South Asia’s leading Grande Dame, The Galle Face Hotel is testimony to both Sri Lanka’s colonial past and its independent present. An icon in the hospitality world, it blends historical architectural splendor with crafted modernity to form a new model for heritage properties.

Restoring Galle Face Hotel to its former glory through leveraging its exceptional architectural resonance will commence a new chapter in its history. The entire North Wing, formerly known as the ‘Classic Wing’ of the hotel has undergone a two year restoration in which significant changes to the structure and service facilities have been carried out. Maintaining the Hotel’s original architectural and historical value has been foremost in the Owner’s mind.

The North Wing, its roomsand restaurants have all been remodeled, refurbished and upgraded with added luxury to deliver seamless service.While blending with the culture and heritage of the country, the hotel has also been modernized to keep up with global service standards.

The Hotel is intrinsically linked to the history and heritage of Sri Lanka and the project is guided by an uncompromising commitment to preserve the unique ambience for guests to enjoy. The Hotel has invested heavily on staff training and back of house refurbishment to increase service standards to ensure our internationally acclaimed world-class hospitality. Sophisticated travelers from all walks who enjoy the finer things in life, seek out the most exclusive and memorable experiences. Each trip is approached as an opportunity to seek out atypical destinations, to discover somewhere new with singular charm, distinct traditions and stories. To this end, the Hotel is working hard to achieve so much more than just delivering a normal hotel experience.

As part of the restoration the entire front façade of the hotel has been completely revamped to restore it to its former glory and is modeled on its original design reflecting its unique style of timeless architecture for which the hotel was renowned in its early years. The interior of the wing has also been similarly restored to its former glory including the Sea Spray Restaurant, Executive Lounge, Verandah Restaurant and barand The Grand Ballroom, Jubilee Room, Conservatory and Reception. In addition the Galle Face Hotel will have an internationally acclaimed stand-alone restaurant, renowned for its strong concept, impeccable service and outstanding dishes.

All rooms and suites too have undergone a significant facelift to reflect all of the old world charm that the Galle Face Hotel is internationally renowned for, while blending all necessary modern amenities for the comfort and luxury of the most perceptive traveler. All furnishings and facilities in the roomshave been tastefully designed to reflect traditional values whilst maintaining a balance of modernity.

All team members have been intensively trained to give a professional guest experienceand are given the opportunity to learn in depth about the hotels history in order to use that knowledge to offer superior customer service, adding value to the hotel experience.

Source: http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=118556

The Poolside at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo is famed for its scenic location, overlooking the blue waters of the infinity pool and Beira Lake. An oasis where guests can relax on sundecks and sip on refreshing exotic concoctions while basking in the tropical sun or enjoy a relaxed poolside lunch menu with salads, sandwiches and refreshing cold drinks and desserts.

Come evening, Poolside transforms into Colombo’s most happening sports bar, as all the latest sporting events are televised live on a big screen on the upper terrace. You can now cheer on every play, pass and score of your favourite sports teams while drinking ice cold beverages. If you are not sure about match timings, you can find all the latest game schedules at the bar too.

Who says you can’t have a grilled menu in five star style right in the heart of Colombo? The chefs at Cinnamon Lakeside have conjured up a special grilled menu for you. From tender steaks, to juicy hamburgers and choice of hotdogs with various toppings, you can find your preferred sports bar fare right here.

While the tender meats cook, soak in the spectacular ambience and setting created by the pool and landscaped gardens and watch your team battle it out as the cool breeze carries the aroma of the grilling meats and accompaniments over the terrace throughout the evening.

Source: http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=118441

On Saturday the 6th December Fairway Holdings launched ‘Fairway Galle’, its fifth vertical living development project in the heritage city of Galle with a classical music concert by the Chamber Music Society of Colombo at the historic Dutch Reformed Church in Galle Fort followed by the unveiling of the model building at Hotel Tamarind Hill in Dadalle. Whilst all previous developments are in Rajagiriya, this is their first project out-of-Colombo.

Fairway Holdings, a leader in the field of luxury high-rise development, embarked on its latest venture – ‘Fairway Galle’ combining the convenience of contemporary living with the quaint charm of this southern coastal city with a heritage spanning over three centuries. The development is in close proximity to the city and a myriad of significant historical attractions as well as a wide array of other recreational activities. Some of the most popular beaches of the south such as Unawatuna, Thalpe and Hikkaduwa are a short drive away.

