Chaaya Wild Yala opens for business
Chaaya Wild Yala officially opened its doors last Tuesday. The resort
which underwent a complete refurbishment and re-branding imprints its
signature bordering Yala National Park.
The resort’s offerings stem from responsible tourism practices aimed
at conserving and being one with its precious environs.
With over Rs 400 million investment the 66-chalet world class game
lodge is placed in what is almost an extension of the Yala National Park
with open boundaries to the surrounding wildlife.
The resort was opened by Yala Village Chairman Abeypala Perera in the
presence of the CEO, and Sector Head of Sri Lankan Resorts, Jayantissa
Kehelpannala, Chaaya Wild Yala General Manager Teddy Roland and Chamika
Alwis representing MICD Associates and other distinguished guests.
The Sri Lankan flag and the hotel flag were hoisted in the presence
of the staff members; prior to the religious ceremony which took place
at the lobby area of the resort.
Located bordering a sanctuary which boasts of the highest density of
leopard in Sri Lanka, and home to innumerable wildlife; the resort was
named as a tribute to its surroundings.
Designed to bring out the locality and all that is endemic to Yala ,
the resort architecture bears a resemblance to the name ‘Wild’ and will
be of a class that will please even the most widely-traversed wildlife
buff. The hotel was designed to represent rustic luxury, resembling game
lodges found in Africa by famed architect Channa Daswatte.
The architectural features of the 4-star accommodation in the deep
South that would transform and transcend a guests’ expectations.
Interiors give a camp look and feel, large trunk boxes, old vintage
furniture, director’s chairs and indigenous artwork.
Chaaya Wild Yala is dedicated to promoting the wild, rather than
focussing on a hotel experience; Nature Trails the in-house naturalist
arm of John Keells Hotels has devised a series of excursions and
activities to keep guests of all ages occupied. |