The world-renowned architect Deshamanya Geoffrey Bawa acknowledged as ‘father of tropical modernism’ was responsible for reviving the Sri Lankan architectural space with suave lines and modern sensibilities whilst encompassing local traditions and its vibrancies. The exhibition hosted at NGMA until 7 May 2023 is a celebration of the 75th anniversary of Indo-Lanka Diplomatic Relations and features over 120 documents from the Bawa archives, most of which have never been shown publicly previously.

The Breathtaking, Heritance Kandalama blending with the environment

On board as a primary sponsor, Aitken Spence Hotels’ Heritance Kandalama will host an exclusive invitees-only event on 7 April at The Claridges featuring an intimate conversation between Indian photographer extraordinaire Dayanita Singh and leading Sri Lankan architect and student of Bawa, Channa Daswatte. Both heavily influenced by the work and practices of Sri Lanka’s most prolific and influential architect, the conversation will take a deep dive into ephemeral yet stoic qualities that make Bawa design what it is revered for today. Daswatte was also heavily involved in the work of Heritance Kandalama and will share first-hand insights into the thought process behind the world’s first LEED certified and Asia’s first Green Globe certified hotel for sustainable design and practices.

“We are honoured to partner with the Bawa Trust in taking the work of our legendary architect Deshamanya Geoffrey Bawa to the world in an exhibition of this caliber. Among his most formidable creations, Heritance Kandalama is an iconic masterpiece given its unique amalgamation of nature and modern comforts. We hope this exhibition will inspire a new generation of architects to think innovatively to address current and future needs of the world, while preserving our inherent traditions and values, symbiotically,” commented Ms. Stasshani Jayawardena – Aitken Spence PLC Director, Head of Tourism and Leisure, and Chairperson of Aitken Spence Hotel Management.

The exhibition is jointly organized by the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in New Delhi and the Geoffrey Bawa Trust.

Among Bawa’s most visionary designs, encompassing eco-aesthetics with operational efficiencies, marrying nature with the need of travellers, Heritance Kandalama resembles the outspread wings of a bird, following the line of the cliff from which it seems to emerge. The hotel is an incredible 1km from end to end, and rises up seven floors, yet appears to be an effortless natural extension of the mountainside. The flat roof and timber pillars provision a screen of vegetation that attracts local wildlife, whilst the entire building is festooned with longwinded plants, blending it further into its natural setting, The nature theme is continued within with a classy ‘eco’ aesthetic with interiors benefiting from Bawa’s signature vast open windows, which let in natural light abundantly and allowing wildlife-watching from wherever you stand.

Heritance Kandalama – the dream sketch by Deshamanya Geoffrey Bawa

Taking centre stage at this unique exhibition, Heritance Kandalama and its story is likely to influence the many international art and design enthusiasts, scholars, journalists and high-profile dignitaries attending the events to further drive the cohabitation of nature and design, whilst exploring the four thematic sections – exploring relationships between ideas, drawings, buildings and places, the exhibition explores the different ways in which images were used in Bawa’s practice.

For more information on Heritance Kandalama, log on to http://www.heritancehotels.com/kandalama

For more on the exhibition, log on to https://bawaexhibition.com

Source: https://island.lk/aitken-spences-heritance-kandalama-takes-spotlight-at-delhis-first-bawa-archive-show-in-india/

Premier hospitality chain, Aitken Spence Hotel Managements’ Heritance brand of properties has been endorsed for its sustainable tourism efforts by the prestigious international recognition – Travelife Gold.

Heritance Kandalama, Heritance Ahungalla, Heritance Negombo, Heritance Tea Factory and Heritance Ayurveda have been recognized and certified for their continued efforts in enhancing their sustainability footprint in operations, services, awareness creation and guest satisfaction.

Travelife – the international sustainability certification scheme – assesses a hotel’s performance in managing its social, environmental and economic impacts, and in supporting sustainability as part of its hotel marketing and operational strategies. Travelife sustainability certification is a non-profit flagship program that supports tourism destinations, businesses and travelers in implementing innovative solutions for the continuous development of sustainable tourism.

