Kalatuwawa area is not a popular tourist destination in Colombo District. It is known for Kalatuwawa reservouir for supply of water to the district. ‘Serenity Village’ is the only resort hotel to be found in Wevila, a remote village in Kalatuwawa, in the Western tip of the Ratnapura District.
Set amidst 33 acres of a tea and rubber plantation along with half an acre of organically grown vegetables and fruits, Serenity Village, is one of the pioneering Eco friendly tourist attractions in the area, blends with nature beautifully, and yet combines a touch of modernity in its architecture and design.
It has six eco friendly chalets, while each chalet is tastefully decorated and comfortably furnished to provide an all natural setting for guests who are looking to spend a homely vacation. The latest addition, a room at the top level, is a luxury air conditioned room with all facilities.
‘All chalets at the Resort offer balconies that provide guests with mountain views. The resort is popular with families and even groups of friends looking for a break on a weekend. Also ideally located to attract honeymooners’ said Sirisena Kuruppu, the Senior Manger of the property.
Additional features of the rooms include open air bathrooms with hot and cold water along with satellite television. The double bedroom boasts of an antique four poster bed with other facilities. All cottages are built on top of the hill and the balconies open to infinity of mountains beyond. Strips of timber cover the walls, ceiling and floors giving an earthly feel, almost as if living inside the core of a tree.
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No air conditioning is required for room as the surroundings is much cooler even during the day time. The bathrooms in the eco chalets are open up to an alfresco style shower which allows you to have a bath standing on a natural rock, feeling the earth beneath and looking up to blue sky’ he added.
The restaurant at the Serenity Village boasts of natural settings, overlooking the Kalatuwawa Valley. It serves authentic Sri Lankan cuisine along with a range of Western specialties. The restaurant can comfortably accommodate around 60 people.
Chef Saman Gunawardens prepares Sri Lankan cuisine in an authentic village style and any other western cuisine to meet supreme taste; using most of the raw ingredients from the hotel’s back garden.
‘Dining at the open air restaurant surrounded by a spectacular view will add extra spice to your meal. Kiri kos maluwa or polos ambula is a must to taste from the tantalizing menu; you may select your menu by a brisk walk along the organic vegetable garden just a few yards away’ explained Chef Saman.
This eco friendly resort offers a myriad of options such as an outdoor fresh water swimming pool, apart from the newly built plush, state-of-the-art Swimming Pool on the hill which blends perfectly with the natural environment. The hotel has facilities for indoor games and also a badminton court along with a small play ground for cricket and other activities.
‘‘Once inside the pool you will feel like you are swimming between the hills. It is also boasts of a beautifully manicured garden that is perfect for relaxation. There’s a Meditation Centre at a nearby temple where you can go to relax your mind, body and soul’ Mr. Kuruppu said.
The Natural Pool is on a rock down the hill with tiled floor and walls. It is set between two springs surrounded by huge Kubuk tree canopies along with canopies for guests to enjoy a drink with the family and friends. ‘Serenity Village is perfect for a quick weekend getaway to relax and enjoy a trek in the wild. It is very popular with corporate outing and family gathering’ Kuruppu said.
The gardens of Serenity Village attract a wide variety of birds which can be a great opportunity for bird lovers.
‘Tours can be organized to witness the entire process of how rice is produced along with a detailed tour about tea and rubber cultivation. Longer and more interesting excursions can be organized to the Sinharaja Rain Forest, Naachchimale, Vaulpane Caves etc’ he added.
The room rates for the Resorts range from Rs 9000/- for FBD in log cabins to Rs 13,000/- for double at the luxury chalet.
Source: http://www.sundaytimes.lk/140914/magazine/live-with-nature-at-serenity-village-116886.html
Sri Lanka Travel Feneteko