Designed by Archt Ananda Samarasinghe and constructed by MAGA Engineering, the apartment complex is to be 12 stories high, with ten 750 to 1156 square feet apartments per floor. While the construction work is due to commence in January 2015, the project is due to be completed in early 2017.

Equipped with all modern amenities, the apartment complex will be just a ten minute walk from the beach, and a ten minute drive from the Galle Fort. ‘Fairway Galle’ is conveniently located close to the Galle exit of the Southern Expressway, making commuting from Colombo a breeze. As with every Fairway property this will feature every modern amenity including 24/7 security, a swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, activity room, helipad, club house, gym, kids play area, a convenience store and a jogging track, ensuring the convenience and comfort of all its homeowners.

In less than a decade, Fairway Holdings has gained a sterling reputation for their visionary work, and have been lauded for delivering exceptional value while providing homeowners with the ultimate experience in vertical luxury living. Fairway was the proud recipient of ICTAD Construction Excellence Awards in 2007 and 2010, for their first and second developments Fairway – on the Waterfront, and Fairmount-Urban Oasis. Fairway Holdings promotes sustainability and environmental responsibility, continuously striving to maintain eco-friendly practices with all their projects, and execute their plans in a socially responsible manner. Fairway’s properties follow a ‘Live Green’ concept that prioritizes energy efficiency and minimizes the waste of Sri Lanka’s valuable natural resources, such as water. The designs also maximize the use of natural ventilation and lighting. All these excellent practices and priorities will hold true when it comes to the construction of Fairway Galle, making it a another iconic symbol of the Group’s green vision.

‘Fairway Galle’ is ideal as your home, a second home or even as a prudent investment in this city that harbors a UNESCO world heritage site. More information can be had by calling 011 7423423 or visiting http://www.fairwaygalle.com.

source: http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=115896

The Seychelles President James Alix Michel who launched the inaugural Food and Hotel Seychelles (FHS) 2014  in Mahe on Friday, being presented a memento by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the Seychelles Rajatha Piyatissa and Managing Director of CDC Events and Travels Imran Hassan,while  the Chief  Executive Officer of the Seychelles Small Enterprise Promotion Agency Penny Belmont and leading hotelier Ahmed Didi look on.

in Mahe, Seychelles

The President of Seychelles James Alix Michel says, he looks forward to the inaugural Sri Lankan powered International Food and Hotel Seychelles (FHS) 2014 in Mahe, becoming an annual event.

Speaking to the “Sunday Island” shortly after inaugurating the Exhibition cum Culinary Challenge at the NSC Hall on Friday , which has attracted 38 Sri Lankan companies, he observed ” It’s a great initiative. Buyers from the region and other parts of the world are here and we look forward to making this an yearly event.”

Asked, if Seychelles would be investing in Sri Lanka, the President replied that the foundation had been laid with high level contacts being established in recent years.

“We are trying to complement each other. Seychelles purchases a wide range of products from Sri Lanka while it exports fish in large quantities”, he added.

Seychelles Finance and Investment Minister Pierre Laporte said that FHS 2014 had provided an opportunity for businessmen to tap the huge potential that existed in his country’s hospitality industry.

Recalling a meeting with  Trade Minister Rishard Bathiudeen in Colombo  recently where they had discussed establishing a fish processing project in Sri Lanka, Laporte revealed that his counterpart would be visiting Seychelles shortly in that connection.

Strategic trade and bilateral ties between the two countries had also improved with Mihin Lanka launching direct flights to Mahe, he noted adding that it had opened the door to free market access to East and South Africa.

Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Small Enterprise Promotion Agency (SEnPA) Penny Belmont said that  a large number of companies from Sri Lanka, South Africa, Singapore and Dubai had deemed it fit to come all the way to “little Seychelles, to be part of this exhibition. It underlines the fact that today, no market is too big or too small, no country is too far, as the rapid development of information technology has made our world a global village where communicating is just a matter of a phone call, a video link an SMS or an e-mail. This has encouraged us to push even harder to overcome all barriers to arrive at mutually beneficial agreements to work together for the common good.”

For  participants from Seychelles this exhibition, was an opportunity to spread their wings, Belmont said. She stressed that it would  also be a learning experience to further raise the standards of their products and services, so that Seychelles too could compete shoulder to shoulder with the best.

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the Seychelles Rajatha Piyatissa said that his High Commission in collaboration with Mihin Air was working jointly with the organizer of FHS 2014, Connaissance De Ceylan (CDC) Travels and Events, the Seychelles Ministry of Toursim and Culture, Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Investment Board.

