanka, as a destination is finding increasing patronage among niche markets looking for exclusive and novel holiday options," Samarawickrama told the Daily News . He said "this was the time for Sri Lanka to deviate from the budget tourism image. The country, is now in a position to command the product price that is reflective of the exclusivity of the tourism product Sri Lanka offers visitor." Hence, 'The Fortress experience' will be US $ 150 to US$ 175 per night given the Dutch-styled top-end hospitality awaiting guests. The resort, in addition to its 45 luxurious bedrooms- each three to four times larger than the average hotel room, will also offer two lavish suites. The property overlooking the Indian Ocean, will be surrounded by a parapet wall embodying a fortress complete with watch towers, courtyards, pool and will have other facilities such as Ayurveda Spa, souvenir shops, library as well as a museum. "Our aim is to provide guests a true 'fortress' away from the daily grind of work and stress. The idea is to create the ambience and make available facilities that emphasise seclusion and privacy at its best," Samarawickrama said. |
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