Rated best property in SAARC Region:

ADITYA

Abode of the Gods

Beverley JANSZ

Named after the solar deities in Hindu mythology, Aditya is an exclusive all-suite luxury boutique hotel on a hidden stretch of beach between Hikkaduwa and Galle. While the hotel is small and intimate, its rooms are among the largest and most lavishly appointed in the island. The accent is on unrestrained luxury, personalised service, and total privacy.

The hotel comprises only 12 suites, all of which have, distinct sleeping, living, bath and outdoor areas. There are five Shanthi (Garden) Suites, six Sagara (Ocean) Suites, and the grand two-storey Surya (Sun) Suite.

The Shanthi Suites boast spacious verandas that open on to private gardens. The Sagara Suites have expansive balconies with magnificent ocean vistas. The Surya Suite is a two-storey penthouse with a vast open air terrace overlooking the sea. It offers the ultimate in luxury accommodation.

Each suite is unique in layout and decor, and is furnished with authentic art and antiques drawn from Sri Lanka, the Subcontinent and the Far East.

All are equipped with a full range of luxury and convenience features, including a private plunge pool, large-screen TV, DVD/CD player, minibar, safe, hairdryer, tea & coffee service, his & her sinks, vanity mirrors, and more.

Because the suites all have their own special character, the hotel chooses to name rather than number them. Each is named after one of the Adityas - the solar deities of Hindu mythology.

Service at Aditya is similarly unconventional and aims to set new standards in personalised attention. Guests are unrestrained by many of the usual hotel restrictions. They can have their meals whenever and wherever they wish.

A world-class chef is on hand to cater to any whim or fancy, and the hotel can set a private table anywhere the guest may choose - including the beach.

The restaurant offers a distinguished cosmopolitan menu, carefully compiled for discerning palates. The dining room opens on to the sea and is bright, spacious and elegant.

There is naturally a strong emphasis on fresh seafood. Guests may request custom-prepared meals, depending on the availability of ingredients. The bar is stocked with a comprehensive range of wines and spirits, and serves up familiar and exotic cocktails.

Apart from unlimited opportunities for rest and relaxation, Aditya offers numerous rejuvenating activities. The hotel has ideal swimming and sunbathing conditions, with an expansive pool and a long, wonderfully secluded stretch of beach.

There is a fully equipped gym and a yoga room. The library stocks an extensive collection of books, movies and music from all over the world.

The en suite spa service brings in expert practitioners to banish stress and fatigue in total comfort and privacy. There is also a unique stretched Mini Moke available to guests for exploring the fascinating towns and attractions that surround the hotel.

Leading UK travel operators (Audley Travels) rates Aditya as best property in the SAARC Region

One of UK’s leading up market travel operators has rated Aditya which is one of Sri Lanka’s newest boutique resorts - the highest amongst all properties in the SAARC region. Aditya scored 4.5 out of a maximum of 5 and was rated by over 70% of the guests as being “Far Above Expectations.”

Aditya’s rating was higher than even the many palace properties of India and the resorts of Maldives. Aditya is very popular amongst local expat community with a very high frequency of repeat guests. The ambience and privacy allow for a quiet, restful retreat.

* Staff of over 50 on hand to see that the guests in 12 suites are thoroughly pampered.

* One of the only fine dining properties in or around Galle Aditya is - perfect for that special occasion or romantic evening. The Sunset at Aditya is more than romantic.

* Aditya specialises in small exclusive weddings and a customised programme can be arranged with the management.

* Owned and managed by Hermitage Resorts (Pvt) Ltd- Devenigoda, Rathgama, Galle, its Chairman is Asgi Akbarally Managing Director is Husain Dawoodbhoy and Director/General Manager is Shamindra Fernando.

“We will correct negative reports about Sri Lanka”:

Royal couple selects Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya for honeymoon

By Beverley JANSZ

Anthony Bailey KCSS, a member of the British Royalty and Advisor to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Princes Marie Therese Hohenberg of Austria selected Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya for their honeymoon.
 