To gain Travelife Gold Certification, the resorts met all criteria with an independent auditor inspection which includes sustainability management systems – the likes of business policies, legislation, community programs, human and financial resources as well as environment management across energy, water, solid waste, pollution, erosion and wildlife. The resorts are also assessed on labor and human resources, community integration, suppliers, and guests.

“As an advocate of responsible tourism, we are proud to announce that Heritance Hotels and Resorts in Sri Lanka are Travelife Gold certified,” said Stasshani Jayawardena Executive Director Aitken Spence PLC, Head of Tourism and Leisure, and Chairperson of Aitken Spence Hotel Managements. “This is a reiteration of our longstanding commitment to curate a memorable holiday experience for our guests while ensuring that the impact of our property on the community and planet is a positive one.” Heritance Hotels and Resorts originally received the certification in 2017 and has continued to be recertified over the years. “The recertification confirms our collective dedication to minimizing environmental impact, improving economic and social impacts for people in our community, respecting and protecting human rights and fair labour practices and safeguarding animal welfare and biodiversity.”

She further noted that this reflects the ethos behind sustainability that is ingrained into the management and operations of the Aitken Spence Hotels which is driven by a value creation model revolving around strategic pillars, identified by the Company based on long-term aspirations.

Aitken Spence Hotels is part of the Sri Lankan blue-chip conglomerate Aitken Spence PLC and operates 18 hotels and resorts across Sri Lanka, Maldives, Oman, and India. The Company’s owned hotels are reflected under the Heritance, Adaaran and Turyaa brands, popular around the world for their exceptional service and curated lifestyle experiences. The Company’s portfolio includes nine hotels and resorts across Sri Lanka, five in the Maldives, four in Oman, and one in India.

Source: http://www.colombopage.com/archive_23A/Mar19_1679207998CH.php

The Clarks Hotels and Resorts of India is strengthening its footprints in Sri Lanka by opening The Albatross Boutique Villa in Digana, Kandy.  They are aiming to promote the country to Indian travelers and take advantage of the growing Sri Lankan business and leisure travel market. 

The brand is aggressively looking for expansion in the neighboring country by opening properties in different key locations in Sri Lanka, reported http://www.hotelierindia.com.

The Albatross Boutique Villa Digana, Kandy by The Clarks, is perched on top of “The Coconut Hill” and has a backdrop of Pidurutalagala Peak. The property is in close proximity to an 18-hole Golf Course with breathtaking views of the hills and the Victoria reservoir. It is centrally located and is near the temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy and the Pallekelle International Cricket Stadium. 

The resort is frequented by many well-known international golfers, celebrities, business tycoons, entrepreneurs, and international test cricketers.

This upscale property has eight modern rooms divided into three categories – The Royal Albatross Suite, The Tee off Suite and Deluxe Rooms catering to guests from all over the globe. 

The Royal Albatross Suite provides a fascinating wide-span view of the famed Hunnasgiriya, Hanguranketha, Galaha and Piduruthalagala mountain ranges, with the Golf Course, Victoria Waterways and Dam. The magnificent suite boasts a private balcony, Jacuzzi, rain shower, butler service, and is equipped with other modern amenities.

They have an in-house bar serving strong and exotic mocktails and cocktails. The multi-cuisine restaurant located on the premises offers Indian, Sri Lankan and international cuisines. 

Further to meet the requirements of MICE and corporate, the property has the arrangement to cater to 50 persons.

The Clarks Hotels and Resorts Vice President Rahul Deb Banerjee said: “As a part of corporate strategy we are expanding both nationally and internationally. We are present in almost all the states of India and we recently have also opened a unique property in Sri Lanka. We are price conscious and believe in providing value for money to our travelers.

“This is the best time to be in the tourism industry, with the Sri Lankan Government pushing tourism, and the pandemic has changed the attitude towards travelling, coming days will witness a further increase in tourism. We are also now promoting Sri Lanka and The Maldives as our new international destinations.”

