Travel / Lifestyle

Vil Uyana nestles in architectural treasures

by Christina Patterson

If you hear what sounds like screams and gunshots at Vil Uyana, there's no need to panic. The screams are just the local farmers warning each other of elephants, and the gunshots are in fact fire crackers used to scare them away.

But what you mostly hear at this stunning new eco-resort in Sri Lanka's dry zone is silence, punctuated only by the calling of kingfishers and the cooing of spotted doves.

There are 426 bird species in Sri Lanka, and many of them can be seen here, in this extraordinary nature reserve that also doubles as a superchic hotel.

Vil Uyana is the first hotel in Sri Lanka to construct a wetland system with lakes and reed beds. Accommodation is vast in villas - the bathroom alone, which boasted its own lily pond, was about the size of my apartment. Designed by Sunela Jayawardene, Sri Lanka's leading environmental architect, the villas combine wood, granite, thatch and concrete in a haven of elegant simplicity: a haven, in fact, for man and beast.

"Can you see the crocodile?" said the waiter over breakfast. "Can you see the kingfisher?" His notepad, it turned out, held not only my order for kurrukan roti and chicken curry, but also page upon page of bird species. There's a resident naturalist, too, who monitors the growing numbers of birds, fish and animals. "We're hoping to attract fishing cats," he confided eagerly, "and more black bitterns and rusty - spotted cats."

Vil Uyana is near some of the richest architectural treasures in the world. Just up the road is Sigiriya, the extraordinary rock fortress built in the 5th century, and widely hailed as the eight wonder of the world.

The ruined capitals of Anuradhapura, founded in the 4th century Bc, and 900-year-old Polonnaruwa are a short drive away, and so are the cave temples at Dambulla, which date from the first century Bc They're so amazingly well preserved - that you could stay in a hut and be happy.

But how much better to return after a hard day communing with history, to a fabulous Ayurvedic massage, a herbal bath infused with petals, a delicious meal and the sight of a peacock dancing, alone, in the dusk. www.viluyana.com

Courtesy Time Magazine

Etihad's Dublin flights to start in July

Etihad Airways will launch its flights from Abu Dhabi to the Irish capital Dublin, on July 2, a month ahead of schedule.

Dublin will be the airline's third new route in 2007, and by bringing the launch date forward from August Etihad's customers will be provided with significantly increased summer holiday travel options. Etihad will operate four flights-per-week between the UAE and Ireland, which will conveniently connect at Abu Dhabi with onward services to many of Etihad's growing network of destinations.

Etihad Airways' chief executive, James Hogan, said: "Since announcing that Etihad will operate flights between Abu Dhabi and Dublin the demand has grown significantly, and by launching flights at the beginning of July we will be able to cater to the considerable summer traffic and establish Etihad in this new market."

The new flights are expected to increase trade between the UAE and Ireland which has risen significantly in recent years. This was underlined by an Irish trade visit in January 2007 led by Prime Minister Bertie Ahern.

Etihad will operate a three cabin Airbus A330-200 between Abu Dhabi and Dublin configured to carry 200 passengers, with 10 in diamond zone (first class), 26 in pearl zone (business) and 164 in coral zone (economy).

SriLankan 'Most Dynamic Exhibitor' at SATTE

Reinforcing its leading position in India, SriLankan Airlines won 'The Most Dynamic Participant and Exhibitor' award at the recent South Asia Travel and Tourism Expo (SATTE), New Delhi.

SATTE 2007 attracted the largest participation since the first SATTE in 1994, registering around 250 international buyers from 38 countries and 400 Indian exhibitors in 540 stalls, representing a few hundred exciting tourism products and services.

Recognising India's unprecedented growth in both inbound and outbound traffic, SriLankan Airlines opted to participate as an independent exhibitor attracting many travel industry leaders, individual visitors and media.

The criteria for award selection comprised the seller's ability to reach and invite buyers; its creativity and positioning; and the booth's ability to attract visitors and provide them with relevant information. SriLankans commitment and confidence in the Indian market with its presence SATTE, was also a factor that led to the award presenters' decision.

The booth attracted visitors to participate in exciting quiz promotions. SriLankan has embarked on a dynamic promotional effort to woo travellers to and from India. "SriLankan Airlines greatly appreciated this recognition by SATTE. The airline gives high priority to India and we are hoping to reach our goal of operating 100 flights a week to India soon and look for the opportunities to operate to more destinations in the future said Regional Manager Indian Subcontinent and the Maldives, Senaka Fernando.

SATTE 2007 showcased the multi-dimensional aspects of India's vibrant tourism industry and its potential. SriLankan Airlines has been in the forefront of promoting India, especially in its European, Middle Eastern and Far Eastern destinations.

Lifetime Achievement Award for services to tourism in Arabia

Maurice Flanagan CBE, Executive Vice Chairman of Emirates Airline and Group, has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for services to tourism in Arabia.

The award was presented at the recent Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2007 (AHIC) in Dubai.

Flanagan, who is frequently acknowledged by the aviation industry for his role in steering the growth of the Emirates Group, was singled out by the hotel investment sector in recognition of his contribution to the region's burgeoning hospitality sector.

As an AHIC Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Flanagan joins a 'Hall of Fame' that includes Prince Al Waleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, CEO of Saudi Arabia's Kingdom Holding Company (2005) and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE's Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai (2006).

According to AHIC co-organiser, Jonathan Worsley, Flanagan won this prestigious award following online nominations made by the AHIC's 50-strong advisory board, comprising key industry leaders.

"The Lifetime Achievement nominations were made during the inaugural advisory board for AHIC 2007 which saw Flanagan win the most votes. This award recognises his 20-plus years of dedication to the growth of the aviation, tourism and hospitality sectors in Arabia through his steadfast role at Emirates.