Heritance Kandalama: Epitome of green philosophy :

Bawa’s masterpiece

Ruwini Jayawardana

Snaking along a rocky outcrop on the edge of the ancient Kandalama reservoir, hidden in the lush vines and surrounded by tropical wildlife lies one of Sri Lanka’s most sought- after hotels – Heritance Kandalama.

Blended into the tranquil landscape, the dwelling of many a many species of birds, butterflies, monkeys, spotted deer, wild boar and a verities of flora the hotel is just a short distance away from two of Sri Lanka’s most cherished heritage sites, the Dambulla cave temples and the Sigiriya rock.

The ancient ruins of Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa and the Minneriya wildlife sanctuary are also within an easy drive.

Heritance Kandalama is the only hotel in Sri Lanka to possess a Sinhala letter for its logo. Indeed this touch of the Sri Lankan tradition is embedded everywhere in the hotel premises from the staff’s uniform to the culinary dishes, making it the trademark of the hotel itself.

The hotel is the creation of Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s renown architect who has also designed Lunuganga in Bentota, the Sri Lankan houses of parliament, the Madurai Club in India, and Heritance Ahungalle.

Over a career spanning nearly 40 years Bawa had the flair to design buildings which bring nature into his creations. This ‘austere jungle palace’ is so cleverly blended with its surroundings that it is as exciting as indulging in an adventure. You will not know what to expect as nature’s secrets will be unveiled before your eyes.

What would a holiday be like without relaxation and luxury? No complaint in that department as the hotel offers it guests the best of everything. Heritance Kandalama has 152 luxurious rooms, built on two separate wings: the Dambulla wing which overlooks the Kandalama reservoir, the surrounding mountains and the forest while the Sigiriya wing captures the picturesque image of the Sigiriya rock.

The Sigiriya wing houses the royal Suite, 10 Suites, 30 Deluxe Rooms, 30 Luxury Rooms and four Superior rooms. The Dambulla Wing has two Luxury Suites, one Suite, three Panoramic Rooms, three Luxury Rooms and 71 Superior Rooms.

The elegantly furnished rooms have en suite bathrooms with rain showers and hot and cold water. The rooms have solid timber flooring with timber interiors and are highlighted with cloth tapestries. Each room is comprised a host of facilities making it a memorable stay for its guests.

Visitors will be able to taste different assortments of dishes at the three restaurants: western cooking for those who like to feel at home during their stay and Sri Lankan and eastern dishes for those who like to have a taste of something different from their regular meals. The Kanchana Lounge holds cocktail parties and also offers guests a chance to see cultural performances hosted by the hotel.

Three Swimming pools are open to give its residents the chance to relax and enjoy some time in the sun while fitness freaks can burn some calories either in the fully-equipped gymnasium or engage in a sport out of doors bicycling or playing tennis. Those with a more adventurous streak are offered expeditions like elephant trekking through the forest, horse riding, Hot Air Ballooning and boat riding.

The Six Senses Spa includes an extensive menu of spa treatments together with rejuvenating therapies incorporating the traditional Ayurveda and aromatherapy spa treatments.

True to its nature friendly existence the hotel maintains an eco Library where guests are able to glimpse a view of some of the preserved items endemic to the area, a garbage sorting and compost making area. This means that none of the waste materials disposed by the hotel is added to the environment.

The process of recycling everything ad putting it for better use had won Heritance Kandalama many prestigious environment awards throughout the years ever since its inception in 1994. They recently clinched the HOTEL CLUB Hotel award- Best hotels and Resorts in Asia-2007. Heritance Kandalama was also awarded the SAGA Good Food Award for ten consecutive years.

“The key behind the success of the hotel is the support we get from the staff. They are very passionate about the hotel and all the service they give comes from the heart,” explained the spokesman.