By Marianne David

A serene hideaway in the bustling city of Negombo, Amagi Aria is a well-hidden secret that is certain to surprise and delight.

Walking into the property, one is greeted by expansive views of the Negombo lagoon and enveloped in such serenity, it’s hard to believe such a quiet and inviting place exists in the heart of Negombo and in such close proximity to Colombo.

The recent upgrading of the property by holding company Amagi Hotels has resulted in not just a new name for the former Amagi Lagoon, but a whole new wing and a refreshingly modern look, along with an impressive fine dining seafood restaurant – Moyã – that is easily one of the best seafood dining options in the island.

The drive here from the airport is less than 10 minutes while it takes only some 45 minutes to get here from Colombo, making it the ideal impromptu getaway. It’s also perfect for those who want to indulge in some superb seafood on a whim, given the easy access. Trust me on this, Moyã is most certainly worth the drive!

The attractive day offers make Amagi Aria extra inviting, ideal for families and groups that need a short break, while the many dining offers and entertainment make it a great place to be.

Brand new look

The property was formerly known as Amagi Lagoon Resort and Spa and comprised 21 standard rooms, a restaurant, a bar and a banquet hall. The new Amagi Aria boasts a brand new seven-storey wing comprising 43 tastefully designed deluxe rooms and four luxury suites along with 21 standard rooms complete with modern amenities and stunning views.

I stayed in an Aria Sunset suite, which was elegantly appointed, featuring gorgeous views of the lagoon, all modern amenities, and luxurious comfort. The private balcony with its own Jacuzzi and captivating views was the perfect place to unwind.

“When somebody comes in, they don’t expect such a gorgeous location that is so serene. The serenity we offer is unique. Hence the tagline ‘Negombo’s hidden secret,’” explained Amagi Aria General Manager Marketing and Operations Renuke Coswatte. “We are no longer Amagi Lagoon, we are now Amagi Aria, denoting an everlasting song that resonates to its highest note.”

Seated on the Lawn Deck where we were served an elegant high tea, Coswatte outlined the property’s many exciting plans, especially those that are being lined up for the holiday season, and its dining options.

Dining at Amagi Aria

If you’re a seafood fanatic, look no further than Amagi Aria’s new seafood restaurant Moyã. Named with the Sinhalese term for where the lagoon meets the sea, Moyã serves up seafood that is absolutely divine and is open daily for dinner from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Located atop the new wing of Amagi Aria, the restaurant has a beautiful setting with understated décor and is wrapped in floor-to-ceiling windows, offering panoramic views of the Negombo lagoon. It features inside and outdoor dining areas, a live kitchen, seafood display and bar, and the menu has all kinds of seafood specialties, from lobster, crab and mussels to prawn, squid and salmon.

From the food I tried out at Moyã, the Crazy Crab with Fried Cashew and Saffron Rice was an absolute feast, featuring a huge portion of crab that was perfectly prepared, while the Ceylon Black Pepper Crusted Yellow Fin Tuna Tataki and Spicy Asian Coconut Soup were a great start to the meal.

“Moyã offers a seafood experience that is superior to anything else in the vicinity. We are seven floors above sea level, with fantastic 180 degree views and overlooking the lagoon. You feel like you are on top of the world at Moyã,” said Coswatte – and he’s right. Dining here is an amazing experience.

Explaining how they source their seafood, Coswatte said: “Our Chairman is the largest seafood exporter to the Maldives so we have the freshest catch daily at Moyã.”

The food is supported by a fantastic beverage line-up, featuring 30 to 40 listed wine labels along with a specially created list of cocktails.

In December the restaurant is showcasing a market concept, where you can select your seafood and have it prepared according to your wishes.

There’s a great line-up of starters on the menu – from sashimi to oysters and the famous hot butter calamari – while mains comprise varied preparations of crab, prawns and lobster to Singapore-style fish head curry, and mixed seafood platters. Moyã also boasts some lovely desserts.

The all-day dining restaurant here is The Catamaran Restaurant, which features cuisines from around the world. For private dining experiences, the Tree House can accommodate up to 15 guests and The Pontoon can accommodate up to 20 guests. Drinks and dinner can also be enjoyed on the Lawn Deck, where you can watch spectacular sunsets over the lagoon.

Speaking about the food offering, Coswatte said: “The food here is equal to the food in any of the top class properties in Negombo and in Colombo. How we differentiate is by giving more value to our guests. Our rates are much more reasonable and our ambience is fantastic, coupled with the entertainment on offer. We have plenty of parking, location and accessibility is great.”

Ongoing promotions

The day offer focuses on the entire family and guests can enjoy splashing in the pool and take in the stunning views, while unwinding with their families. The package consists of a welcome drink, a complimentary soft drink or a beer, afternoon tea or coffee with a piece of cake, a buffet with international and local food including a salad corner and desserts. Groups of 10 and more get a room for changing purposes. The day offer is from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The property had added even more value in December targeting school holidays with a bouncing castle, face painting and kiddies’ activities such as art classes. Guests can also enjoy boat rides on the lagoon.

“In December we are focusing on families and kids. We hope to start swimming classes and an Aria Mothers’ Club. As for weekend activities, we will continue with the day outing due to the fantastic response,” said Coswatte.

In terms of entertainment, Coswatte outlined: “On Thursdays a three-piece local band plays some fantastic local music, on Fridays there is a saxophonist, and on Saturday there’s Shaman Ranaweera, an extremely talented and versatile artist.”

Many new offers are on for the season, especially on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. On all three days Amagi Aria features live entertainment in the evening while it has a happy hour daily.

Sri Lankan night is on Saturdays and serves up hoppers, roti, pittu and many more local favourites at The Catamaran from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Chinese night on Sundays serves up six Chinese dishes, salads and dessert at The Catamaran from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The Bigger Burger Bonanza is on Fridays, offering succulent gourmet burgers and fresh salads, at Rs. 799 per person.

Versatile venues

Amagi Aria caters to weddings, corporate and private events via its versatile venues that can be set up to suit individual needs.

The Banquet Hall consists of a unique two-tier setting with contemporary design, while the expansive lagoon-front Lawn Deck boasts a breathtaking backdrop for any occasion. Other facilities include a swimming pool, a kids’ pool and a spa.

Source : http://www.ft.lk/travel-tourism/Amagi-Aria–Negombo-s–hidden-secret-/27-644644