Saman Villas, Closing in 2010 for refurbishment
The end of the north-east conflict is encouraging much-needed investment back into the tourism industry and the owners of Saman Villas are latest to annouce forthcoming refurbishments. A statement released earlier this week said: “With the ending of the three decade civil war, we have decided to revamp our properties to meet the demands of future tourism. We have decided to take advantage of the low occupancies predicted for next year and to utilize this period to refurbish Saman Villas.” The hotel, one of the leading hotels in Bentota, will be closed from 22 April to 22 July 2010. According to the management: “The major modifications will be to the guest rooms and toilets in all suites. All guest rooms will offer improved comfort levels while two suites will be converted to twins.
The toilets will offer a new concept with complete change of fittings with a floating bath tub and shower tray. Most public areas will be revamped, where roofing, flooring, furniture and fixtures will be changed. The entrance and reception area ponds will undergo a complete change, a more visually appealing effect with crystal clear water. Several other improvements, as well as maintenance work, will be carried out in order to add value to the product.” The management also control Mermaid Hotel & Spa and they have decided to reburbish this property as well, introducing nine new deluxe rooms, all of which will have direct sea-facing views and spacious new toilets. The public areas will also be enhanced.
Serene Pavilions.
If utter luxury and pampering is what you’re looking for on your next beach holiday, check out Serene Pavilions – an exquisite Balinese style boutique hotel in Wadduwa that I visited last weekend. Only a few more details to put into place and it will be open for guests in October. Accommodation here is fabulous and is in the form of individual pavilions within walled gardens designed to shut out the rest of the world and leave you in peace. Each of the 12 pavilions is the size of a small house with a stylish bedroom (some have two), living and dining areas, bar, pantry and even a private plunge pool. If you don’t feel like getting out of your own little holiday pavilion, then there is even a butler service and a gourmet chef who will cook your meals and serve you in style. The in-house Spa which will be run by Six Senses is due to open soon, and the best part is, even the spa treatments will be brought to your own pavilion! There was more in store for me to discover as I was doing a walkabout. A swimming pool with sunken Jacuzzi beds, gym, and a fine dine dining restaurant by the sea. I was told the Chandeliers for the restaurant were arriving soon. Can’t wait to get back to see Serene Pavilions once all the finishing touches are in place.
It’s hard to imagine that it’s been almost five years since the horrendous Boxing Day Tsunami of 2004. So many lives lost and livelihoods destroyed. The wrath of Mother Nature was unleashed on innocent lives in such a destructive way that a beginning thereafter seemed unthinkable for many. Out of this misery and devastation was born the `Foundation of Goodness’, a movement of goodwill and `unconditional compassion’ that has helped thousands of families affected by the Tsunami in the Seenigama area on the South cost. Founded by Kushil Gunasekera, whose ancestral home serves as the nerve centre of this project, the movement reaches out to men, women and children strengthening their inner being, their skills and knowledge, and creating a brighter future for each and every one of them.
I visited the foundation’s headquarters in Seenigama on Saturday 12 September because Red Dot is keen to set-up a long-term partnership to develop Community Aid Tourism, a new concept of travel for those people wanting a holiday that is a little bit different than the archetypal two weeks on a poolside sun lounger. We’ve realised that more people are open to the idea of a few days relaxing and a few days participating in really good grassroots community projects like the Foundation of Goodness. So Kushil and the RDT team are now working out exactly how we can help create real life-changing experiences and build long-term partnerships with people all around the world.
When I arrived, bleary-eyed after an early departure from Colombo, the village was already buzzing with activity. Young men and women learning web & graphic designing, electrical wiring, dress making, hair styling, English language and business development skills; mothers and their infants attending the Paediatric clinic; the village U13 cricket team playing against another school in the magnificent Seenigama Oval – built with assistance from Surrey CCC – that has been built alongside a 23-meter swimming pool donated by Bryan Adams. There was much excitement over the women’s cricket team which came together for the first time on that Saturday. Much has been achieved through sports and the likes of Murali, Chaminda Vaas, Shane Warne to name a few, have all played an active role in coaching the kids and providing financial support. Ian Botham was being expected soon for a week’s cricket coaching camp. Soon, Kushil hopes to extend the activities to the North and East coast which is desperately in need of the Foundation’s healing touch.
As the movement goes from strength to strength, the need for financial support as well as those willing to donate their time and knowledge is great. There are thirty odd programmes that one can get involved in which are described at length on their website: www.unconditionalcompassion.org . I was drawn to the `heartbeat village’ a project by a tranquil river with a small library that benefits so many village children and adults. The few books on the shelves were well read. The need for new titles seemed dire. I left Seenigama that afternoon planning to return soon with boxes full of interesting books.
