A haven on Koggala Lake
A hotel with a view: The lounge and studio and right, the infinity pool (below). Pix by Amila Gamage
Arriving at Tri Lanka it was easy to see why there has been so much hype surrounding the opening of this new luxury eco resort.
Set on Koggala Lake, arguably the most peaceful and stunning setting in the south of Sri Lanka, this place certainly has the “wow” factor.
Located just three km off the busiest tourist trail, this hotel is in the perfect situation to explore surrounding areas or to just hide away in this serene haven.
There are two ways to reach Tri. For the adventurists out there, take the long, windy and bumpy dirt road. With every twist and turn the anticipation builds and climbing the stairs to Tri you are immediately hit by the panoramic views of the lake and greenery.
The second option is truly special and completely different to your average hotel entrance. Arrive in style by taking a Cinnamon Air flight to Koggala airbase.
There a quaint, Tri boat fitted out with refreshing drinks and a shady green canopy will pick you up and ferry you across the lake to the Tri private jetty. The view from the water is exquisite and the perfect way to admire Rob Drummond’s masterpiece.
Tri Lanka is the vision of British photographer Rob Drummond. The core element of Tri design is the Golden Ratio which results in this aesthetically pleasing hotel.
Every architectural piece in the resort carefully incorporates the Golden Ratio and in fact it is so hard wired into the Tri consciousness that you don’t even notice it because it fits so perfectly.
Eleven suites and villas are strategically placed to incorporate the stillness of the lake and are nestled into foliage to create a calm atmosphere. Thoughtful placement also means everywhere you go in Tri you have spectacular, panoramic views which add to the enjoyment of Tri.
Sri Lanka is becoming a top worldwide holiday destination and is famous for many things; cinnamon, ayurvedic treatments, Yala National Park to name a few but what is perhaps underpublicised is Sri Lanka’s natural beauty.
Therefore Tri’s philosophy of offering the best of Sri Lanka means nature is at the centre of this resort. In fact a beautiful, huge Banyan tree is located at the heart of the resort, emphasising the melding of nature.
Tri has taken the idea of an eco resort even further than anyone else – every building is lined with recycled cinnamon timber to create a camouflaged effect.
There are living walls, green roofs and an enormous central water tower, all of which emphasise nature but also serve a practical purpose. The local materials cleverly unify accommodations and landscape.
Wellness is a theme weaved throughout the Tri story. The food on offer is entirely fresh and local. Every evening a different six-course menu is created to offer the produce and flavours of the surrounding areas.
The chefs forage for wild herbs and edible flowers which they cook up with local seafood from local fisherman and even mussels and prawns from Koggala Lake – it doesn’t get much fresher than that!
Oliver James
The idea is that the menu leaves you satisfied yet not overindulged. All food is Sri Lankan; deconstructed, reconstructed and contemporary with elements of the west and Asian twists. Once a week traditional rice and curry nights take place where the guests have an authentic Sri Lankan culinary experience.
Continuing the theme of wellness, morning Yoga sessions are taken four times a week in the incredible treetop Yoga studio. Rob’s wife Lara Baumann is the brains behind a new Yoga system Quantum Yoga which is practised at Tri.
Tri goes above and beyond during your stay. It will carefully cater a holiday to fit you: whether that involves taking advantage of the surroundings by organising boat trips, canoeing tours, or a romantic lakeside dinner –nothing is too much trouble. And if relaxation is what you are after, the incredible infinity pool is a definite highlight. The extras are what Tri thrive in.
However, do be aware that they do not allow children under the age of 12, the hotel is family welcoming but not necessarily family friendly. Rooms start at $275/night for half board and prices increase for lakeside villas. For more information check out www.trilanka.com
If Tri had to be summed up in three words, Oliver James, Tri’s passionate and knowledgeable General Manager accurately chose “Serene, unique and tri-mendous!” I couldn’t agree more!
| What is Quantum Yoga? Lara Baumann created the style using a combination of techniques she picked up during her travels and experiences It’s a yoga path that resonates with your personal requirements at all times and balances your inner nature, to bring you into a state of greater harmony with the environment. Also it’s a spiritual system that adopts the holistic approach to health from the ancient Indian healing science of Ayurveda, whilst embracing the modern insights of Quantum Physics to maximise one’s power of conscious manifestation. |