History of the Lagoon
To those veterans of the travel and tourism industry, the formerly
known Blue Lagoon in Thalahena is indeed the Holy Grail: officially Sri
Lanka's first planned resort, as well as being the amazing Geoffrey
Bawa's first resort design. Back in its day, however, the property was
small and was reliant on the seasonal inflow of Scandinavian tourists.
Sunset at the Lagoon |
The owner at the time was the late G E B Milhuisen, who was a pioneer
in the industry, as well as the deciding influence that shaped the
destiny of an entire family: The Cooray's.
Beginning with Jetwing Blue, formerly known as the Blue Oceanic Beach
Hotel, Herbert Cooray took Sri Lankan tourism to new heights, following
Mr. Milheusen's advice.
The Blue Lagoon, however, always held a special place in his
children's hearts, "When I was a child, the first time my father ever
took us to a hotel for a meal was at the Blue Lagoon. That day has
always remained with me, as that memory has always inspired me in what I
do today", Jetwing Chairman Hiran Cooray said.
Jetwing purchased the resort a year ago, and has set on an ambitious
drive to restore the property.
The overall design of the resort is in line with Bawa's original
plan: being under the oversight of one of his most celebrated students,
architect Vinod Jayasinghe.
Jetwing Lagoon, when launched early this year, will feature probably
the longest swimming pool in the West Coast, at a 100m in length.
Comfort and facilities will indeed go hand in hand, with 55 deluxe
rooms situated near the Negombo lagoon front, and villas which will be
added later as well as a restaurant dedicated to Bawa and his preferred
dishes, a coffee shop, fully equipped gym and conference facilities.
"Jetwing Lagoon is a refreshing look at a pinnacle of tourism
history; we hope to launch in February 2012 and continue its prestigious
legacy. Being a Jetwing property, our visitors can indeed expect the
high standards and dedication to Sri Lankan hospitality that we have
always maintained", said Wester Felthman, General Manager. "The Jetwing
Youth Development Project is currently underway here as well, with over
60 youth from the area being trained in hospitality skills which we know
will benefit them tremendously in the future", he continued. |