Increased Leopard sightings in Uda Walawe.
The naturalist for Mahoora camping, Thilak Obeysekera, who has been based in Udawalawe Mahoora Camp for more than a month now, informs us that Leopard sightings in Uda Walawe are on the rise. The highlight has been the sighting of two leopards on June 7 at Habakagala Rock. This is good news for all wildlife lovers especially for those who do not want to make the long drive up to Yala National Park. Udawalawe National Park is possible as a day trip from the south coast and it’s an ideal excursion during a beach holiday.
Good news for wildlife lovers. The Wildlife Conservation Department has announced this week that all camp sites and bungalows within the Uda Walawe National Park are now once again open to the public to stay. Earlier in the year, the park officials stopped issuing permits to the public to use the campsite and the parks five bungalows due to security reasons. This was only a precautionary measure and now the park is back to its former glory.
The park has three very well located camping sites. Camping within the park would be the best way to enjoy Uda Walawe to its fullest. You get to be the first to explore the park in the morning and the last to go back to the camp site, giving one all the best chances to spot some of the rare animals of Uda Walawe. Asian Elephants are easy to see in Uda Walawe and can usually be seen throughout the day. Leopard and the smaller cats like Jungle Cat & Rusty Spotted Cat can be seen during the early morning and late evenings.
Sri Lanka has three luxury camping operators who offer an amazing experience within Udawalawe National Park. Try a two night’s camping adventure at Udawalawe National Park with Kulu Safari, Leopards Safaris orMahoora Camping.
Horton Plains comprises a gently undulating highland plateau at southern end of the central mountain massif of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s second and third highest peaks, Kirigalpotha (2,395m) and Thotupola Kanda (2,357m), are found here. Three important rivers, the Mahawali, Kelani and Walawe originate from the Horton Plains.
SriLankan Airlines announced on Wednesday that they’ll be offering a new “Economy Plus” service from 1 Sept on their London to Colombo route. A media release said: “Enjoy the comfort of a seat pitch of 35 inches and an exclusive, relaxed cabin ensuring you arrive at your destination in better shape. Seats will start from Row 10 to 14.” The new service will cost an additional £50 each way. Passengers can book in advance through their agent or can upgrade on check-in subject to availability.
One of the great thrills of being a Red Dot chauffeur guide is taking clients to the Kandy Esala Perehera, the island’s most colourful and dramatic street pageant, which takes place in the days leading up to the Esala Poya Day in August. This year I escorted Tony and Trudi Barringer, a charming couple from Cambridge, UK. Tony was mesmerised by the experience and would not stop talking afterwards as we travelled on to Ellerton Lodge. For those thinking about coming to Sri Lanka next August, don’t miss it! The dancers, drummers, fire-eaters and the colourfully draped Elephants that troupe elegants down the streets makes for a spell-binding spectatcle. I think Trudy and Tony will never forget their evening and will have travelled home with a very special memory. They were so excited that they are already talking about their next trip to Sri Lanka when they might travel to the deep south and also to the north. Perhaps it will be my first trip to Jaffna? I hope so.
Declared a sanctuary for animals in the 3rd century BC by Arahath Mahinda, Mihintale is one of the hidden treasures of the Cultural Triangle. If you have an keen interest in ancient history or natural history, Mihintale is a great place to spend a few days.
In a resent birdwatching trip to this ancient city, I was able to see over 100 species of birds in just three days. This included many migrant and residents. Highlights included the Black Drongo, Common Hoopoe, Blue-faced Malkoha and many species of water birds.
You can also get a unique experience by watching or taking part in the life of the villagers in the area. It was paddy harvesting time (March) and whole families were in the paddy fields helping each other to harvest their crops. Though machines have replaced the bulls and bullock carts, some old traditions still remain. The farmers wife will cook a traditional meal and bring lunch for all the people at work, friends and neighbours also help in the harvesting and this is done on a voluntary basis.
You can also spend a whole day exploring the Mihintale rock and the monastery. There are many ancient caves, remains of old building like hospitals, dinning areas, etc. It would be best to have a guided tour of Mihintale so that you get to know the story behind each and every historical monument.
You can either visit Mihintale as a day trip based from Sigiriya, Dambulla or Habarana. You will need a full day for this and it would be a long one! Best place to stay would be in Anuradhapura where you can visit the ancient city and also visit Mihintale. There are some very good resthouses and hotels in this area.
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