Hotel chain Centara opens at Passikudah

Sara Pathirana in Passikudah

The Centara Passikudah Resort and Spa, in the country's east coast, was opened recently. Centara Passikudah, with a family and child friendly environment, is situated on a vast span of golden sand at Passikudah Bay.

The three year project, which was initiated in 2010, was completed in just a little over two years time.

"Centara will create more tourism opportunities for this part of the country and also help locals to attain work opportunities in the process. We can cater to niche markets, local corporates, weddings and also work towards the future progress of the MICE industry," Hotel Manager, Teddy Roland said.

The Passikudah Resort is situated 35 kilometres north of the town of Batticaloa and in close proximity to major landmarks, such as Minneriya National Park, Gal Oya, Somawathiya and ruins of the ancient royal city of Polonnaruwa.

Water sports facilities such as kayaking, wind surfing, jet skiing and snorkelling opportunities are also offered at the Bay by professional water sport instructors from LSR Lanka Sportreizer.

Attentive and confident assistance is provided for guests who want to experience these activities.

A specialized yacht ride could also be arranged for interested parties and this is being commandeered by a former yachtsman from the British SailingTeam.

Keir, a Briton, operates the yacht says that the area has great potential, specially during this time when the country is aptly focusing on tourism.

With tourism being a major marketing target in the country right now, initiating best tourism strategies is a significant entity today. Sri Lankan Air Force Helitours provide an additional means of comfortable access to the eastern part of the country by conducting three weekly 45 minute flights from Ratmalana Airport to Trincomalee China Bay at affordable fares.

The resort accommodates 125 rooms and suites, of which about 90 rooms have been opened for guests. Most of the rooms provide the luxury of witnessing the beachfront and offers the aspect of ample living space with furnished balconies and terraces.

Further upgrading and additional projects are the Spice Market; a restaurant with a different concept. Serving a multitude of flavours from Asian and Sri Lankan specialties and served al fresco style where chefs would prepare dishes at live cooking posts.

The restaurant is scheduled to be ready in July and the Spa Cenvaree, which offers a range of Ayurvedic and other therapeutic treatment, is also scheduled to be ready by mid June.

The resort's all-day dining restaurant, Reef Café, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner as is the Aqua bar, which serves drinks and al fresco style meals overlooking the Infinity Pool and beachfront.

A fully equipped fitness centre, kids and teenagers' zone, medical facilities and babysitting services on request are also available.

A second project in Sri Lanka, Centara Ceysands Resort and Spa, Bentota, is also underway to be opened before the end of 2013. Access to the resort would be through a short boat ride across the lagoon and river and this facet would become a major attraction for tourists.

Centara Hotels and Resorts is Thailand's leading operator of hotels with 41 deluxe and first-class properties covering all major tourist destinations with a present total of 58 resorts in the Maldives, Vietnam, Shanghai, Bali, Mauritius and Sri Lanka. Centara's first overseas hotel was opened in Maldives and the number of Southeast Asian properties today continue to grow with a greater expansion of boutique style properties in Thailand and Vietnam.

"What we at Centara Resorts aim to provide is the surroundings of peace and harmonious comfort for any guest, while providing the ultimate holiday with the best attributes of Asian and International cuisines, friendly and attentive staff, relieving spa facilities and serene surroundings," Kanokros Sakdanares, Group Director, Marketing Communications acknowledged.