Amaya Reef a setting to unwind

Text & Pix Ganga Pradeepa

Amaya Reef Hikkaduwa is special in that it is a contemporary hotel with a fabulous view of the sea which beckons you to take in a holiday that you will remember. Amoy Reef Hikkaduwa opens out to beautiful sunsets and the balmy breezes of the ocean. The setting of the hotel is charming and the feeling inviting.

Opened 25 years ago as "Reef Comber" the Amaya Management bought over this hotel in 2005 and renamed it as "Amaya Reef".

The world renowned Hikkaduwa Reef is a unique feature of this setting and it is behind this hotel. In fact Hikkaduwa has won recognition and fame for its golden beach and for sea bathing due to this very reason. To relax, bathe in the sun and take time off to dream on the beach or to kick your shoes off and walk along the sea... is what the management of the hotel promises all visitors to the hotel.

According to General Manager of Amaya Reef Dayal Fernando the hotel draws in a lot of visitors from various strata in society.

"The hotel comprises 50 rooms categorised as Standard and Deluxe. We specialise arranging wedding ceremonies that evoke bliss and touches everyone's mind and soul. Scandinavian, English and Germans too come to this hotel for the season and French, Dutch and Italians arrive during off season. We take visitors to the Galle Fort, Moonstone at Meetiyagoda and Hikkaduwa coral gardens too". At their peace sanitary they help you relax and become aware of your self and to merge with nature. Relax, calm and balance the body, mind and soul to bring peace within you and with the world around you.

Amaya Reef has a spa with therapists well qualified and experienced to give you the most appropriate therapy for your well-being.

The main restaurant is called "Waves" and it's only a few waves away from the Indian Ocean. In fact it is located about 20 feet from the beach.

This hotel is very appropriate for company and family outings. Of course its main attraction is the Hikkaduwa golden beach. In this hotel, it was very relaxing to say the least, and one would feel the homely atmosphere and the refreshing environment.

The surroundings of Amaya Reef Hotel are free of environmental pollution, beach boys and other 'undesirable' elements and further hindrances to relaxation.

The friendly staff is available all the time and always willing to help with a lovely smile. The Hotel has a lovely green garden which is well landscaped.

So like me, visit this hotel where you can spend your leisure in a relaxed and enjoyable way.

'Art Trail'

Preparations are under way for an exciting line up of events, to be held in Galle, in the last week of October. From walking 'The Galle Art Trail' to enjoying 'The Galle Film Festival' with late night screenings with the added attractions of live jazz, wine tasting and a masked Arts Ball.

Over fifty artists' works will be up for sale at the 'Art Trail'. Paintings on traditional canvas will be there as will be works of art on pots and pans.

Sri Lanka's best photographers' and sculptors will be exhibiting in over twenty locations.

The Galle Art Trail and Galle Film Festival open on October 24th 2008 and the main events will run on the 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th & October 31st through to November 2nd.

What's on Where

Hamburger promotion

A Hamburger promotion is on at Galadari Hotel Coffee Shop. The a la carte menu offers a variety of burgers with vegetarian and non vegetarian items. The event is on till July 13.

'Hotel Show'

Sri Lanka's biggest hospitality exhibition the 'Hotel Show' will be on at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo on 11th, 12th and 13th July; the 5th biennial show to be held since its inception in 1998. The Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management is poised to showcase the abilities of their alumni and current students who make destination Sri Lanka renowned for service

excellence.

Top 100

River House Balapitiya, once again, put destination Sri Lanka in the limelight, on being featured among the best luxury escapes in the world. 'Robb Report Luxury Resorts' sought by the discerning for whom price is not the criterion for choice, features Taru Villas (pvt) managed 'River House' in its latest edition and places them among the 100 best locations in the world chosen from 40 destinations in six continents.