|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 29 February 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Villa 432 : the family boutique hotel by BEVERLEY JANSZ Driving down the Southern Coast at the 82nd post, with its welcome engraved on the olive green parapet wall, is Villa 432, the newest family-type boutique hotel, in Lanka's hotel industry.
Set against a grove of swaying coconut palms on 1/2 acres of elevated land is this very tropical property. Look around on arrival a plaque on the wall with a coir rope from an opening indicates the bells that herald your arrival. The entrance to the hotel is paved with natural granite tiles and supported by Dutch period pillars with overhung goluwa lamps leading you through an iron door to the double-height reception where a large tapestry adorns the wall. As you enter the lobby you are greeted with a quite breathtaking, panoramic view of the ocean and the sound of the waves lashing the rocks in front of a well-landscaped garden. A unique feature of this 10-roomed villa is the highly polished, turquoise green floors in the public areas blending the colours outside and the turquoise blue floors in the bedrooms echoing the colours of the deep blue sea. Outside winding your way along the staircase reminiscent of the Dutch period, with a large pond running underneath it and a lush indoor garden, as well almost bring what is without within. All ten rooms with a direct sea view have A/C, fans, mini-bar, TV, individual safety lockers - all that a 5-star hotel would offer. Toilets are plush with every detail taken care of. A beautiful, hand-painted mural of Sri Lanka birds complete these tastefully furnished room, with the important accent on quality timber. You can relax in the bar located between the two 'Villas' enjoying your favourite drink watching the myriad colours of the sky at sunset. At night the distant, twinkling lights from the fishing boats out at sea, doting the horizon is a common sight in these Southern seas. All furniture in the Villa 432 can be proud of its collection of Dutch period furniture and antiques, blending with the modern, adding improved to quality living. Western and Eastern cuisine are both served by the hotel's chef who has five-star experience. The Villa 432 is exclusively for resident guests. 'We need to give our guests total privacy and solitude for their relaxation. Every guest is pampered and cared for individually by our friendly staff at the Villa where time stands during their encounter with 'Paradise', Managing Director Mahinda Ratnayake, of the Villa 432 said. Holiday-makers at the Villa are offered 'Madu Ganga' river safari which is one kilometre away. The boat ride meanders through natural mangroves to 64 islets. Moonstone mines unique to Sri Lanka are just 30 minutes away. Antique shopping and the world-renowned mask factory is only five minutes drive away. A glimpse of our traditional dances could be seen every Sunday in Ambalangoda. The Villa 432 is owned and managed by Mahinda Ratnayake who counts 35 years experience in the hotel industry having held top managerial positions in several starclass hotels and blue chip companies. 'The modern concept is that the traveller is in search of 'niche properties' where total privacy is provided. Sri Lanka has just begun to cater to this market and from the guest comments received, the concept shows immense promise Ratnayake said. Special rates for Sri Lankans and expatriates are offered, Ratnayake said. The Villa 432 is owned and managed by South Coast Resorts (Pvt) Ltd. Its directors are Mahinda Ratnayake (Managing Director), Shirani Ratnayake (Director) Dilshan Ratnayake (Director) and Rashni Ratnayake (Director). ###### Taj goes 'Fiesta Mexicana' with cricket fever by Beverley Jansz Taj Samudra which is the official hotel for Sri Lanka cricket and visiting teams, has taken on a carnival atmosphere since the arrival of the Australian cricket team and officials who are residents at the Taj Samudra Hotel. To coincide with the arrival of the Australian team, Taj Samudra organised a grand Mexican Food Festival from February 17 to 28. Two Mexican Master chefs, Sergio Snyder and Robert Traves who are also International entertainers, were flown in by the Taj Samudra specially for the festival. During the 12-day festival, the visiting chefs offered a wide spread of delicious Mexican gastronomical delights to tourists as well as Sri Lankan Mexican food lovers, in the form of a dinner buffet. The 'Ports' Coffee Shop of the Taj Samudra where the festival was held, was packed to capacity during the Mexican Food Festival. A unique feature of 'Fiesta Mexicana' was that the visiting chefs entertained guests with a rendition of world famous Mexican hits, while guests savoured the delicious Mexican dishes offered by them. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
