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| Sunday, 7 September 2003 |
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Features |  |
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Ambalama Leisure Lounge : Where nature meets luxury by Beverley Jansz Barely 45 minutes from Colombo, rubbing shoulders with the buzzing activity of city life, lies the Ambalama Leisure Lounge.
Built in different stages, Ambalama Leisure Lounge at Ihala Hanwella, Hanwella on the Highlevel Road, began as a restaurant in january 2000. serving breakfast and lunch in buffet-style, while dinner is on an a la carte menu. On weekends, guests are treated to a special Indian menu and according to Managing Director, Ambalama Leisure Lounge, W. Thiyambarawatte, this is what draws the largest crowd. Of everything at the Lounge, it is the six cottages that amaze both foreign tourists and Sri Lankans. Although they follow the very basic format of verandah, sitting room, bedroom, toilet-bath and balcony, each cottage is unique. The cottages use the names of traditional Sri Lankan professionals - 'Weda Gedera' (Doctor), 'Kumbal Gedara' (Potter) 'Kammala (Blacksmith), 'Wadu Maduwa' (Carpenter) and 'Guru Gedara (Teacher). Each cottage has features that are in keeping with the relevant profession. For instance, the twin wings of 'Weda Gedara' share a cabinet filled with Sinhala medicinal herbs, while everything in the 'kammala' is made of steel. Two walls of the bathrooms are made of metal railings, with a clear view of the lush greenery. Each shower is concealed by a facade that is in line with the theme of the cottage. The bathroom of the 'Guru Gedara' has a 'kala gediya' (clay pot) for a shower, because the 'kalaya' was used in ancient days when bathing children. As much as the cottages are traditional in outlook, modern facilities such as fans, telephones and room service, are also available ensuring the complete comfort of the guests. Ambalama Leisure Lounge is equipped to handle functions for a maximum of around 200 guests. The 'Attapattu Maduwa' a two storeyed structure, is the function area. Ambience is created through the wooden floorboards and the 'kalu gal' wall. A half a dozen steps or so below the restaurant is an open air deck, also called the 'pinthaliya' for those who wish to be closer to nature as they sip their fresh fruit juice or nibble the numerous short-eats. I was fascinated by a clay hut that flanked the restaurant on one side, when i was informed that it was a mini-bar named 'Ginger Cafe'. It is very quaint, with a 'pol athu' roof, bamboo pillar and overturned toddy barrels for tables. The 'ul pan geya' or the beautiful swimming pool is also in keeping with the 'natural' theme of the place. Cement has been used for the floor and wall, while the artificiality of tiles has been rejected. It also has a pool bar. There are many sites of significance surrounding the Ambalama Leisure Lounge and Thiyambarawatta has introduced day tours. Guests are shown the Duvili Ella waterfall, a temple near Kosgama and the Labugama and Kalatuwewa reservoirs. The tour also includes a boat ride on the Kelani River. "We offer all modern facilities for seminars, workshops and other functions and therefore our hotel is patronised by leading establishments not only for such functions but also for company picnics and family outings, Thiyambarawatta said. "I am very happy with the progress that has been achieved during the past three years" says Thiyambarawatta. He offers all credit to the architect, Jayantha Bibile who was the brain-child behind the project. "We never thought it would develop so rapidly" he said. Because of its proximity to Colombo, the Ambalama Leisure Lounge is the ideal location to get a way from everything but still remain in close to the city. The green lawn, the trees and grass, coupled with the rustic and comfortable cottages are the perfect formula for relaxation. W. Thiyambarawatta, B.Sc (Eng) M.I.E. (SL), M.I.C.E. (Lond), M.Sc (Con. Man-UK) is the Managing Director of the Ambalama Leisure Lounge, while its other director is Dr. P. Warasavitharana. An experienced hotelier, Andrew Bernard is the manager of the hotel. ############## Chef Shan to kindle China's Great Wall at 12th anniversary Symbolising China's historic 'Great Wall', the Chinese hospitality trades' Great Wall Restaurant situated in Central Colombo 3 will go great guns with its anniversary celebrations of 12 long years of dishing out those delicacies from that part of the world. To coincide with the 12th anniversary which falls on September 9, Great Wall has brought in a new Chinese chef, Yau Chun Shan specially flown in from Beijing. Shan has many years of experience to his credit including three years in Japan. 'Our guests will no doubt get the opportunity to savour delicious Chinese cuisine with new menus added, prepared by chef Shan, Manager, Great Wall Restaurant, Adrian Gomez said. Great Wall will sparkle tomorrow with a special discount for families. On September 9, guests will be offered a special 'All you can eat dinner' buffet with a complimentary glass of wine. On September 10 (Poya Day) Great Wall will offer its guests a special set menu.The celebrations will continue until Sunday September 14, with live music and a great 'Steam Boat' festival 'cook it yourself'. |
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