Travel

Ridee Villa

The silver mansion at Unawatuna:

Beverley JANSZ

Unawatuna once voted the best beach in the world by the Discovery channel, is a large fishing village blessed with a remarkably beautiful sandy bay fringed with gently swinging palm trees and tranquil turquoise blue water with temperatures ranging from 28 - 30 C.

The beach possesses a fantastic marine life based around corals and myraid topical fish which makes it a unique experience for the discerning traveller.

The legend - laden “Rumassala” (a name that derives its name from a rocky outcrop supposed to have been dropped from the sky by the legendary monkey - God Hanuman) is also at Unawatuna which was once the home of renowned science fiction Icon Arthur C. Clarke.

Unawatuna is developing into a major tourist beach and a divers’ paradise over the last 15 years. Ridee Villa-literally “Silver Mansion” offers barefoot luxury in a homely setting in secluded privacy and easy access to the best beaches in southern Sri Lanka.

The Villa offers you unbelievable serenity that cannot be experienced in a mainstream hotel. It is virtually a second home where you can relax and unwind mainly due to the unique “Home Hotel” concept practised by the amiable owners MD Sumith Ubesiri and his charming wife Shammi (Director) who are at hand, personally, to accede to all your needs.

This luxurious mid - sized villa comprises 10 individual double rooms & an exclusive suite encompassing 03 rooms with private balconies offering a panoramic view of the Unawatuna beach.

All rooms at Ridee Villa are air-conditioned, Cozily furnished and affixed with modern illumination. All rooms have hot and cold showers. The panorama from the private balconies on the 2nd floor is virtually unforgettable and will be etched in your memory for a long time to come.

The exclusive suite “Ridee Wasa” situated on the second floor consists of a master bedroom and two other comfortable rooms.

The kitchen is fully equipped to satisfy all your culinary desires. The view from the private balconies is simply astounding! The ground floor restaurant “Bojun Hala” offers authentic Sri Lankan breakfast and dinner in the traditional style.

Sri Lankan cuisine is generally hot and spicy with unique aromas. We would want you to savour this experience (reminds you of the age old adage - “when in Rome...”) nevertheless, for those who desire other types of cuisine .... do not despair !! there are many beach side restaurants and bars in the vicinity serving sumptuous and varied types of food, says Ridee Villa’s young Managing Director Sumith Ubesiri.

The other facilities and conveniences available at “Ridee Villa” are internet cafe library, postal services, laundry services, car/bicycle hires, arranged round tours, boat safaris, scuba diving, ayurvedic treatments, emergency medical services on request & foreign currency encashment.

Ridee Villa is owned and managed by young Sumith Ubesiri, one of Sri Lanka’s leading Silver Jewellery manufacturer and exporter, who became the entrepreneur of the year - 1999 (Silver Award).

In 1998, Sumith also received a Merit Award at the entrepreneur of the year contest. His wife, Shammi Ubesiri is the other director of Ridee Villa.

Festive memories to linger throughout 2008:

Celebrate tradition at the Galle Face Hotel

A premier legend - one of Asia’s best:

Beverley JANSZ

The Galle Face Hotel, Colombo has made elaborate plans to celebrate the festive season on a grand scale, Director/General Manager, Rajeew Khanna said. “We will offer our guests a most memorable festive season this year” said Khanna who has used his global experience to give Galle Face Hotel a “New Look”.

Enjoy an evening at the ‘Sommelier Essence” with the finest wines and gourmet cheese. What better way to start the evening? until December 31.

At the business lunch, salads and desserts from the buffet and you can order the main course from the menu, until December 30. ‘Delicious Delights’ fresh lobsters with dry white chardonny, a perfect match, every night.

‘Salmon and wine Tango”, the perfect two, to Gango Norwegian Salmon with Zinfandel wine every night until December 23. At “The Verandah”, every afternoon a wide spread of buffet lunch from 12.30 pm. to 2.30 pm. until 23rd December.

Christmas Eve dinner - celebrating this Season with joy, Galle Face Hotel brings you the Grand Christmas Eve dinner on December 24 night. The “Sea Spray” Restaurant will offer the very best variety of fresh seafood, cooked any way you like from 7.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.

At the ‘Rideo BBQ’ entice your taste buds to an array of differently made BBQ with the Hotel’s special sauces from 7.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. until December 23.

The Christmas Eve Dinner at Galle Face Hotel will offer a traditional menu with Turkey, Yule Log, Puddings, to name a few, on December 24, from 7.30 p.m. onwards. Celebrate Christmas in Style, with an elaborate five-course dinner, on Christmas Eve, December 24.

A lavish six-course dinner awaits you on December 25 from 7.00 p.m. to 11 p.m. “Lamb Frenzy” the juiciest lambs to tangle your taste buds, accompanied with Caburret Sanvigon wine from December 26 to December 30.

New Year Eve Dinner - towards the beginning of the New year, Galle Face Hotel gives you a grand seven-course dinner and much more in store on December 31 from 7 pm. onwards.

