Jetwing's Vil Uyana:

Another milestone in Hotel Industry

by Beverley Jansz

Vil Uyana, an ambitious project of Jetwing Hotels, built within 5 km of the Sigiriya Rock at Dambulla, in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka, is another milestone in Lanka's Hotel Industry.

The introduction of a wetland on abandoned agricultural lands within the Dry Zone, provides a unique backdrop for this marvellous new Jetwing project. The design of the buildings are inspired from local rural traditions.

Vil Uyana is the first in the world to construct a wetland system with lakes and reed beds to form a private nature reserve. It is also a 'first' for guest rooms built over water pavilions. The conversion of Dry Zone lands to a seasonal wetland, is also a unique feature at Vil Uyana.

Another exciting feature is that five-acres of the 23-acre abandoned rice field on which Vil Uyana is being built, has been used to re-grow paddy using traditional methods of farming and harvesting. This too is a new and exciting feature of the project. Guest rooms have been placed within the paddy fields, thereby giving the visitor the rare opportunity of participating in both the farming and harvesting, if they wished. This is another first in Sri Lanka's Hotel Industry.

The tastefully designed guest rooms boast space as its hallmark of leisure. They are built, surrounded by water. Parklands and woodlands have been designed for luxury. Guests could dine in the privacy of their rooms or 'under the stars' or relax and pamper themselves at the spa with a range of treatments to choose from. Jetwing will monitor the many components of the eco-system at Vil Uyana.

A Research Centre too is being built, and comfortable accommodation will be provided to researchers. The Research Centre is also equipped with a library., a room for laboratory based work and a computer room.

As a part of Jetwing's responsibility towards local communities, an English teaching program is being held in two Buddhist temples located in close proximity to the hotel project. Unemployed youth now attend these/classes where they are trained to read, write and speak English.

During their training, the youth will receive hotel craft training in a field selected from hotel housekeeping, reception, restaurant and bar and cookery. Those/who excel, will get an opportunity to join the Jetwing.

The target market for Vil Uyana, includes dream vacation escapists, wildlife enthusiasts and cultural travellers seeking the very best in accommodation. The opening of Vil Uyana by Jetwing next month, will mark another millstone in Sri Lanka's Hotel Industry.