An exhibition of this nature, was very important for the improvement of the standards of hotels, resorts, guest houses and restaurants and also the ideal platform for industry professionals to express their ideas and upgrade to face modern trends,he stressed.

Managing Director of CDC Events and Travels Imran Hassan said that  FHS 2014 showcased the latest products and services representing thousands of brands used in the hospitality industry worldwide.

He thanked the Seychelles Minister of Tourism Alain St. Page, the CEO of (SEnPA) Penny Belmont and their respective teams for their unstinted support in making the event a success.

Sri Lanka chefs from resorts participating in the Culinary Challenge
Picture by Saliya Rupasinghe

Sri Lanka and the Maldives would sign a joint MoU to market the two countries as one destination for tourism. Maldives Minister of Economic Development speaking to Daily News at the opening ceremony of the 8th Hotel Asia Exhibition here, said that the long proposed MoU was now very much on the table now. “Talks in this regard were followed up with Maldivian Minister of Tourism Ahamed Mohamed and Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa recently in Colombo.”

He said that the idea was to promote beaches and diving in Maldives, while promoting culture and other activities in Sri Lanka. He said that the move would help increase arrivals to both countries and the ‘tourists’ would get more value for their money. He said that tourism played and important role for the Maldives economy contributing 30 % to the GDP, accounting to over 50 % of the government revenue and providing employment to over 25 % of the Maldivians.

“We are looking at new strategies to market tourism and are looking at the one million arrival market this year.” He said that they would also look at putting forward a proposal to woo foreign investors for both countries.

“This too would be a joint exercise.” He also disclosed that plans were underway to increase Maldivian Airline frequencies to Colombo, Mumbai and Decca and a new A 320 aircraft would be acquired this October. Commenting on the three day 8th edition of Hotel Asia 2012 Exhibition & International Culinary Challenge at the Dharubaaruge Exhibition Hall, he said that it had now become the largest gathering of the hospitality industry in the Maldives. “It is also one of the most looked forward to events of the Nation.”

The event organized by the Maldives Exhibition & Conference Services (MECS), saw an influx of the hospitality sector service providers spanning 40 different countries across the globe with around 200 participants.

Imran Hassan, Director LECS, believes that this year’s event would break new grounds in the Maldives hospitality industry. He said that when they started the event with just 16 stalls, it was the first international exhibition ever hosted by the Maldives and was the trend setter for 10 additional events to come up.“The culinary challenge had also drawn many of the top resorts and chefs making it on par with many world class events,” he said. The Culinary Challenge which is one of the main attractions of the event, would witness around 400 competitors vying for the coveted honours representing over 40 resorts.

“We have new resorts participating, including many world renowned chains and this would provide the best opportunity to showcase their skills and competency,” said Project Director of the Culinary Challenge and world renowned chef Alan Palmer.

Source : http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/09/11/bus02.asp

Located along the golden stretch of Ahungalla, Heritance Ahungalla is a five-star luxury hotel designed by the legendary Geoffrey Bawa. Comprising of 152 rooms on a 15 acre property, Heritance Ahungalla is complete with themed and buffet restaurants, spa facilities and an infinity pool, set on a picturesque beach front location.

Come the summer holiday season, in promoting Sri Lanka as a destination, Heritance Ahungalla also promotes several offers and activities to please the influx of foreign and local guests. Heritance Ahungalla welcomes families – one and all – with activities for kids, teenagers and parents.

Kids holidaying at Heritance Ahungalla can take part in sand castle building, kite making, drawing and art and fancy dress competitions and win exciting prizes. Generally held on Saturdays and Sundays, these programmes will be held every day during this holiday season. Other activities at the Kiddies Club include video games, a kiddies magic show, face painting, musical chairs, horse riding, water sports and a kiddies disco (held from 5-6.30pm). The kids are also treated to special kiddies menus and buffet corners, during lunch and dinner times.

‘Our dedicated team of animators care for the kids from the time they eat breakfast, until the day is done, providing parents with ample time to relax and unwind at the hotel’ commented Refhan Razeen, the General Manager of Heritance Ahungalla.

Teens and young adults at the Hotel also have a range of activities to choose from – from water volleyball and beach cricket, to evening movie times and work-outs at the Hotel’s gymnasium.

Adults holidaying at the hotel are also treated to many recreational activities. Commencing with water aerobics at 11am, to beach volleyball games, beach rugby and beach football, everyone is guaranteed to have a good time at Heritance Ahungalla. Parents, especially, can put their worries to rest and enjoy extreme relaxation, complete with spa treatments and morning walks/stretching on the beach, while their children enjoy their holiday with trained children’s animators.