They were accorded a red carpet welcome at the hotel. The Royal couple was full of praise about Sri Lanka and its people.

However, they were distressed that they were receiving negative reports about Sri Lanka abroad which were unfortunately “putting off” foreign visitors to Sri Lanka.
 

This country is one of the most beautiful country we have visited, the Royal couple said. Anthony Bailey and Princess Marie said that they will do their utmost to use their good offices to project Sri Lanka as a beautiful and attractive tourist destination, having all potential for tourism.

They assured that they will correct the negative reports about Sri Lanka.

Resident Manager, Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya Raja N. Veerasingham said that the visit of the Royal Couple to Sri Lanka at a time when there was a downturn in tourism, would augur well for Sri Lanka and will encourage tourists to visit Sri Lanka. The Royal Couple paid a tribute to Grand Hotel for its excellent service, hospitality and food.

Attractive festive package from Kassapa Lions Rock Hotel

Kassapa Lions Rock Hotel, the newest entry to Sri Lanka’s hotel industry, built at a most scenic location at Dambulla, is offering a very attractive festive package from December 10 until end January.
 

“We have planned this festive offer to give Sri Lankan families and expatriates an opportunity to spend a most memorable holiday with their loved ones, in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle” which has a host of tourist attractions. Managing Director, Kassapa Lions Rock Hotel Nilan Wickremasinghe said.

Kassapa Lion Rock Hotel has been built at Kimbissa, Digampatha Junction close to Dambulla along the Dambulla-Habarana road.

Guests at the hotel get a marvellous view of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, said to be the world’s 8th wonder. The beautiful swimming pool at the hotel has been built in such a manner that it offers guests a panoramic view of Sigiriya and the surrounding mountains while having a dip in the pool.

Kassapa Lions Rock Hotel has 27 chalets built in a marvellously landscaped garden with ample space for sports activities. More details of this special festive offer can be obtained from Lions Royal Resorts, Braybrooke Street Colombo 2.

Gingerbread Hut at Ceylon Continental

Savour your favourite festive goodies at the Gingerbread Hut of Ceylon Continental Hotel, during the festive season.

Cafe County will host a range of festive goodies such as Duch Breudher, Xmas Cake, Mince Pies, Date Cake, Love Cake, Stollen, Santa face Cake, Marzipan Cake, and many more. Try out the traditional Christmas Chocolates - Santa & Child, Santa with toy, Xmas tree, Chocolate Bell and assorted Chocolate Boxes at the Gingerbread Hut.

The Gingerbread Hut will be open daily till December 31, from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. There will be tempting cookies on offer as well. Honey cookies, Almond Chocolate Cookies, Sweet Cookies, Anise Crescents, Cinnamon Stars, Coco Macroons and Gingerbread Houses with cookies will be on offer, says Ceylon Continental Hotel Public relations Executive Onitha Gurugalla.

‘Moods of Christmas’ at Cinnamon Grand

Enjoy an evening out with the whole family at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo as Soundarie David and her internally acclaimed all-female choir ‘Soul Sounds’ presents an enchanting musical tribute to the many Moods of Christmas on December 21 at 7.30 p.m. at the Atrium Lobby.

Held for the fourth consecutive year, this musical tribute to Christmas will give an opportunity for the whole family to sit and enjoy some of the season’s best loved carols as the season of good will and cheer unfolds.

Traditional Christmas specialities - Minced Pies and Mulled wine will also be served to spread the Christmas cheer! That’s not all Santa will make a special visit especially for the kids!

Festive spirit at Hotel Ceysands

Mixing of the traditional Christmas cake took place at Hotel Ceysands, Bentota last week. Mixing the cake are Director/General Manager (CEO) Dulip de Alwis, Assistant Manager Denzil Maximus, Executive Chef Balan Pushpadran, Executive Sous Chef Bede Dissanayaka. Restaurant and Bar Manager, Lalith Bandara, the hotel’s management team and kitchen brigade, taking part in the ceremony.