KumbukRiver wins yet another nomination award

Sri Lanka's highest awarded resort KumbukRiver Eco Extraordinaire has received yet another World Travel Awards nomination this year in the category of World's Best Eco-Lodge.

This is the 4th consecutive nomination for KumbukRiver at the travel Oscars. The trailblazing eco resort won the World's Best Eco-Lodge award in 2008, putting Sri Lanka on the world map of tourism.
Located in Okkampitiya, Buttala, on the banks of the lively Kumbukkan Oya, KumbukRiver is a one-of-a-kind eco hideaway nestled in 16 acres of lush greenery.
As a single-party resort, the gorgeous resort with all its down-to-earth rural charm is entirely private, and its centrepiece is the world-famous Elephant Villa, a 40ft high, 2-story villa in the shape of an elephant which adds a touch of class to eco holidaying.
The eco resort also features two other chalets and all in all presents several well-appointed bathrooms and lounges among other features which create an unforgettable holiday for the whole family. The KumbukRiver concept has meticulously been conceived keeping with the ethos of responsible tourism.
The resort uses no electricity at present, and refuses to do so just to add to its theme providing an incredibly unique experience. The atmosphere that emerges nightly in the warm light of flickering oil lamps is an experience not to be missed for the sake of modern amenities, and probably recaptures life during the days of Sri Lankan kings. "Once you enter the resort property you are in a world of your own.

Lanka poised to be a green destination for tourists

The safety of the planet cannot be compromised at any cost. The tourism industry, one of the largest consumers of energy launched a programe to green all hotels that would help sustain business and market to the global arena.The Switch Asia Greening Sri Lanka Hotels Project funded by the European Union was launched by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) at a ceremony held in Colombo on Tuesday.

The project will be carried out by CCC Solutions (Pvt) Ltd. the implementing arm of CCC with a grant of Euros 2 million from the EU.

The project targeting the SME hotel sector is implemented with the objective of reducing the cost of operations, helping suppliers to adopt best practices, promoting responsible tourism and increasing market acceptance.
EU Ambassador Bernard Savage said climate change is a major challenge that should be addressed urgently if the world is to avoid jeopardising the safety of the planet.
He said, motivating change at policy level, production processes and consumption patterns is crucial to achieve sustainable development.
President, Tourists Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, Srilal Miththapala said that the project targets 350 hotels across the country encouraging an efficient use of all sources of energy to position Sri Lanka as the green destination for tourism."There is a conception that the hotel sector is a guzzler of energy which is not true. Many hotels have adopted environment friendly methods converting traditional production systems", he said. Miththapala said tourists arrivals this year has increased and the industry is well poised for a quick revival.The tourism industry anticipates a good winter with a series of events lined up for the season.The air travel restrictions lasting over two weeks caused huge losses to the global travel and tourism industry. Though no exact estimates have been made the crisis caused substantial losses to Sri Lankan tourism.
The Chairman, CCC, Dr. Anura Ekanayake said if France could attract around 80 million tourists a year there is no reason why Sri Lanka cannot entice at least one million visitors initially.
The Responsible Tourism Partnership, the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority and the Institute of Environmental Professionals of Sri Lanka will partner the programe. (LF)

Three Years of Randholee Resort

THURSDAY, 01 APRIL 2010 10:42

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By Sanath Weerasuriya

'Randholee Resort', most popular resort in the hills, celebrates its third anniversary today.
Nested in the Heerassalaga range, 'Randholee' boutique hotel, has the best and the most fascinating view from the top of the Heerassagala mountain.

Opened in 1 April, 2007, thehotel offers a wide rage of facilities to its guests.

Randholee is about the best that one could experience in Kandy. Seclusion, Space and Privacy, the hotel offers the ideal choice for the visitor when in Kandy.

In keeping with the traditions Randholee celebrates its anniversary with traditional and religious activities.

'We do not want to have a big anniversary bash as we have already planned several Avurudu promotions during the comg weeks' said Pandula Weerakoon, the Sales and Marketing Manager of the hotel.

From 1to 25 April, Randholee Hotel offers 'one to one' on room rates and discounts on F & B menu.
'Buy one night and stay the second night free' is our Avurudu promo on rooms and there will be 25% off for all Amex, HSBC, Standard Charted Credit Cards holders. Fifty per cent off on all beverages and extras' said Sugath Rajapakse, the Manager of the hotel.

The hotel has well appointed 25 rooms in keeping with traditional Kandyan décor having its own private balcony and the unusually large bathrooms are equipped to provide the luxury comforts to the visitors.
Out of 25 elegantly designed bedrooms, 18 have a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Each room boasts of double Queen Beds with Kandyan style paintings on the bed heads carrying the 'Palanquin' theme.

The room includes all the regular amenities which include Cable TV, telephone, air conditioning and coffee maker.

The private balcony with its wrought iron furniture, panoramic view and cool breeze is the perfect sit-out.
A walk over the wooden bridge will take to the well laid out spacious dining area. Here is served some of the finest cuisine ranging from Sri Lankan, Eastern and Western dishes.

'Most of the vegetables served in the restaurant are grown in the hotel gardens and every effort is made to serve natural and fresh ingredients in each and every meal' said Chef Neil Ranasinghe.

