Travel / Lifestyle

Vil Uyana takes you back in time

from Leonard in Sigiriya

Trying to strike a balance between man, beast, nature and its locale, is Jetwing Hotels Ltd, with Vil Uyana, Sigiriya, its latest hotel model, in the grape wine; the countdown, tuned for autumn.

Jetwing, fathered by Herbert Cooray, embraces, Lighthouse and Spa - Galle, The Beach Camp - Nilaveli, The Blue Water - Wadduwa, St Andrew's Hotel - Nuwara Eliya, Yala Safari Game Lodge - Yala, Hunas Falls Hotel - Kandy, Tropical Villas - Beruwela and in Negombo, Blue Oceanic Beach Hotel, Seashells Hotel, Sea Garden Hotel, Ayurvedic Pavilions and The Beach.

Vil, means wetland, and uyana, garden or park. Sigiriya, stands 169 kilometres north east of Colombo. Vil Uyana lies five kilometres from what was once the Sigiriya Rock Fortress with its hanging gardens. Vil Uyana is a 23-acre abandoned rice field. The traveller must branch off from the Innamaluwa junction on the road to Sigiriya.

The target market for this hospitality spread, includes the dream vacation escapist, wildlife enthusiasts and cultural travellers seeking lavish accommodation, according to Hiran Cooray, who overseas the work of his father.

In times of yore, man and beast lived by and large in harmony. Vil Uyana takes the traveller back to those times.

Jetwing claims they are the first in the world to construct a hotel wetland system with lakes and reed beds to form a private nature reserve.

Thus, for the first time rooms are built, surrounded by water. Cantered around water bodies are parklands and woodlands, designed for leisure; an extension of the ancient practice of planning gardens for pleasure. Environmental architect, H W Jayawardena, living in UK, has been given the task of taking today, here, back in time.

Among the three different designed environments to choose from, here, are cottages built overstretching rice fields. The rice is grown using the traditional buffalo plough, with natural fertiliser.

The Jala Mandapa water pavilions are built on water. The rooms are connected by wooden walkways. Or, a boat or ferry within the parameters of the reserve will take you there.

Legend says that Wana Wasala, a village in Kelaniya, on the outskirts of Colombo, was the resting place for kings of Kelaniya, on their hunting trips, before known history. Wana Wasala has stretching marshes.

Vil Uyana's Vana Aavasa (forest dwellings) are cottages built in the forest. Regeneration of forested groves, will create a feeling of privacy and seclusion. In lavish and elegance, fit for a king, you can dine under the firmament of the stars. There is a spa, ayurvedic centre, yoga and if you so wish, they will teach you Buddhism.

Air Arabia unveils new holiday package

Air Arabia LLC unveiled a new holiday package combining two spectacular holiday destinations, under the theme, 'Shop in Dubai and Romance in Jaipur'.

Air Arabia's Assistant Sales Manager, Ridha Al Ayad said, "Jaipur is a unique destination with great potential for tourism and customers from Sri Lanka can now experience a new holiday destination at great value fares along with an exciting stopover in Dubai".

Rajastan offers a wealth of holiday experiences from rare wildlife sanctuaries to spectacular architecture, traditional festivals and a wealth of shopping. Experience the regal way of life in the heritage hotels of Rajasthan, converted from palaces of erstwhile Maharajas across this colourful Indian state, each reflecting their own exceptional history and tradition.

Dubai is the most modern and exciting city in the Middle East and a virtual paradise for diehard shoppers. Visitors can also indulge in the thrills of a desert safari, go skiing in the world's largest snow park or enjoy a leisurely dinner cruise in a traditional dhow along the Dubai creek.

Ridha said, "This package is a blending of contrasts, travellers can enjoy two different kind of holidays in one trip and that too at unbeatable prices."

New local pilots at SriLankan

SriLankan Airlines has recruited new local pilots into its Cadet Pilot and Junior First Officer training programs in recent years, providing opportunities for young Sri Lankan men and women to embark on rewarding careers in commercial flying.

More than 60 young Sri Lankans have been recruited over the last six years, and are now First Officers or Junior First Officers with the national carrier, occupying the traditional "Co-Pilot" seat in aircraft. They include one female Junior First officer who is the second female pilot in the country's history, and another female Cadet Pilot as well as five former pilots of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

"The airline has greatly expanded its Cadet Pilot Training Program as there is a growing demand for more pilots, with SriLankan continuing to expand its network," said Capt. Richard Hutton, Chief Technical Officer at SriLankan.

SriLankan's pilots have built a strong reputation for excellence over more than a quarter-century of flying. Their efficiency contributed towards SriLankan receiving the award for "World's Most Efficient Operator of Airbus A330s (small fleet category)" from Airbus Industrie.