Diversified entrepreneur, SanjayaGamage invested Rs. 180 million to open his first leisure sector project, Santon Resort and Spa in Ranna, Tangalle recently.
Managing Director, Sanjaya Gamage was in the field of insurance and then diversified and formed Santop Gleam Service, (cleaning) which today has a large clientele all over Sri Lanka.
“The success of Santon Gleam Service prompted me to invest to build Santon Resort and Spa in a two-acre land which I owned,”Gamage said and added that he wanted to create a non-traditional hotel which resulted in Santon Resort and Spa with his own architecture offering accommodation in a mixture of suites, villas and luxurious family cottages.
“We have two luxurious villas with Jacuzzi, cable TV, mini bar, hair drier, safety deposit box, freeWi-Fi, coffee and tea maker, twice daily housekeeping and private parking adjoining the Villa.”
The hotel has seven individual luxury rooms in a three-storied block in two floors with each floor having a kitchen and a large TV room. The open area on the roof has a scenic view of the lake and sea and is used to host cooperate meetings/functions, yoga and meditation. In addition, the hotel also offers a two-roomed bungalow built separately, mainly catering to families.
“In a bid to cater to the growing MICE market, we would invest a further Rs. 80 million to add two conference and banquet halls on top of the reception to cater to 350 guests.”The biggest draw of the hotel is the underground night club with modern furniture, lighting and sound set up, which would cater to around 60 guests. In addition, the swimming pool with night and fibre optic lighting, pool beds, large kid’s pool and club house, adds value to the hotel. The hotel with a 24-hour front desk is popular among corporate and family get-togethers for day excursions. “In a bid to cater to this market, we have built a separate hut.”Santon Resort and Spa also offers a traditional Sri Lankan Spa, manned by local qualified staff. The hotel’s Marketing Manager Prabha Wellalage, said that they were maintaining an average 90% occupancy during the last four months, dominated by the Russian market. “But at present, we have a string of cancellations due to the Easter Sunday bomb attacks.” She said that the hotel has many credit card promotions and special offers including a unique 24 hour hotel check out. “We also arrange all provided day excursions including meals, transportation, entry tickets to both Udawalawa and Yala national parks.”
Sri Lanka Travel Feneteko