Ranpokuna Boutique Resort

Beverley JANSZ

INITIATED as a means of rough shelter for the pioneers of a teak and mahogany plantation, Ranpokuna grew virtually out of nothing, in a “nowhere” land where nature reigns supreme.

With the gradual growth of the teak and mahogany forests, so did the shelter, from shack to a comfortable bungalow for private use by an old family of tea planters who cherish the old world style privacy and tranquil, undisturbed surroundings.

Ranpokuna lies approximately one and a half hours drive to the north of the Bandaranaike International Airport in the drier “Wayamba Province. Travelling north from Colombo or the airport along the western coast takes you past several busy and colourful townships including Negombo and Chilaw, two prosperous fishing towns.

Beyond this the country-side gradually gives way to open green rice paddy, rivers, coconut plantations and then to the sleepy relatively undisturbed tiny village of Serukellie. A few kilometres interior hides Ranpokuna.

Built recently, Ranpokuna Boutique Resort is reminiscent of an upscale African style game lodge. It’s luxurious, yet rustic character in perfect harmony with the Savannah-like landscape rolling ahead.

The villa lies within a 40-acre private property of predominantly peaceful jungle, Teak and Mahogany forest and an ancient 10-acre Irrigation Tank (lake) built in the times of the Sinhala kings.

The property maintains an ancient four acre paddy field which is still worked by using tamed wild buffaloes, according to a time-honoured traditional method of harvesting rice. It also has a maturing orchard, and 168 cashew-nut trees which fill the air with its sweet and exotic scent when in bearing.

Ranpokuna has been luxuriously up-graded tastefully decorated, professionally staffed and has recently opened to accommodate local, expatriate and foreign tourists who want to escape from the din of the world.

A stunning pool in the foreground of the lush teak, and the rice-paddies beyond, transports you to an era as far back as your imagination will journey. The surrounding peace and tranquillity is accentuated by the natural tropical scents that waft in the breeze across the private lake.

The five rooms at Ranpokuna Boutique Resort, each with its unique character, en-suite baths and private court, offer comfort and a lifestyle feel.

Cuisine created by the young creative chef Sampath Tennakoon, with natural greens, organic fruit and vegetable, plus fish, lobster, squid and shrimp, fresh off-the-boat and more, is sure to make one long for the next meal. Dining outdoors, under a thousand glittering stars is sure to transcend the murdane ....

Barbecue by the pool is fun and dining under the stars can be so romantic. Party for all means, if you must !

There are no time limits except your own says the versatile Resident Manager, Nihal Gunaratne having to his credit over 30 years experience in International Hotel chains.

Nihal was one of the selected few hoteliers who worked for five years at the Saudi Royal Palace.

For the more adventurous, little more than a mere hour’s drive from Ranpokuna brings you to Thabbowwa Tank where you can watch wild elephants in their own habitat. Guided safaris are easily arranged.

A few minutes beyond is one of the Sri Lanka’s largest national game reserves, Wilpattu, the most popular sanctuary of the beautiful Ceylon Leopard. The famous “Ramsay” recognised Wetland Ana Wilundawa for bird-watching is a mere 30-minutes drive from Ranpokuna.

The five luxurious rooms with its own individuality, consists of one honey-moon suite, one family room, two triple rooms and two double rooms of which one has Spa facilities (Jacuzzi, steam and open to sky rain shower). All rooms are air conditioned, with hot/cold water, plus private gardens.

Chairman/Managing Director, Senaka Kotagama, a young leading Tea Exporter, entered the hospitality industry recently. He has made a mark with his first attempt. Ranpokuna has become another landmark in Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry.

Colombo’s only ‘Sea Spray’ at the Grand Old Lady

Beverley JANSZ

Dining under the stars, with the sounds of the sea and the spray of the waves, has been considered a luxury sought after by anyone young and old.

If a restaurant is located somewhere offering all these gifts of nature, coupled with the exotic seafood delights, that is the ‘Sea Spray’, at the edge of the waters of the Galle Face Hotel.

This restaurant was not heavily publicised until recent times not because of lack of customers or disinterest, but most probably because its fixed clientele jealously guarded it for themselves.

Of late the Sea Spray Restaurant which is part of the mystery and heritage that surrounded the Grand Old Lady of Sri Lankan Hospitality, the Galle Face Hotel, has come into the limelight as one of the best seafood outlets in the country.

Director/General Manager, Galle Face Hotel, Rajiv Khanna, with the able assistance of Food and Beverage Manager, Nihal Perera, treat it as their pet project to popularise and upgrade this restaurant in its speciality seafood items such as Jumbu Prawns, Crabs, Cuttle Fish and other varieties of sea food from the day’s catch from the Indian Ocean.

The daily dinner seafood buffet offering a variety of exotic seafood prepared to please the Western or Asian pallette, range from grilled items made on the spot to curried items for the spice lovers.

The versatile Director/General Manager, Rajiv Khanna is determined to make the Sea Spray restaurant, located beautifully by the blue waters of the Indian Ocean at the Galle Face Hotel, the most popular seafood outlets in Sri Lanka.

Rodeo Nite at Texas Ranch Taj Airport Garden

“It is reported that a gang of steaks have escaped from captivity and headed for the Rodeo Nite at Texas Ranch” according to the Cheriff of Taj Airport Garden Hotel, Seeduwa.

Succulent Steaks, Pork Chops with Hickory BBQ Sauce, Roast Lamb with Minted Rosemary Sauce, Smoked Honey glazed Pork Spare Ribs with Peppery Sauce are part of the Gang of escaped steaks.

Rodeo Nite at Texas Ranch is the newest Food Festival happening at the Taj Airport Garden Hotel, Seeduwa. The festival which began on October 26, will go on until November 4. It’s a amazing Dinner Buffet with BBQ Sauces to thrill your taste buds and “captivate” your imagination.

So come on down to the Texas Ranch, and help the Cheriff round up the Gang of escaped Steaks!!

Coffee promotion at Ceylon Continental

Colombo’s latest and modern Pastry Shop “Cafe County” at the Ceylon Continental Hotel Colombo is hosting yet another delicious Coffee promotion for all Coffee lovers. The promotion which began on October 26, will end on October 31.

Cafe County offers a wide range of Coffee like Cafe Latte-Expresso topped with velvety steamed milk, Cafe Mocca-Espresso and chocolate with steamed milk, famous Americano-Espresso and many more will be served at the Cafe County, Pastry Shop. Its a treat all coffee lovers at the warmest heart in Sri Lanka - Ceylon Continental Hotel Colombo until October 31.