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Sunday, 9 February 2003  
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Travel & Tourism

Giritale - the hotel on the ocean lake tank

by BEVERLEY JANSZ



A panoramic view of the Giritale tank from the restaurant and pool

Standing majestically on the bunds of the 12th century ocean lake, Giritale Tank, giving guests a magnificent view of the tranquil blue water dotted with green islands and folds of mountains undulating in the horizon, is Giritale Hotel, Giritale. The hotel began operations in 1974 and is managed by Carsons Management Service (Pvt) Ltd. a senior company in Sri Lanka's hospitality industry.

Be they 'white or black' guests are greeted with a smile as warm as sunshine in the hands of clasped traditional 'Ayubowan' style. The cares of life vanishes as your senses absorb the amazing panorama from the hotel's vantage point above the ancient tank of Giritale.

While at the hotel, guests get an opportunity to discover the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, just a short journey away and collect memories of the timeless beauty of the Giritale Tank and its surrounding wilderness.



Tourists on an Elephant ride offered by the hotel

The pool warm and blue as the sky above beckons guests for a refreshing dip, or a relaxing stretch with a chilled drink to soak in the surrounding beauty of the Giritale tank and the dense forests on the opposite bank. Comfort with a touch of rustic charm, the eight deluxe rooms and 34 standard airconditioned rooms with a balcony, offer guests a panoramic view of the Gritiale tank and the surrounding forest. All rooms are equipped with star class facilities including TV, IDD telephone facilities, piped music and a 24-hour room service.

Service at Giritale Hotel comes naturally with a smile amidst the calm soothing ambience of the bar, and amongst the glowing oil lamps lit in the lobby at night, guests wine and dine as they watch the stars come out over the lake.

The added bonus of a panoramic view the well equipped conference room at Giritale Hotel certainly makes business a pleasure. The hotel offers its guests elephant rides, safaris to the ruins of Polonnaruwa and Giritale, the famous Gal Viharaya, Parakrama Samudraya and the statue of King Parakaamabahu, Minneriya National Park, and experienced trekkers for bird watching. The hotel also has an Ayurvedic Centre with well experienced staff. This is very popular specially among foreign guests.

The restaurant at the hotel offers delicious Wester, Eastern, Chinese and Sri Lankan specialities prepared by Executive Chief, Tilak Ratnayake and his team of experienced cooks.

Hospitality seems to be the keynote at Giritale Hotel, which is headed by General Manager, L.W. Mayadunne, who has over 19 years experience in the hospitality industry. Mayadunne's team comprises S.K. de Silva, H.G. Wimaladasa, Talak Ratnayake, Lalith Ellepola and Chaminda Perera who make every guest spend a memorable holiday in the charming and romantic atmosphere of Giritale Hotel.

Giritale Hotel is owned and managed by Carsons Management Services (Pvt) Ltd.

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The Golden Mile : A fascinating 'Log Station' on the beach

The Golden Mile is the latest concept of a seaside restaurant, ideally located amidst swaying coconut palms overlooking the sprawling golden sandy beaches of Mount Lavinia.

Like an oasis in the desert, completely constructed out of solid timber, giving it the grandeur of a masterpiece by itself, The Golden Mile could encompass its uniqueness, charm class and style catering to the Elite.

From the balcony of the hotel, guests get a glorious view of the sunset which reflects on the polished wood bringing that golden glow to The Golden Mile, so aptly named. The cuisine is par excellence. The A'la Carte menu is so wide, it ranges from fresh seafood delicacies to sirloin steaks or even a club sandwich specially prepared by class chefs.

The bar, which has been masculinely turned out by twenty two types of tropical rain forest timber, is well stocked with world famous brands of foreign liquor, vintage wines, local liquor, draught beer and chasers to put every guest 'in the mood'. To give that absolute finesse, The Golden Mine is amply geared with piped music, DJ and live music on special nights.

The hotel also arranges private BBQ/buffet functions under a galaxy of stars or in the cosy environs of the log stations.

The hotel also provides aqua sports for the daring who wish to flirt with the waves of the ocean, skim and glide in gay abandon.

