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| Sunday, 15 June 2003 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Olenka Beach Hotel : the star that shines in Marawila by Beverley Jansz Olenka Beach Hotel, Marawila, is another milestone in Sri Lanka's Hotel Industry. The management has invested Rs. 50 million on this star resort, overlooking the beautiful blue waters of the Marawila beach. The first phase of the 40-room hotel opened its doors recently. Twenty rooms are now in operation which includes four suites with beautiful interior decor. All rooms are air-conditioned with modern facilities including IDD telephones, TV, piped music etc. "We are planning to complete the remaining 16 rooms and another four suites in time for the tourist season, Managing Director, Olenka Beach Hotel, Paul Fernando said. He said that Olenka will soon be classified as a 3-star property when a further Rs. 10 millions is spent on the final stage of the project. The MD said that the construction of Olenka began about two years ago. He said that the hotel is targeting the Scandinavian and Russian market which are at present not fully exploited by Sri Lanka's tourism industry. "We have already got a host of bookings for the next tourist season, Fernando said. Olenka is all out to explore untapped market,and that is why we are looking out to the Russian and Eastern European markets, Manager Olenka Beach Hotel, Gihan Imbulana who has been in the travel trade for over 25 years, said. Olenka is only a 45-minute drive from the BIA and therefore the hotel is planning to attract international airline crews, Imbulana said. Olenka is built in such a manner that guests get a scenic view of the blue waters of Marawila beach and the hotel's beautiful swimming pool from the four corners of the hotel. The cuisine offered to guests is comparable to any star hotel in Sri Lanka. It comprises Western, Eastern, Chinese and Sri Lankan delicacies prepared by Executive Sous Chef, Denzil Thirimanne who has wide experience in food preparation, here and abroad. "We do not refrigerate food and purchases are made each morning from the fishermen and villages, thereby creating indirect employment", Thirimanne said. The hotel offers its guests safaris to Munneswaran Devalaya, Wilpattu National park which is only two hours from the hotel, through Puttalam visits to coir factories and many more. One of the main attractions offered to both local and foreign guests, is boat rides on Maha Wewa. The hotel also arranges deepsea fishing and night fishing for its guests. The hotel has invested Rs. 2 million on the waste water plants since it does not want to create environmental problems. Directors of Olenka Beach Hotel are Geethanjali Olanka Mutinkeski (Chairperson) nee Fernando and Paul Ajith Fernando (Managing Director). ####### Twinkles - the kids' dream world The latest addition to the chain of hotels in the city of Colombo is 'Twinkles', a cosy restaurant, with a 'Park-kid-Oasis', which is said to be the first in Sri Lanka. It consists of "Garden Track ride," "Two-seater see-saw" and "Spring Animal", a product from Malaysia. 'Twinkles' at Abdul Caffoor Mawatha, Colombo 3, between Galle Road and Duplication Road, is the brain-child of Jagath Navaratne, Chairman/Managing Director, Vcom Group of Companies who own the hotel. The name 'Twinkles' was selected by Navaratne to go by kids' imagination. Vcom Group of Companies has invested Rs. 15 million on this hotel project. 'Twinkles' is located in a mansion type bungalow which retains the Colonial style. The site is adorned with age old trees like Kohomba, Kottamba and Ehela. The hotel has a large car park which can accommodate more than 50 vehicles. 'Twinkles' has three private dining rooms, inter-connecting to entertain Board Meetings or private parties. The main restaurant and private rooms can accommodate over 125 guests, and the compound over 120 guests. It is an ideal location for weddings, family outings and banquet functions. 'Twinkles' was privileged to have a unique ceremony recently in which children hosted a Silver Jubilee for their parents. The menu at Twinkles is par excellence. It offers its guests a wide range of cuisine from Continental to Italian, Chinese and Sri Lankan prepared by an experienced chef and four cooks.Fully air-conditioned, it is the ideal location for evening entertainment especially for kids. The hotel is fully carpeted and managed by Hotel School qualified staff. 'We are planning to expand Twinkles concept to Oman and Singapore and other parts of Sri Lanka, Chairman/Managing Director, Jagath Navaratne said. 'Twinkles' is a Tourist Board and BOI approved project. by Beverley Jansz) ###### Weekdays @ Keells Resort Hotels John Keells Hotels are offering an extra special rate to holidaymakers to enjoy a memorable and relaxing vacation during the Weekdays. The Keells Group has eight resort hotels strategically located around the island, which offer exceptional service and remarkable choice of delicious food. The Lodge & The Village located in Habarana are geared to accommodate the adventurous holidaymakers who may be looking for excitement and activity. The bike trails across the villages bordering the Sigiriya Rock or around the seven lakes is an exceptional experience to both local and foreign tourists. The bird watchers can also enjoy a variety of over 150 spices of birds that flock to the peaceful surroundings of the hotels. The youngsters can also visit the hotel's farm and make it an interesting learning experience. The Beach Hotels - Beach Hotel Bayroo, Bentota Beach Hotel & Hotel Swanee on the other hand offer a range of water sports at the Club Intersport Centre. The fun of riding a Jet Ski or Banana Boat or Wind Surfing are some of the activities to be enjoyed. A state of the art gymnasium, with air-conditioned squash courts is also located in the same premises. The Bentota Beach Hotel has also gained its reputation when it comes to fine dining. The Peacock Restaurant is set to give just that atmosphere, gourmet food and wine. It is an ideal setting to complete a memorable holiday. A visit to the East Coast and the recently refurbished Club Oceanic Hotel is a perfect holiday away from it all. The Beach Chalets are just a few feet away from the beach and is an ideal way to spend a few days with family and friends. The Citadel Kandy will open its doors with a total refurbished image in early July to the traditional holidaymakers who wish to enjoy their stay in the hill country. The hotels are offering special discounts and rates during this period and is an offer not to be missed.-BJ |
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