Head Development – Sri Lanka and the Maldives Gabriel Gunesekere said: “We are optimistic that The Clarks expansion has created a buzz in the Sri Lankan market and will further add more properties to The Clarks Hotels and Resorts portfolio in the coming months. By 2023, the brand will comprise about 150 properties within its chain.” 

The brand wants to offer an opportunity for Indian travelers to enjoy a slice of Indian hospitality at international locations. 

(Source:https://www.hotelierindia.com/operations/the-clarks-hotels-and-resorts-opens-its-first-property-in-sri-lanka)

Source: https://www.ft.lk/front-page/The-Clarks-Hotels-and-Resorts-opens-its-first-property-in-Sri-Lanka/44-739929

Marriott International currently is the hotel chain with the largest number of rooms in the South Asia region and expects to continue its solid growth with these new signings.

“In a highly unpredictable year, these signings are a testament to Marriott International’s resilience and agility in driving strong growth within a hospitality landscape that continues to evolve,” commented – Marriott International president the Asia Pacific Rajeev Menon.

More than a third of the newly signed projects in South Asia in the last 18 months include hotels and resorts in the luxury tier, comprised of brands such as JW Marriott and W Hotels.

The new additions start with the W Hotels brand in Jaipur with W Jaipur in 2024 and over the next five years will include JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa located at one of India’s most prominent wildlife sanctuaries, The Ranthambore National Park; JW Marriott Chennai ECR Resort & Spa on India’s beautiful Southern coastline; JW Marriott Agra Resort & Spa in the land of the Taj Mahal; and the debut of the JW Marriott brand in Goa and Shimla – two of India’s most famous resort destinations – with JW Marriott Hotel Goa and JW Marriott Shimla Resort & Spa.

JW Marriott Hotel Bhutan, Thimphu is expected to mark the debut of the JW Marriott brand in Bhutan, is anticipated to open in 2025 and offer curated experiences that celebrate the peaceful spirit of the land.

Maldives anticipates its second JW Marriott hotel in 2025, when the JW Marriott Resort & Spa, Embhoodhoo Finolhu – South Male Atoll featuring 80 pool villas is expected to open. The signing follows the newly opened The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, strengthening Marriott’s footprint on the famed leisure destination.

Driving Marriott’s expansion in South Asia are Fairfield by Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft Hotels and Moxy Hotels. They represent more than 40% of the 22 newly signed hotel projects. The Moxy brand is expected to debut in India and Nepal, with Moxy Mumbai Andheri West in 2023 and Moxy Kathmandu in 2025.

Secondary markets remain a focus for Marriott International in India. Most of the expansion will be through the Courtyard by Marriott and Fairfield by Marriott brands through recently signed agreements. Courtyard by Marriott expects to add five new properties to an existing operating portfolio of 20 hotels across South Asia. Four of these properties are expected to open in the next five years and will be located in leading tier-two markets within India: Courtyard by Marriott Gorakhpur; Courtyard by Marriott Tiruchirappalli; Courtyard by Marriott Goa Arpora; and Courtyard by Marriott Ranchi. Fairfield expects to add two new properties in Jaipur. In Sri Lanka, the Courtyard by Marriott Colombo expects to mark the debut of the Courtyard brand in the country, slated to open in 2022.

Furthering the growth of premium brands in South Asia, the recent signings include the Katra Marriott Resort & Spa in India and the Le Meridien Kathmandu, which is expected to be the debut of the Le Meridien brand in Nepal. Additionally, the Bhaluka Marriott Hotel expects to mark the entry of the Marriott Hotels brand in Bangladesh, anticipated to open in 2024.

Source: https://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2021/10/marriott-expands-in-south-asia/

Heritance Aarah, part of the Sri Lankan hospitality company, Aitken Spence Hotels, is the first ‘Heritance’ branded resort overseas, the flagship brand of the company. With five other resorts already established in the Maldives under the prestigious ‘Adaaran Resorts’ brand name, ‘Heritance’ is a well-established brand in Sri Lanka and has been acclaimed globally for its unique propositions and adding local flavor to its design, offering and service.

