LIGHTHOUSE Celebrates a decade of excellence

Popular Lighthouse Hotel in Galle celebrated its tenth anniversary on Thursday, 7 June.Lighthouse Hotel, as then known, welcomed its first guests on the 7 June 1997. They offered 63 luxurious rooms and suites, two restaurants, a swimming pool and recreational facilities and an ever courteous, obliging and smiling staff.

A decade ago, very much against what was considered the norm, Jetwing embarked on a challenging proposition of building a boutique hotel of discerning standards in a time when charters and group travel were the style of the day.

The stunning views and architecture, varying colours and shadows, the well blended interiors and soft furnishings, depicting the Dutch and Portuguese influence in Galle were all meticulously thought and implemented by the renowned Geoffrey Bawa. In addition, the unique staircase designed and constructed especially for Lighthouse by Lucky Senanayake, also portrayed the Portuguese influence in Galle. These made Lighthouse Hotel one of the most soughts after hotels by those residents in Sri Lanka and travellers to the country.

Having a property that was both unique and almost flawless in architecture, location and landscape, Jetwing benchmarked other luxury properties world over and worked towards emulating what they had seen and experienced at these hotels.

This resulted in the introduction of a spa with international collaboration, a second more intimate and private swimming pool, an upgraded gymnasium, the enhanced dining and bar experiences and improved room amenities.

The introduction of the green directory documented and showed the awareness of good environmental practices in the everyday running of the hotel and among the associates. CSR and community related activities including the PATA award winning 'Taxi service through the community" also enhanced the image of the hotel.

Every aspect enabled lighthouse to qualify without hindrance to become a member in the prestigious club known as The Small Luxury Hotels of the world. Thereby placing them in a bracket similar to those they benchmarked. Shortly thereafter they were invited to be a member in the luxury spa collection of The Great Hotels of The World.

Jetwing and Lighthouse always strive to introduce new and exciting experiences and as such have embarked on featuring their exclusive wine and Sri Lanka tea collection. They are also scheduled to open the Lighthouse village by the end of the month, which will enable guests to experience contemporary luxury while being surrounded by a village setting. More over, the Lighthouse village will feature two luxury villas with private pools along the 'Ginganga'.

'Lighthouse's journey thus far has been an absolutely thrilling experience for us at Jetwing. We have faced many challenges and have risen to greater heights despite them. What we are today is definitely the result of a lot of dedication and hard work from all our associates and credit should be given to them on this momentous occasion. We are certainly looking forward to the years to come’ said newly appointed Managing Director of Jetwing Hotels, Ruan Samarasinghe.