Travel go guide

Accolades for this season
 

BY PRASAD Abu Bakr

BUILT according to classical architectural concepts and a one time official residence of a British Governor, The Heritage in Nuwara Eliya is an exclusive hotel patronised by many of Colombo's elite, every April during the height of the hill-country's holiday season.

"This season it was no different", said Roy Wootler the hotel's newest Resident Manager claiming that the property has done more than what it expected during peak season in addition to winning an award for the best garden (medium category) which looks a deserving gesture by the town's municipality which conducts the contest every season.

Beautifully laid out and cared for, the garden which greets you upon entering the premises blooms with a variety of foliage and flowers making The Heritage one of its kind in that aspect.

"It is not a seasonal hotel in that sense of the word", said Wootler exclaiming that the hotel is well patronised by the many residents of the area.

Captain Williams Bar is one such example which has a steady membership and very popular amongst the business community that has made it a regular habit of meeting up at this venue during evenings to unwind after their day's business' are done.

The Waterfall restaurant is also habitually visited by many families not only for its ambience but also for the good food that they serve at it. Serving both eastern and western cuisine within pleasant surroundings, the restaurant consists of a wine list that is most favoured by the many foreigners who stay as its guests.

In addition to its large suites decorated with real British taste the hotel has an additional number of rooms totalling up to 20 in all, furnished to keep the guests cosy and comfortable with all modern facilities.

The large convention and reception hall is another popular venue in the hotel used by many for wedding receptions and other such events in the area and is also kept busy with conferences and promotional events during weekends by many private sector establishments that visit the hill country mixing business with pleasure even during off seasons.

Roy Wootler who is an established hotelier in the field for over 15 years in his capacity as the hotel's new Resident Manager sees a lot of scope for The Heritage which, he says can be promoted as a 'round the year property' for its many possibilities that most other hotels in Nuwara Eliya lack.

Even otherwise as the promotional brochure claim the hotel is well worth being patronised for its old world British charm that dispenses a large measure of Sri Lankan hospitality.

Taj Exotica Bentota certified with ISO14001

TAJ EXOTICA Bentota has been certified with ISO 14001 in a period of nine months. Taj Exotica is the second hotel in Sri Lanka to be certified with this standard for environmental management systems.

The main focus area to get this certification was in engineering, minimizing of harmful emissions to the environment and garbage disposal.

In the picture is (L) General Manager Ranjan Stanislaus receiving the certificate from Director General of Sri Lanka Standards Institution B.S.P. Mendis at a special ceremony held recently.