Maalu Maalu Resort and Spa opens in style

Demi Hewamanna

After an year of hard work and sweat Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa - first ever boutique hotel in the East Coast was opened in Passekudah by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa with the participation of Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan and Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardana.

This boutique hotel was initiated under the Post War Nagenahira Nawodaya has still some finishing touches to do but the main part of the resort and spa have been completed.

The Maalu Maalu Resorts & Spa has 40 chalets overlooking the clear clean blue ocean in the East coast. The chalets have been designed in a traditional Sri Lankan style with everything being made of environmental friendly materials. Every chalet and floors are all made out of wood, while the little coffee tables that you find in the bar lounge are made from barrels and two boats used as a rest lounge are also made of wood and dry palm leaves.

Inspired by Sri Lankan authentic traditions and eco friendly architecture, Maalu Maalu reinterprets the ethnic style of a Sri Lankan fishing village - Wadiya and is the first to Eco and Family Friendly boutique resort designed according to the green building guidelines on energy and environment.

There are two restaurants for guests to choose from. One is the open air restaurant that gives a beautiful view of the pool and the ocean called Karadiya and the other Dheewarayo-Habala restaurant and Ruwala pool bar.

For the families who have come for the real adventure vacation have a choice of snorkeling, diving, wind surfing, deep-sea fishing and other water sports. They can also enjoy canoeing trips to the lagoons and mangroves for bird watching or just laze around and enjoy the view of Passekudah bay from pool itself.

Guests can also take a ride to visit Kalkudah village or traditional Hindu temples and village markets even go down to see the ancient city of Pollonnaruwa.

For the construction of the Maalu Maalu Resorts and Spas which is owned by Connaissance Group were hired from the area in order to use the skills of those residing there.

Already bookings are being for August and months to follow. With the war being over and paths being cleared for people to travel safely to the North and East, the time has really come for the young and senior adventurers to pack up and make their way towards the East to enjoy the best summer vacation ever.