‘The Thinnai’: Jaffna gets its first ‘all Suite’ Hotel
Gradually but clearly rising back to the old glory, Jaffna the main base of the Hindu tradition, art and artistic culture of the Northern Province, is now one of the main attraction of the travellers from the South.
Once barred with war and stamped as one of the most un-touristic destinations in Sri Lanka, Jaffna is fast becoming a popular tourism destination in the country. Welcoming visitors and travellers to the Province, the Jaffna peninsula loaded with hundreds of attractions and interesting places to offer for them.
With the travel time getting shorter with the luxury train travel, the lodging facilities too in the city have improved from basic to star class accommodation. Jaffna has a few three to four star properties and ‘The Thinnai’ is the very first five star standard hotel in the city.
‘The Thinnai’, located at Palaly Road, Thirunelveli and in close proximity to Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil and Sri Nagavihara International Buddhist Centre, is the first and the only ‘all suite boutique hotel’ in the Province. Just two kilometres from the busy vibes of Jaffna town, Jaffna Archaeological Museum and Royal Palace Ruins are just five minutes away from the hotel.
Imaginatively resembling the distinctive ‘Thinnai’(verandah) homes of Jaffna, ‘The Thinnai Hotel’ is designed to emulate terraced homes which naturally prompt the mindset of warm hospitality where rest, relaxation and rejuvenation are requirements.
‘The Thinnai’ has total 39 Suites in six blocks, which includes two roomed Suites and single roomed Suite making total of fifty eight rooms.
‘As our motto is ‘rest, relax, reunite’, ‘The Thinnai’ is a family hotel. We always prefer to offer our accommodation to famity unites, as the hotel is built for serving the family needs’ said Jayaseelam Gnanan, the Managing Director of the Hotel.
‘The Thinnai’ imbues age-old hospitality and warmth, steeped within a bastion of exotic art, culture, tradition and architecture. Add a well trained hospitality team into the equation and The Thinnai presents a perfect getaway for families, friends or even individuals, welcoming the quietude and understated elegance the Suites have within.
‘Reunite with extended family and friends to bring back the fond memories. That is our idea. All suites are thoughtfully appointed with generous accommodation facilities and all modern amenities’ added Mr Jayaseelan.
The single and two bedroom suites are generously appointed with a well-furnished living area, a private Thinnai or a balcony, Choice of Beds (twin/queen/king), Sofa bed, LED televisions with cable TV in the living space and both bedrooms, two washrooms with hot and cold water, tea/Coffee making facilities, wardrobes in both bedrooms, Iron and ironing board, a large refrigerator, electronic safe, and a kitchen equipped with an induction cooker, microwave oven and toaster.
The Presidential Suite has the private Jacuzzi overlooking the green valley of the property. Nelli is Deluxe Suites unite, which have their own private balcony, a Thinnai (verandah) overlooking a private garden. Flat-screen TVs come with cable channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include minibars and coffee makers.
‘The Thinnai’ offers specialty dining experience to its guests. Chef Pushpe, with years of experience behind him, is the master of Sri Lankan cuisine specialised in Jaffna cuisine.
‘Jaffna is famous for seafood and varied of traditional Tamil preparations of authentic cuisine vegetarian and non veg. Our chicken dishes are from village fowl and we don’t serve broilers. Seafood is also straight from the beach and we do not serve any freezed seafood’ Chef Pushpe said.
The Thinnai has four restaurants-‘Amudham’ is the main dining restaurant, ‘Thulaa’, 24 hour coffee shop, ‘Kottil’, the Juice Bar and ‘Saaral’ bar and lounge.
Serving aromatic and flavourful preparations from Jaffna and India, the Amudham Restaurant brings to life the distinct and tantalising tastes of this region’s unique and indigenous spices for guests to experience.
‘Thulaa’ is popular with snacks and beverages. Pick from a range of tasty sandwiches and snacks as well as hot and cold beverages and let time pass by in the warmth of the sun. Thulaa reataurant offers a selection of international and Sri Lankan favourites.
‘Free breakfast is included with guest stay. Explore the hotel and meet new friends over drinks at the bar/lounge, or enjoy a bite to eat at the onsite restaurant. Savour a meal from the privacy of your room with 24-hour room service, or get a pick-me-up at the coffee shop/café’ said GM Mangalagama.
With rich red soil nurturing a variety of fruit and lush green vegetables, The Thinnai Organic Farm truly epitomises the phrase ‘In Harmony with Nature.’ Located just fifteen minutes away from the hotel it helps bring fresh produce daily to our guests’ plates for a truly farm to plate experience.
‘Whether it’s a walkabout in the city experiencing the sights and sounds of Jaffna or a journey of discovery in this citadel of Hindu tradition, art and culture, The Thinnai Travel Desk offers various tours and excursions to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of Jaffna or even the adjacent interesting destinations of Mannar, Mullaitivu and other cities’ explained Sahana de Silva, the FOM of the hotel.
For more details call 0212030400, 0776505363, 0112674351 or log onto www.thethinnai.com
Pix by Shan Bandu Weerasinghe
