Forest Ridge Hotel to begin operations in 2008

Forest Ridge, a BOI approved project will be the first and only upper class boutique hotel which will represent class, style and luxury in the Nuwara Eliya district.

Forest Ridge is one of the projects that is under the 'Mahinda Chinthana' (300 enterprises) program. Forest Ridge is scheduled to begin operations in April 2008, in time for the April Holiday season. This project will create employment, develop the infrastructure and will promote Nuwara Eliya as a 'must visit' tourism location internationally, a spokesman for the Hotel said.

Of the 260 perches the hotel will be built on 60 perches of land. The remaining 200 perches of land will be used for meditation and as a relaxation lawn. This will provide guests with a unique experience of relaxing in luxury at the edge of one of the largest forests in the region. The total cost of this project will be Rs. 291 million.

The spokesman said Forest Ridge is at the edge of Haggala Forest (the largest forest in the Nuwara Eliya District) adjoining the Botanical Gardens. The site is situated 300 feet above ground level in the Nuwara Eliya district which is 6,800 feet above sea level. It will cater to a select audience who are interested in adventures, health conscious and who like to relax in a serene ambience. Nuwara Eliya unlike Colombo and other tourist destinations in Sri Lanka is not crowded and over populated. It boasts of beautiful scenery and good weather to relax in.

Forest Ridge overlooks the historical site - Sita Eliya Rock. Legend has it that the surrounding forest is the location where Princess Seetha, the consort of Prince Rama was kept away from India under the protection of King Ravana. As the surrounding echo historical secrets, the Forest Ridge is an opulent place to put your feet up, relax and soak in the atmosphere.

Forest Ridge will consist of 16 Deluxe Rooms, two Super Luxury Suites and four Penthouses all catered to by a team of dedicated 'Butler Service'.

The suites and penthouses will be fully equipped in lines with 5 star hotel facilities. The penthouses are built in the concept of "palatial rooms" among the clouds - creating the feeling of sleeping on clouds.

The four penthouses with walls made of glass provide the resident guests an excellent view of this splendid location. The penthouses are also equipped with their own rooftop terrace and telescopes available for star gazing.

The overall facilities which will be available at Forest Ridge include a Heated Olympic size swimming pool, the first in Sri Lanka, a spa, a fully equipped sports centre, a mini golf course, a fully equipped library with a special children's section, as well as trekking/excursions through the forest surrounding the Hotel. Forest Ridge also provides a rooftop pavilion with a high-powered telescope to observe the life and twinkling night skies

Forest Ridge is a wholly owned subsidiary of S.J. Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd.