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by BEVERLEY JANSZ

Built amidst gently swaying palm trees in a scenic location at Uswatakeiyawa, Wattala, is Pegasus Reef Hotel, owned and managed by Pegasus Hotels of Ceylon Ltd., a Carson Cumberbatch company.

Front view of the hotel

This beautiful beach resort provided ample shade for undisturbed sunbathing or a quiet snooze. At the inception Pegasus Reef was meant to be marketed as a city resort hotel, and was graded as a five-star hotel.

With the sea erosion at Uswatakeiyawa, the marketability of the property dropped and businessmen who patronised the hotel at that time, opted to stay in the city, as they could not enjoy the maximum benefit of the sea.

Standing on a seven acre spacious and beautiful garden at Uswatakeiyawa, Pegasus Reef Hotel began operations in 1970 and was one of the first five-star hotels. Since its inception, Pegasus has been a popular family resort.

Located just 24km south of the Bandaranaike International Airport, and only a 15-minute drive from the city of Colombo, Pegasus is now an ideal base for the business traveller, airline crews as well as for passengers who need a tranquil stopover inbetween long flights.

The hotel provides all modern facilities to the discerning traveller.

The management agreement Keells had with Carsons was mutually terminated in September last year. At present, a restructuring program has been initiated to convert it viably, as the resort is expecting an influx

of tourists in the near future following the Government's peace initiative.Although a 4-star complex at present, Pegasus Reef offers its guests all modern facilities that a five star hotel offers. Guest rooms are equipped with all facilities, including TV, hot/cold water, mini-bar, telephone, piped music and room service. Since its inception, Pegasus Reef has been popular for residential seminars, picnics, family outings, weddings and banquet functions, for which the hotel offers all modern facilities.

Every Sunday, Pegasus Reef takes a carnival atmosphere. Its Sunday lunch buffet offers a wide selection of Western, Eastern, Chinese and Sri Lankan cuisine, with live music. The beautifully landscaped garden resembles a mini botanical garden. The hotel is also popular for repeater clients, both Sri Lankans and tourists from Holland, Germany, UK, France, Italy and other European countries.

The hotel offers theme nights twice a week, specially for Sri Lankans from Wattala, Ja-Ela, Kandana, Kiribathgoda, Kelaniya, Biyagama as Pegasus Reef is the only 4-star hotel in the vicinity.

The hotel has two sophisticated banquet halls, Shobena and Ruwanara which could accommodate over 300 persons for wedding functions and 200 packs for theatre-style conferences.

The hotel has two well-stocked bars and an Ayurvedic centre run by a qualified Ayurvedic physician. For sports enthusiasts, the hotel offers table tennis, badminton, squash, and gym. Food and Beverage Manager, Eric Rodrigo said that in an effort to popularise Pegasus Reef, special packages are being offered to honeymoon couples, family outings, residential seminars, company picnics, at present.

Rodrigo said that the hotel's Sunday lunch buffet is extremely popular not only among in-house guests, but also others who make Pegasus Reef a family affair on Sundays, for which the hotel offers live music, magic shows and special attractions for kids.

Pegasus Reef hotel is owned by Pegasus Hotels of Ceylon Ltd., a Carson Cumberbatch company.

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Around the world in 7 days' at Taj Samudra Hotel

Here's a sampling of the latest addition to the culinary delights at the Taj Samudra Hotel and the new theme nights called 'Around the world in seven days'.

On Monday Taj offers its guests 'Western Fusion Barbeque, a taste of California, Europe and the Pacific prepared authentically. Try the honey mustard spare ribs, California grill chicken or the chargrilled Mignons with Wild Mushroom sauce.

On Tuesday, it is the 'Mediterranean Night'. If you have heard that the Italians take pride in their food and the Lebanese love their food, the Mediterranean Night will confirm. The chicken Shawarmas, the variety of Pastas in Italian sauce and the Mezze Bar to compliment it.

'An Oriental Odyssey' is offered to Taj guests on Wednesdays. The art of presentation from the Japanese, Centuries of finery from Malaysia and the fusion from Thailand, served in one special menu. Sushi and Maki platter. Thai Green chicken curry, fish Teriyaki and other famous dishes from the orient to brighten up the mid-week night.

Taj goes Mexican on Thursdays when it presents 'Viva Mexicans' on Thursdays. Hot, probably would be the only word that could describe Mexican. It's not just the chicken Enchiladas, the Beef Tacos or the Fajitas with special Mexican condiments like Guacamole, Pico De Gallo or Sour Cream that are described as hot. It's the culture that serves it, as well. So if you feel like it, come dressed up and celebrate the night with food, music and everything that's Mexican, on Thursdays.

'Bojun Patha' a truly Sri Lankan dinner menu is offered to guests, with scintillating live music by a popular band on Fridays. String hoppers, egg hoppers, hot, crisp plain hoppers, black curry, sambol, 'Mallums', dishes from Matara and from Jaffna, and everywhere in between. some of your favourite everyday meals, prepared in never before tasted ways, and served in an even more tempting 'Sri Lankan' setting.

It is said that the real bounties of the sea are yet to be had by man. If so, the 'Fishermen's Night, on Saturdays at the Taj Samudra would be a good place to start. Catch of the day, Lobsters, Prawns, Mullet and Garoupa. Chargrilled or pan friend. Topped with delicious Western and Eastern sauces. After one dish, you's set anchor at the 'Ports' of the Taj Samudra for every Saturday to come.

A lot has been saved for the last day of the week, Sunday, when Taj offers 'Mumbai Spice Market at the "Sunday Brunch". What better meal to have on a special day like Sunday than an Indian Fusion. The spice and fusion that comes from all over India, gathers at its most cosmopolitan city, Mumbai. The Buriyanis, the Kebabs, even mouthwatering Chaat Stations, for the entire family for a great meal and chat on Sunday Brunch at 'The Ports' Taj Samudra. ( BJ)

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