Travel

Tour guides need evaluation

Ramani Kangaraarachchi

With the new trend in the tourism industry, a new approach towards guiding concepts has to be followed introducing new techniques, Sri Lanka Institute of Tour Guide Lecturers President Jo Livera said. He said there are salient factors to reckon with as such it is necessary to organize a symposium to discuss and arrive at new effective guidelines.

Livera said the humane factor should be considered and too much of statistics should not be imparted on guests during their holidays.

"It is more important to tell them stories related to our kings and places rather than their list of names and years," he said.

In the long-term it is necessary to give them a refreshing soft humane touch unforgettable experience rather than a professional stiff experience.

"The shopping lists of the travel agents should be ignored in preference to the wishes of the guests," he said.

Bentota Beach opens after facelift

Bentota Beach Hotel, a landmark beach resort located in the south offers the perfect sun, sea and sand holiday.

The resort recently underwent a soft refurbishment where the rooms of all properties were upgraded and interiors of the different types of rooms were redecorated to incorporate the colours of the setting sun.

In addition to the refurbishing of rooms the resort now has two newly revamped conference halls. 'The Gallery', is located in the main building of the resort and can hold a capacity of 100 persons theatre style, and the new conference facility 'The Wave', located beside the lagoon provides a serene atmosphere to discuss business. Moreover the large garden area is perfect to plan out a mini out bound training session for corporate outings.

Equipped with two pools Bentota Beach Hotel offers a fresh water swimming pool with a natural rock base for a leisurely swim and relaxation, Club Inter Sport houses the second pool, the sports club offers a variety of activities such as a tennis court, squash court, archery and a specialised water sports centre.

A specially designed kid's play area is bound to keep the young busy making the resort a perfect destination for a day outing.

The Azmaara Spa located in the resort is situated between the lagoon and the ocean; opening out to the Indian Ocean.

A member of the International Spa Association the spa offers a variety of treatments, ranging from relaxing massages to revitalizing scrubs and wraps as well as beauty treatments.

In addition to the physical changes to the resort, many other trimmings have been made such as new and improved food and beverage options.

Individual dining on the beach, special seafood menus, themed nights and an extravagant Sunday buffet which makes it perfect for day outings.

Six Senses Spa opens at Hotel Missoni Kuwait

Six Senses announced the opening of a Six Senses Spa at Hotel Missoni Kuwait in early Summer 2011.

The Six Senses Spa, on the second floor of the new five-star designer hotel, will have 13 treatment rooms including two Hammams, separate areas for men and ladies, and a bridal room including salon, pedicure and manicure areas.

The 1,500-square metre spa will also house a fitness centre with a mixed and ladies-only gym, yoga studio, experience shower, sauna, steam rooms and luxurious relaxation areas. As well as Six Senses signature treatments and traditional Asian therapies, the spa menu will offer locally inspired treatments using organic ingredients such as dates, olives and Arabic spices.

There will also be detox and weight loss programmes for guests wishing to achieve specific wellness goals.

Activities such as yoga, Pilates and meditation will be available privately, as well as in group sessions, and health retreats may be booked, combining spa treatments with personal training, spa cuisine and wellness activities. Hotel Missoni Kuwait is located in Salmiya close to the main shopping district of Kuwait City within the fashionable Symphony Centre that includes offices and exclusive designer boutiques. It enjoys a spectacular position on the famous Arabian Gulf Road overlooking the Salmiya seafront.