The whole family can come together, on request, to enjoy a ‘Heart of the House’ hotel tour – a comprehensive tour, demonstrating the inner workings of the hotel, also including a visit to the Hotel’s famed chocolate factory. The chocolate factory is a speciality of the Hotel, and manufactures over 20 varieties of handmade chocolates, in addition marketing gift boxes to present to loved ones.

The recent recipient of the Sri Lanka Tourism award for the Best 5 – Star

Resort in the island, Heritance Ahungalla has now emerged as the Best Hotel Team and Best Culinary Team in Sri Lanka, after competing against both international and domestic star class hotels at the 14th Culinary Art Competition held from the 29th to the 1st of August, 2011.

The Hotel takes pride in its celebrity chef, Chef Dimuthu Kumarasinghe, winner of 5 Culinary Olympic gold medals and 4 Culinary World Cup medals, who hopes to compete at 2012’s Culinary World Cup to be held in October as well.

All in all, according to Razeen, for Heritance Ahungalla employees it is more than just a service, it’s about ‘caring’. “We provide ‘service with care’ and an experience to take home,” he added.

Source : http://www.dailymirror.lk/travel/186-travel-main/21171-heritance-ahungalla-provides-service-with-care-.html

For Ranna212’s preparatory work to achieve Crescentrating Level 4, the very first step involved the team being trained and how to aptly assist Halal friendly guests with all information on Halal services and facilities within the hotel. The sourcing of Halal certified meats, the marking of Qiblah direction in each and every room with the availability of prayer mats, and knowledge on proximity of local mosques and prayer times are all an important part of the services offered. Together with Crescentrating, Ranna212 is now a part of the global network of hotels that takes into account the specific needs of this important segment of travellers.

Ranna212 is a four star resort comprising 4 dining outlets, a pool, a spa and luxurious accommodation, that ensures that the deep south coast of Sri Lanka can be explored with peace of mind for the Halal friendly traveller.

All such requirements are embraced whilst providing the services and facilities for every other guest in view of opening the destination to significant mar with varied interests.

Source :http://www.dailymirror.lk/travel/travel-tips/21172-ranna212-tangalle-an-accredited-halal-friendly-hotel-.html

Managed by Carsons Cumberbatch Hotels, Giritale Hotel boasts of 42 rooms that are spacious and comfortable while all rooms are equipped with a range of modern amenities and with a magnificent view.

Standard facilities offered in all of these units include A/C and an attached bath. Luxury deluxe rooms offer star class facilities including LCD TV, IDD telephone facilities, piped music, 24-hour room service, mini bar and a private balcony.

The Hotel completed its Rs. 20 million refurbishment project to facelift their eight luxury rooms, lobby area and the restaurant.

The refurbishment programme was completed last year, pushing the property to 3 star status, attracting more inflow to the hotel.

‘The renovation was carried out room by room basis and in keeping with the current trend, the facilities were upgraded. We have introduced novel facilities to the rooms new LCD TV, mini bar and new AC’ said Resident Manager, Giritale Hotel, veteran hotelier, T. Ganeshan.

This has resulted in Giritale Hotel being popular among ‘frequent’ guests, both foreign and local. The restaurant at Giritale under the guidance of bar and restaurant Manager R. M. A. B. Rathnayake offers the very best in Western, Eastern, Chinese and spicy Sri Lankan cuisine, prepared by a team of expert chefs. Giritale hotel is popular for family outings, conferences, workshops and for honeymooners due to its romantic setting.

‘The hotel offers conference facilities with the necessary AV equipment to make sure your meeting or business event is executed smoothly. A reception hall is also available for banquets and special functions with excellent services from well trained staff members’ Mr Ganeshan added.

‘Jeep Safaris to the Minneriya National Park can be organised, where elephant gatherings will be sighted during the coming months. Excursions to Polonnaruwa, Medirigiriya, Dambulla and Dimbulagala are some of the other attractions on the cards. For the more adventurous traveller the vast jungles in the region beckon you for bush walking and trekking’ said Ganeshan.

‘It is already a venue for honeymooners and attracts more business from this segment’.

The tranquil atmosphere in the hotel is an added attraction for wedding functions.

Source: http://www.dailymirror.lk/travel/186-travel-main/20613-giritale-hotel-mystically-romantic-.html