The Christmas buffet brunch will offer one of the most magnificent spread of Christmas brunch in the city, from 11.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. on December 25. The Christmas dinner features the finest variety this Christmas on December 25 for 7.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m.

‘Flights of Fancy” - featuring delight from all over the world certainly cannot be missed from December 26-30 from 7.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. “East meet West” an entertaining jazz evening from December 25-30.

New Year eve Dinner-Starting the New Year with wine a well spread buffet and after party, on December 31 from 7 pm. onwards. “Jubilee Room” this New Year Eve dinner and dance bring together an absolutely lavish buffet dinner along with the finest scotch, from 8 pm. onwards on December 31.

“Fantasia” dance at Potio will bring you an absolutely finest night to remember on December 31. Usher is the New Year in Galle Face Hotel style and let memories linger throughout 2008.

Herald the New Year in the cool climes of Grand Hotel

Thinking of “Little England” to usher in the New Year?. Then the ideal place is the Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya where grand things are planned for the festive season, says the Hotel’s Resident Manager, Raju Weerasingham.

An air of festive gaiety and seasonal joy fills every nook and corner of the main Dining Hall, where a sumptuous dish of traditional festive dishes will be offered, at the ‘Theme Nights’.

At the christmas eve dinner buffet on December 24 night at the main Dining Hall savour a tempting array of pates, terrines, cold salads, a fine choice of dressing’, sauces, salsas and delicious soups, a variety of breads and traditional Roast Turkey with all the trimmings on December 24 night.

The Supper Club will offer Prawn Margo and baby sweet chili dressing, Roast Turkey, Roast rump of English Lanb, Fillet of sea bass, Linguine with asparagus, Lemon Tart winter berry compote.. the list is endless.

Spend Christmas Day in the festive atmosphere, at the main Dining Hall where a delicious buffet spread of seasonal delicacies of both Eastern and Western cuisine will give your taste buds a rare treat.

At the Supper Club, on Christmas Day savour a seasonal carrousel of culinary preparations of a six-course dinner including a glass of sparkling wine or a glass of fresh orange juice.

Heralding the New Year at Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya.

The end of the Gregorian Year and the dawn of the New Year. Traditionally the hotel will welcome the New Year with the countdown to midnight with lots of prize and surprises, and a display of fireworks. The New Year dinner buffet at the main restaurant will offer guests a wide spread of dishes.

A special gala dinner awaits you at the Supper Club on 31st night. The Grand Magnolia Coffee Shop will offer special menus throughout the festive season.

BJ

Snow show at Excel World

Snow Fall entertainment show is once again on at Excel World this christmas season for the 5th consecutive year.

This year there will be various entertainment activities with competitions and promotions. “We have made some modifications to the events that took place last year to present the show creatively.

The show caters to all members in a family who enjoy having fun and frolic” said Ravi Wijenathan, Director/CEO, Millennium Development (Pvt) Ltd., at the opening of the show last Saturday December 08.

The event takes place at the `Dome’ which can accommodate over 500 people. The scheduled show times are, Monday to Thursday three shows commencing at 6.30 p.m. 8 p.m. 9.30 p.m. and Friday to Sunday there will be four shows commencing at 6 p.m., 7.30 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10.30 p.m.

Cinnamon Grand offers ‘Story Time’

The Cinnamon Grand Colombo is offering a special Christmas gift to all kids this season, with an opportunity to listen to magical stories from around the world. The special story sessions are conducted by Aunty ‘Bertha’ a popular story teller, reader and entertainer from December 21 to 24 at the Cheers Kids Club from 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.

The one hour story session commences at 5.00 p.m. and 6.00 p.m. respectively. So here’s your chance to treat your kids a host of beautiful stories inspired by the magic of Christmas.

That’s not all, she will also conduct a handwork session and art competition with a chance for kids to draw scenes and characters from the stories she reads! The winners will be entitled to special gifts.

The Continental Ultra Nite at Ceylon Continental

Dance all night to the dazzling entertainment of Rajiv & the Clan with DJ Shiran to herald 2008 in real style & class at the Ceylon Continental Hotel Colombo - Sapphire Ballroom.

A grand celebration with fantastic music, cuisine and a unique array of special prizes & surprises are in store as part of the Continental Ultra Nite 2007. Rajiv and the Clan with DJ Shiran will play dazzling and enchanting music to help you rock in to the New Years Eve at the Ceylon Continental Hotel on December, 31.

A Gala International dinner buffet is on offer with a wide range of great soups and salads, Savory rice, meat dishes and a delicious dessert buffet at the dance. Complimentary bottle of Red label and a bottle of white spirits will be offered to every party of ten.

Christmas at Galway Forest Lodge

The traditional mixing of the Christmas cake was held at Galway Forest Lodge, Nuwara-Eliya recently. Here Executive Resident Manager - Ranjith Godage, Executive Chef - W. Delthalawage, Executives - Ajith Weerasinghe, Nimal Karunarathne, Dushantha Rajakaruna, Udaya Liyanarachchi, Ruwan Mahagamage, Jerome Martinstine, with the staff Kamalasiri Perera, Donald de Silva and the rest of the kitchen staff, taking part in the ceremony.