With Heritance Aarah opening its doors in 2019 in the Maldives, Aitken Spence Hotels embarked on curating a unique hospitality product in the archipelago that goes beyond just another holiday. Embracing the ‘Heritance’ brand promise of ‘where tradition is alive’ the Company successfully fostered an immersive lifestyle experience built on the colours, traditions and locality that is unique to the Maldives – presenting an inimitable resort experience for its discerning guests.

Always looking at expanding in a sustainable tourism model, the resort’s latest introduction the Maldives Village is an ode to the rich and vibrant history of the Maldives.

“We are delighted to launch the village concept at Heritance Aarah as it celebrates locality, an interesting and interactive for guests to understand and learn about the Maldivian culture. This is yet another way of how we keep tradition alive, this being our Heritance brand promise,” commented Ms. Stasshani Jayawardena, Aitken Spence PLC Director, Head of Tourism and Leisure, and Chairperson of Aitken Spence Hotel Managements (Pvt) Limited.

Built within the Heritance Aarah resort, the Village seeks to create awareness and educate guests from around the world, of the incredible past and its varied influence in modern Maldives lifestyle. The Village experience comprise of a typical Maldivian household, an outdoor school area, ‘joali’ traditional furniture, key industry representation such as boat building and coral stone carpentry. The Village will also feature the local handicraft industries – such as local jewelry making, coir industry, mat weaving, embroidery and lacquer work. Interactive sessions include experiencing local lifestyle such as making food in an open kitchen and learning to write your name in Dhivehi which are added new and exciting activities for guests. The Village also comprises of a picture gallery showcasing momentous photographs from the past.

The Village tour is presented by the hotel’s very own who is well versed in Maldivian history, local architecture and local business. The entire experience is designed to rediscover the heritage of Maldives, a country with more sea than land – all its men, rovers of the sea; all women, daughters of the waves.

Welcoming the new addition to its plethora of offerings, Heritance Aarah promotes immersive indulgence with its superlative dine around which includes seven restaurants and five bars, Maldives first Medi Spa, an interactive Kids Club and a host of over and underwater activities. The resort enjoys a rich underwater experience built on pristine waters and promotes sustainability in its design and operations. Heritance Aarah is also the first LEED certified building in the Maldives, reiterating the resort and the Company’s commitment to sustainable tourism.

Source: https://aitkenspence.com/heritance-aarah-celebrates-local-culture-with-a-curated-maldivian-village-experience

Slipping into a sudsy tub after a long day of travel is reward enough, but we’ve found some incredible bucket-list bathtubs that are a destination in themselves.

Bath with a View

Wrapped in a plush robe and slippers, settle in for some additional sightseeing, right from the tub. As you unwind, you may look out over a bucolic Himalayan valley with terraced fields of green. Perhaps you will map out your touring plan for the next day with a panoramic perspective on the city you are visiting.

An outdoor bathtub brings you into the landscape, surrounded by the sounds of a rushing river or the silence of a misty mountain forest. Maybe you’ll do some bird watching and see an elephant lumber by on its way to a tributary of the Lower Zambezi. You may never want to leave.

Immersed in Culture

Bathing is an important part of life in many destinations. The hammam dates back to Byzantine times, later evolving into the ornate vaulted and tiled bath houses which became widespread under the Ottoman Empire. Historic examples can be seen in northern Africa, the Middle East, and even India.

In a country blessed with natural hot springs, bathing became a daily ritual synonymous with its source. Japan’s onsen have been a way to soothe away worries and pains for centuries, first popularized with the arrival of Buddhism in the 6th century. Today, mineral-rich public and private baths can be found all over the country.

From Bhutan to Bali, herbal baths, scented with flowers and fronds, are said to keep the skin glowing and mind calm. There are many bathing traditions to explore as you travel around the world.

We asked our illustrious travel designers to share their thoughts on the best hotel bathtubs. Here’s the short list—you might want to fill the tub as you read it.

