The Heritance Ahungalla

Aitken Spence, with a 140-year history, pioneered the hospitality industry and earned a reputation for establishing star-class hotels in the most unusual destinations within Sri Lanka, as well as in the Maldives, is now integrating their collective expertise in concept hotels and beach resorts into a tradition of leadership, hospitality, and award winning cuisine.

Creating a unique and consistent hospitality experience Aitken Spence proudly present their own exclusive brand combining 'heritage' with 'inheritance' Heritance ... "Where tradition is alive"!

The first Heritance hotel, Heritance Ahungalla, is one of the legendary Geoffrey Bawa architectural fantasies come to life....where the uninterrupted line of sky merging with the sea, gives the illusion of a continuous stream right into the azure waters of the main swimming pool. This gives way to slender white columns rising majestically from the courtyard into the elegant, polished granite paved lobby where a warm welcome awaits.

Every dimension - height, length, depth, breadth is magnified here - to create an aura of freedom, a tranquillity removed from the outside world, meandering through quiet corridors, luxurious rooms and elegant restaurants of contrasting textures, materials and earthy colours soak in the sunshine along the sandy beach, sip a thirst quencher in an unexpected pub around a quiet corner where architecture and nature blend comfortably to please the eye and the senses.

Renowned artist, Laki Senanayake's painstakingly magical tracery in charcoal, of liana reminiscent of the Sinharaja forest, climbs lazily along the staircase wall from floor to ceiling and spreads its tendrils like a fine lace curtain. Its undulating curves contrasting sharply with the angles of the carpeted black and tan stairway, shades of Bawa and Senanayake at their best ...

The 'Mustard', a 24-hour coffee-shop, overlooks the pool and on certain evenings the stillness is pleasantly broken by the incredibly haunting but plaintive tones of a lone flute being played from the vantage point of a rustic fishing boat moored on the water, adding its sweet contribution to a leisurely meal and a tranquil evening.

The 'Jute' main restaurant gets its name from the unusual blend of colours from the Anoa de Silva batik-on-jute ceiling. For a contrast of textures, this is interspersed with shiny, brass lamps that warmly reflect the colour tones at night; while a 'moat' of running water gurgles just outside the windows, providing dappled reflections during breakfast and lunch.

The brass tips on chair arms and legs bounce friendly reflections of light at dinner time as an accompaniment to the epicurean delights served up by a most competent and imaginative Chef. The staff are attentive and efficient, the quality of food both Eastern and Western, is excellent and internationally recognized for its high standard.

The guest rooms blend warm, unpolished Burma teak floors with crisp white linen; wood and glass with fabric paneled roll-in shutters that either let in or keep out the sunshine. The private balcony overlooking the sea provides a restful and soothing view across the ocean. Focusing on comfort, the soft beds with extra large, downy pillows, black and white throws and cushions certainly provide it.

The glass panelled toilets, louvred for privacy, echo the black and white theme, and are well appointed with large, fluffy white towels and an array of toiletries. They have even thought of candles!!!

At bedtime after some TV, tea or coffee, listening to the rhythmic pounding of the waves is indeed sleep inducing. A thoughtfully furnished library, complete with judiciously placed lighting, sports a modest assortment of eclectic reading material, and is the ideal spot to laze away a sultry afternoon or spend a quiet hour after dinner.

For recreation, in addition to two large swimming pools, there are tennis and badminton courts, a fully equipped gym and a host of other recreational past times. The internationally acclaimed Six Senses spa will come into operation early in 2007, as part of one of Sri Lanka's largest spa complexes.

Catering to the needs of the times, a 24-hour Cyber Cafe, is on standby for the business person who just cannot get away from the office! Extensive facilities for resident or day conferences are available by way of two well-equipped halls, complete with all necessary equipment. Overall, guests at Heritance Ahungalla always have the comfortable feeling of being 'looked after'.

From check in, to check out; at every meal; in every outlet ...eyes light up with a smile, that leaves one with the realisation that all the grandeur and magnificence of Heritance Ahungalla is wrapped around a golden core, the heart of Heritance its staff without whom it would be incomplete.

Let them pamper you ... experience the fine tradition of hospitality for yourself. Heritance Ahungalla...a retreat for the senses, comfort and care that is the heritage of Aitken Spence Hotels.