Pandanus resort: A view of the sea from where-ever you are
The latest entrant to the tourism industry Pandanus Beach Resort and Spa was launched on May 29 at Induruwa, Bentota by President 
Mahinda Rajapaksa. The event was graced by many ministers, MPs and well known faces in the corporate sector. The hotel’s name is derived from a lush, natural growth of Pandanus trees, locally referred to as 
‘Wetakeiya’ which surrounds the hotel.
Jointly owned by the Thilakawardhana Group of Companies and Ever Green Plantation Management Company, Joint Managing Directors, Aruna de Silva and Sunil Thilakawardhana, are reputed entrepreneurs in the tea production and textile industries respectively. Their vision is to bring global acclaim to tourism in Sri Lanka through personalised attention, quality, commitment and genuine Sri Lankan hospitality.
The hotel designed by architect Vinod Jayasinghe is a sprawling five-storey, 96-room resort set beside a secluded 300-metre stretch of unspoiled beach along the southern coast constructed on an investment of over Rs. 2 billion. All guest areas, including every room, restaurant, bar and pool, offer views of the Indian Ocean. Five room categories are on offer – Superior Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Junior Suites, Suites or a grand Presidential Suite.
The opening ceremony was a lavish affair. Aerial artist, Victoria flown down from Russia especially for the event had the audience spellbound with gravity-defying contortions performed mid-air followed by an aqua dance performance in the resort’s pool. Local stars Natasha Rathnayake, Randhir, Muddrika Dance Studio and a dance performance by the Budawatta Dance Troupe followed.
Having specialised in F&B, General Manager, Pandanus Beach Resort and Spa, Anil Perera has over 35 years industry experience both in Sri Lanka and abroad as Executive Chef and over 25 years in general management.
“The Sri Lankan hospitality landscape has been progressing rapidly since the dawn of peace and we are very excited to play an active role in the country’s progress. Pandanus Beach Resort and Spa is the type of place that even the most discerning traveller will connect with instantly. The feedback has been so positive, we are already planning our next phase of development and hope to add on more luxury rooms and a beach restaurant soon,” said Mr. Perera.
Accentuating its idyllic surroundings, the Pandanus Wellness Spa, managed by Ariana Spas offers revitalising treatments administered by internationally and locally experienced therapists.