Charming resort by the lagoon
View(s):When I had an early flight to catch last year, I checked into a cheap hostelry near the Bandaranaike International Airport, reasoning that since I would be leaving the hotel at 5 a.m., any bed would do. It was a mistake. It was low-cost in cash as well as in décor, maintenance, cleanliness, comfort, security, and general ambience. It was like sleeping in a lonely room in a grim hospital.
The experience put me in a bad mood for my flight and taught me that immediately before (or after) flying, for peace of mind it is not worth staying at low budget level unless circumstances make it inevitable.
I know there are lots of marvellous hotels in the Negombo area, within a short drive of the airport, but I wanted to stay in a place that wasn’t dedicated to holidaymakers having a good time, and I had no need to stay in a beach location with the extra expense that entails.
So I was delighted to discover the perfect compromise near the airport, in Amagi Lagoon Resort, a hotel geared to efficiency as well as holidaymakers, in a soothing location, with comfortable bedrooms, and even a swimming pool beside the tranquil Negombo Lagoon. It is located at the end of a lane to the west off the A3, between the 27km & 28km markers at Kurana, before Negombo.
Its unprepossessing approach and gaunt concrete arch at the entrance to the hotel compound, coupled with the awesome sight of a four-storey tall, glass-walled building, disguises the warm charm of the interior. The lobby is spacious with tiled floor, several settees and a contemporary grey cement wall at the side whose severity is softened by an extraordinary wooden desk made of un-planed planks.
The desk has become a talking point and shows the efforts of a designer to soften the impact of the functional architecture. The glass tower, with a glass-sided lift serving its four floors, is dedicated to public rooms: a banquet hall and conference suites, as the hotel is popular for weddings and other functions.
Vibrant interiors and top, an inviting swimming pool
The lobby opens onto the garden where a swimming pool beckons by the side of the lagoon, with the garden flooded with light as the sun sets. There is a wooden tree house by the lagoon, providing a touch of nature in contrast to the two blocks of rooms.
My room, a standard, number 101, was in the old block at ground level and so had direct access across the lawn to the pool. It was convenient for me as it was a short walk from the terrace restaurant and its adjoining wooden-countered bar. Retrieved railway sleepers of wood form the paths across the garden; these are picturesque but could be hazardous for less than the nimble footed.
This side block has two levels, with balconies for the upper floor rooms. Entrance to mine was from the corridor into a room bright with upholstered cushions and colourful paintings, contrasting with the plain,brushed cement wall at the back of the bed. The bed’s mattress was blissfully comfortable with top quality linen and plenty of pillows. Deluxe rooms on three levels, with uninterrupted lagoon views, are in the newer block, perhaps more suited to holidaymakers than transit guests like myself who wanted ease of entry and exit.
Because of its pleasant location and dedicated, professional staff, the hotel had just the calm atmosphere I needed before catching a flight early the next day. The menu is good for quick snacks and, not surprisingly given its proximity to the lagoon, some delicious prawns and crab. The glass doors opening onto the terrace proclaim “Where luxury has no limit” which is the hotel’s ambitious slogan.
At present Amagi Lagoon Hotel has a high ratio of staff members (70 for 22 rooms), which means good service for guests. There is such a large cadre as the success of the hotel has created a demand for more rooms, which are under construction, so staff members are being trained for when the new rooms are in use.
Although I was there only for a short visit, Amagi Lagoon is obviously a good base for a few days of relaxation (there is a spa) and boat trips can be arranged on the lagoon, as well as a base from which to tour every day. Depending when, and how, you book, a double room for two, without breakfast, can be very affordable when you want to wake fresh and inspired for an early morning flight.
Amagi Lagoon, 640/82 Colombo Road, Kurana, Negombo; www.amagiresort.com; rack rate at US$94 double.