Guests experience fascinating moments and enjoy the true warm hospitality of The Golden Mile, which is the brainchild of veteran hotelier, Vasantha Jayasuriya, Chairman/Managing Director, Jaysons Hospitality Services (Pvt) Ltd. Mt. Lavinia, which also own Hotel Glendower, Nuwara Eliya. (Beverley)

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Hotels get ready for Valentine's Day - February 14

'Chef's Special for lovers at Queen's

Queen's Hotel, Kandy has made elaborate plans to celebrate Valentine's Day on a grand scale, in the cool climes of Lanka's hill capital.

Executive Chef, Queen's Hotel, Patrick Phillips has planned a 'Chef's Special Menu' for all lovers which includes 'Lovers' chicken and mushroom sop pot, lovers' special salad, coleslaw Hawaian, green salad, tomato and onion salad, dates and orange salad, pasta salad with olives, and many more.

The special buffet lunch on February 14 will include Prawns Pyramid on mirror, chicken salad on pineapple shell, cold cuts on mirror, 'Stuffed eggs lovers heart', stir-fry turkey with mushroom, pork chops with apple sauce, 'King Fish grilled Valentino', steak Americano, Bougettier of vegetables, and many more. The special Sri Lankan menu will include Valentino desserts, red heart cake with fresh strawberry toppings, 'Queen of Hearts on Mirror', to name a few.

*****

Say 'I love you' at Ceylon Continental

The La Patisserie De Paris pastry shop of the Ceylon Continental Hotel will offer all lovers a host of goodies on Valentine's Day, February 14. Pralines, as displayed on presentation boxes, heart shaped goodies, heart shaped cookies, heart shaped chocolate cakes, heart shaped love cake and many more.

'It will be love at first sight at the hotel's pastry shop throughout Valentine's Day and all lovers are assured of the 'sweetest day' of their lives' at the Ceylon Continental Hotel, says Food and Beverage Manager, Nalaka Colambage.

****

In The Blue Water of Wadduwa

Once again The Blue Water, a Jetwing hotel is dishing out a celebration like no other for Valentine's Day, February 14. It promised to be an unforgettable night beside the cool calm waters of The Blue Water Hotel, Wadduwa.

The Valentine in the "Blue Water" will be held at the Western Lawn, on February 14, until the wee hours of the next morning at "The Blue Wave". Entertainment would be provided by the Blue Rhythm & also DJ music. Lovers will be offered a 7 course sumptuous meal.

To throw in a little bit of excitement, would be some games as well as the crowning of "Valentine Queen" with chocolates and also roses that would be made available. A special offer on the night would be for couples who have been married for over 40 years. Get in free of charge on producing their marriage certificate.

****

Cupid strikes at the Mahaweli Reach

In the garden of Eden under the starry skies, it is an ideal setting for lovers to dream and discover the magic of their love.

Mahaweli Reach Hotel, Kandy, with its sprawling gardens, surrounded by the blue-green velvety mountains and the sound of the flowing river, is the ideal place for a romantic evening with your Valentine.

And it will spring in to celebrate the special day of love in a candlelit elegant and romantic atmosphere, on February 14 with a divine "Valentines Buffet Dinner" with live music and dancing to keep you entertained.

So join the Mahaweli Reach Hotel, Kandy the right venue to be this Valentines Day and get shot by Cupid. He's got arrows full of surprises for you and your loved one!

****

Latin love at Lanka Oberoi

Of Tequila and Te Amos'...... For a touch of Latin Lovin', celebrate Valentine's Day with a Mexican twist at The Supper Club of the Lanka Oberoi' where authentic Mexican specialties will be lovingly conjured up by two famous Mexican chefs who will no doubt keep both you and your sweetheart entertained (serenaded if necessary) with their spectacular showmanship. If a lasting impression is what you want to leave, may we recommend a table for two?

Whisper those sweet nothings in an elegant setting. Feast on a divinely delicious and romantically inspired set menu dinner while you savour each other's company. Celebrate the day of lovers in the finest possible way at The London Grill. An extra special Valentine's dinner buffet with a touch of classical entertainment to add to the ambience. Romantic gifts for the lady in your life.

The Taprobane - cozy, casual and yet so elegant - what more could you wish for? Send your hearts desires to the one you love - velvety smooth, creamy chocolates, ruby red roses, bottles of bubbly and heart -shaped cakes all available at The Delicatessen and Pastry Shop. Who knows....if your're lucky she mighty share!!! Try out the Sweethearts special deal - 10 long stemmed roses and a box of chocolates. Looks like her heart wont be the only steal this Valentine's Day.

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