1. Shinta Mani Wild, Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia

Luxurious Bill Bensley-designed tents feature an elegant roll-top tub perched on a teak deck overlooking the river below. This jewel of a jungle retreat is a conservation-focused base for active adventure and relaxation, complete with a spa.

2. The Silo, Cape Town, South Africa

Facing a wall of pillowed-glass windows, a glamorous freestanding tub commands jaw-dropping views of Table Mountain and the city below. Built in the grain elevator of an historic silo complex, the hotel has a sky-high vantage point, and the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art on the ground floor.

3. Awasi Patagonia, Torres Del Paine, Chile

Choose to soak indoors, taking in views of the pampas and peaks from a chic beech-paneled bath, or step outdoors to a private wood-fired hot tub sheltered by lenga and ñirre trees for a 360-degree vista. Low-impact design preserves the environment.

4. Gangtey Lodge, Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan

With a fire in the nearby hearth, step into a deep roll-top bathtub with views over the Himalayan valley. Or make your way over to the bath house for a traditional dotsho Bhutanese hot stone bath. Immersed in a pine wood tub, mineral-rich waters are heated with river rocks to release their healing properties. Built in the style of a Bhutanese farmhouse, the lodge sits above a 17th-century Buddhist monastery.

5. Old Mondoro Camp, Lower Zambezi, Zambia

Screened by reed panels, a spacious outdoor soaking pool under canvas provides a view directly onto the Zambezi or the hyacinth-filled channel weaving through camp. Elephants are frequent passersby en route to the river for drink. Soak in the scene from one of five chalets, listening to the calls of birds and rustling of wildlife.

6. Museum Hotel, Cappadocia, Turkey

A deep circular tub encircled by illuminated stone panels invites you to take in views of the valley (often with hot-air balloons floating above) out a perfectly placed window. Walls crafted with ancient stones and carved cave alcoves match the traditional architecture of the area.

7. Iya Onsen, Shikoku, Japan

From a soaking tub perched high on the slopes of Iya Valley, the mist parts to reveal panoramic views of fall foliage or spring shoots. At the base of the gorge a natural onsen hot spring steams, and a cable car delivers guests to traditional open-air baths. Secluded and serene, this is the only hotel in the valley.

8. Titilaka, Puno, Peru

Gaze across the shores of Lake Titicaca as light reflects off the water from the expansive tub-side window. Located on a four-acre private peninsula, the sustainability-minded hotel shares access to the lake with a nearby Aymara community and supports education and conservation projects in the area.

9. Segera, Laikipia Plateau, Kenya

Watch the watering hole from the comfort of a super-sized rock-carved bathtub on the Kenyan savannah. The restored farmhouse and freestanding thatched villas are set in a luxurious garden oasis on a 50,000-acre private reserve where giraffe and lions roam the plains.

10. Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Yala, Sri Lanka

A free-standing handmade copper bathtub is reminiscent of early expeditions in old Ceylon. Between the jungle and the beach, tented domes look out on the landscape, where birds and wildlife from the adjacent national park may be observed.

Whatever your destination, washing away the dust of the day and reflecting on your adventures and discoveries is best experienced in a beautiful bathtub with a captivating view. Lather up and luxuriate in some of the best hotel baths around the world, soaking in the scenery and having some good clean fun.

Source: https://www.geoex.com/blog/the-supreme-soak-best-hotel-bathtubs-around-the-world/?fbclid=IwAR315qso-ChFd0cKkZNjo2ffTTS4-os8Hkgr198eIyELKSuh6Cha703WfI8

While this year has been the toughest the travel industry has ever faced, we endeavour to recognize those who deserve praise and to promote the hard work of tenacious travel businesses. Recipients of Travel & Hospitality awards in 2021 were scrupulously selected based on the aggregation of reviews from multiple third-party sources. Selected by a panel of experts who analyse submission material, review customer feedback and compare the facilities of each entrant. Our winners are those who can demonstrate their uniqueness, quality of services and facilities and exceptional levels of customer care across a number of categories.