 'Randholee is a honeymooners paradise and people do visit here to take their wedding photographs. Since we do not encourage wedding ceremonies here, it offers special packages to honeymooners' Rajapakse said.

Apart from Avurudu offers, there will be traditional Avurudu spread on April 14 with kiribath, kevun and other sweet meats.

'Nekath will be observed at the hotel during the Avurudu period' he added. 

Catching the waves in Hikkaduwa

Catching the waves in Hikkaduwa

Hundreds of surfers gathered at Hikkaduwa for the return of the Japan Pro Surfing Association's pro surfing competition.  The roaring waves and palm-fringed beaches of Hikkaduwa provided the ideal setting for the annual JPSA Pro Surf 2010 which was a joint effort of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and SriLankan Airlines. Pic by Saman Kariyawasam

Sri Lanka ranked top travel destination for 2010

National Geographic has named Sri Lanka the No. 2 of the 25 'Best New Trips for 2010' giving the island nation known as the 'Wonder of the World' yet another top travel ranking 

this year.
In its list of 'Best New Trips for 2010,' National Geographic said, after the tsunami of 2004 and the resolution of a decades-long conflict, Sri Lanka is finally starting to look like its old self: a peaceful destination where surf lineups are nonexistent despite world-class waves and centuries-old tea estates are lined with mountain bike ready trails.
'The silver lining of the conflict is that the land and wildlife have remained untouched,' says Lisa Bolger, trip coordinator for Access Trips, one of the very few outfitters leading excursions to the Indian Ocean island this coming year.
The National Geographic notice, which touted Sri Lanka as 'Missing in action No More,' is the third top ranking that Sri Lanka has received recently from premiere travel publications.
The New York Times on January 10 named Sri Lanka the No. 1 travel destination in 2010 noting that the long conflict against the LTTE terrorist is over and that there is no better time to travel to Sri Lanka's unspoiled beaches, mountainous terrain and wildlife parks. It wrote: 'The island, with a population of just 20 million, feels like one big tropical zoo: elephants roam freely, water buffaloes idle in paddy fields and monkeys swing from trees.
And then there's the pristine coastline.
The miles of sugary white sand flanked by bamboo groves that were off-limits to most visitors until recently are a happy, if unintended byproduct of the war.
Also in January, the luxury-living website DailyCandy.com raved about Sri Lanka reporting that, 'Really, there's only one downside to Sri Lanka: Eventually, you have to leave.' Travel to Sri Lanka began to increase dramatically just days after the conflict ended in May 2009.
Tourist visits have jumped each month since then, with an impressive 67.7 percent jump in February compared to the same month in 2009. There have been no terrorist incidents anywhere in the island since the conflict ended, and a number of countries, including the U.S., have eased previous travel warnings.
Sri Lanka has long been known for its elegant, five-star destinations along its coastline and in its central highlands, which are dotted by sweeping green tea plantations and mountain vistas. The island nation also features an impressive string of wildlife parks that are home to Asian elephant herds, leopards and other exotic animals.

AN “EGGS – CEPTIONAL” EASTER AT THE HILTON COLOMBO

Easter or “Pascha” in Spanish is a springtime festival, when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ. And also a time for chocolate bunnies, Hot cross buns, and coloured eggs! Time for family affairs, forgiving and celebrations too! Hilton Colombo is also celebrating and honoring this special day of Easter where you too can bring your family on 4^th of April. Spices and Spoons will have special meals to commemorate Easter.

 

Rituals related to Easter focus on new beginnings, symbolized by the Easter egg and the hare (Easter Bunny).

 

The extravagant Easter brunch is happening at the hotel’s restaurant Spices where you can tuck into all the traditional Easter goodies such as piping hot soups, crispy salads, Virginia sugar ham, lamb, freshly baked breads, fresh farm eggs and not forgetting the delicious desserts and much more. The Sunday Easter brunch is from 11.00am to 3.00pm.

 

For a stylishly casual Easter dinner you can dine at Spoons where a special 4 course gourmet dinner has been prepared by the hotels award wining team of Chefs lead by Executive Chef Rohan Fernandopulle together with the pastry wiz Chef Gerard Mendis.  

 

 “Fine things” pastry shop too have Easter goodies starting from 1^st to 4^th April. Easter chocolate bunnies, chocolate eggs, hot cross buns, Easter cakes and lot’s more will be available during this period.  For more details please call the Food & Beverage office on 2544644.

Surfers throng Hikkaduwa

A thrilling moment Pictures Courtesy SriLankan Airlines

Japanese surfers enjoying themselves at the competition

A tourist enjoying the sunny weather in Hikkaduwa

Happy surfers on the beach

Ready to surf?

Hikkaduwa, largely dependent on tourism with hotels, small and medium enterprises, fisheries and other indirect forms of employment making up the local economy, has fought severe odds to regain its position as one of Sri Lanka’s most exciting beach spots for international tourists
The once dark memories of the devastating 2004 tsunami have now diminished or wiped away completely in Hikkaduwa. This is with the gradual return of tourists to the country sparking off hopes for a greater revival in the tourism industry.
The return of Japanese Pro-Surfers Association (JPSA) to Hikkaduwa, after a five-year absence, is evident of the town’s attraction and renewed interest among tourists to Sri Lanka.
This event which is to be an annual fixture, was jointly sponsored by SriLankan Airlines and the Tourism Promotion Bureau.