In this extraordinary year of the awards over 4,000 nominations were received for this year’s programme, and the standard of entries was incredibly high. The judging panel had great difficulty in narrowing down the entries but the winners reflect the very best in travel and hospitality standards. The team at Travel & Hospitality Awards, said: “We were overwhelmed by the quality of entries this year. We hope this guide will be a useful tool for discerning travelers planning their next luxury getaway. Congratulations once again to all our winners.”

The full list of winners will be included in the annual awards publication that will be available for digital download in May. To receive this publication, you are encouraged to join the mailing list to be notified upon its release.

Source: http://news.traveltalkasia.com/wp/2021/03/25/the-theva-residency-is-a-travel-hospitality-awards-winner-for-2021/

The accolades were bestowed in the categories of ‘Best All-Inclusive Resort’ and ‘Best Luxury Hotel’ for Heritance Aarah and Desert Nights Camp respectively, shortlisted and selected from among 10,000 applicants in 400 categories.

The Luxury Lifestyle Awards confers goods and services aimed at the global professional community, recognising the exceptional initiatives, innovations and excellence that effectively entice consumers in the luxury sector. The awards are thus an assurance of the highest quality in service. The international awarding body determines this by conducting a detailed category and region-based research independently, which are then reviewed by luxury lifestyle experts. Aitken Spence Hotels deems the award as a pinnacle of achievement amidst challenges faced throughout the past year, owing to the resilience and efforts of the company and staff in maintaining exceptional standards in hospitality. The service-based awards are a further testament to the spirit of the teams at the hotels who serves hospitality from the heart. Whilst the victory symbolises excellence, the recognition also brings about an unparalleled exposure to the targeted premier segment globally.

Aitken Spence Hotels is the largest overseas hotel operator in the Maldives and its latest all-villa property in the Maldives, Heritance Aarah introduces the novel premium all-inclusive offering to the market. 

The resort curates a distinct variety of experiences, popularly the dine-around restaurants and bars serving an elegant assortment from traditional Heritance cuisine to premium organic wines. Undoubtedly amply endorsed by the award, the resort defines perfection to those seeking a luxury experience.

Oman is home to the most-loved resort by honeymooners, Desert Nights Camp – only a two-hour drive from Muscat, the Capital. Eluding elegance and charm, the hotel is a luxurious haven to enjoy the views of the endless dunes and crystalline wadis. Whilst comfort is a known indulgence, the Arabian Desert adventures are a must to enjoy the ultimate vacation.

Aitken Spence Hotels, headquartered in Colombo, Sri Lanka operates a total of 23 hotels and resorts across Sri Lanka, Maldives, India and Oman catering to a diverse portfolio of clientele. The chain boasts of premier properties in unique destinations categorised under flagship brands Heritance, Turyaa and Adaaran.

Source: http://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/Aitken-Spence-Hotels-emerge-victorious-at-Luxury-Lifestyle-Awards-2021/27-713796

Source: http://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/All-three-Resplendent-Ceylon-resorts-recognised-in-Cond%C3%A9-Nast-Traveller-s-2020-Reader-s-Choice-Awards/27-708293

Marriott has confirmed that it will reopen four of its five resorts in Maldives on 1 October.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, W Maldives, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, and JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa are set to re-open from 1 October 2020, whilst the Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort will welcome guests starting 1 November 2020.

“Working hand-in-hand with the local authorities, we are delighted to announce the reopening of our five iconic resorts in the Maldives. The island-paradise remains as a beloved and inspired destination for many, and with the reopening of our resorts, we look forward to bringing those dreams to life as travel gradually resumes,” said Rivero Delgado, Area Vice President, Singapore, Malaysia, Maldives, at Marriott International. 

“The wellbeing of our guests is of paramount importance and we have the highest standards of cleanliness as well as hygiene protocols in place to ensure peace of mind for first-time and returning travelers to the islands.”

All five Marriott resorts in Maldives have implemented enhanced cleaning practices to minimize risk and enhance safety for both guests and staff. In guest rooms, all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectants and are equipped with disinfecting wipes for guests’ personal use.

Source: http://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/Marriott-to-open-four-resorts-in-Maldives-on-1-October/27-706655