Amethyst Resort : Jewel of Passi

By Sanath Weerasuriya

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Much-talked about Passikudah beach is one of the most beautiful and famous bays on the Eastern Coast, serving up a stunning pristine coastline with white, sun-baked sand.

Situated in the Batticaloa District, about 34 kms North of Batticaloa, Passikudah Bay in Kalkudah as a destination was discovered by the travellers to the country in the late sixties as the ‘virgin beach of Eastern Sri Lanka’. The Bay of Passikudah is a crescent-moon shaped cove of shallow water. It is a long stretch of coastline renowned for its calm and shallow waters, ideal for swimming and water sports.

Amethyst Resort is one of the pioneering ventures in Passikudah, started in late 2009. But the real Amethyst story began in March 2012, as the resort commenced its operations as one of the first and unique properties for holiday makers in Passikudah.

‘We have the best and the widest beach stretch of the area. The Amethyst Resort, a standout choice among Passikudah hotels, combines the comforts of home with all the amenities of a hotel to ensure guests’ satisfaction’ said Roshanth Selvaraj, the General Manager of the hotel.

Amethyst is the only property in the Passikudah Bay with a natural stream right across the land.

‘The simplistic and un-disturbing design offers a rustic charm to the property. The key aim was to ensure conservation of greenery in the area and moreover to introduce more foliage as well. The mangroves have been protected and the natural stream has been sanitised daily to keep the environment more green friendly’ he added.

The resort offers 40 large luxury rooms, which comprise 14 Sea View Chalets and 26 Stream View Chalets. All rooms are fully equipped with luxury amenities including AC, iPhone Dock, 32” LCD Flat screen cable TV, a well-stocked mini-bar, electronic safe, coffee/tea making facilities, hot water and shaver socket with all-day room service.

Owned and managed by Aitken Spence Hotels, Amethyst Resort is headed by GM Selvaraj with a team of Sri Lankan professionals with years of international experience in hospitality management, assuring all guests of the highest standards of quality and comfort.

Apart from the location and accommodation, cuisine plays a major role in the Resort. The property houses speciality restaurants serving a delectable selection of local and international dishes.

‘Taprobane’ offers an all-day dining experience. This charming restaurant overlooking the stream creates an unparalleled seafood dining experience. Indulge in fresh seafood that the region is famous for, transformed into sumptuous, mouth-watering cuisine by the master-chefs.

Apart from that, ‘The Barrel (Pub) and the Hut (at the beach) are popular beverage providers. The Barrel is a trendy Mediterranean-style pub offering a wide range of beverages and cocktails. The Barrel is fully equipped with the latest sounds and lights to provide both smooth vibes and fun-filled entertainment in the form of Karaoke music, to complete the night of memories in Passikudah. Also the barbecue facilities are available, while room service options are provided.

‘Our product is different from the rest in the region. I am confident that ‘Amethyst Resort’ with its quality service and outstanding culinary experience will be the front runner for Passikudah. Our Executive Chef Amila Hemachandra serves the traditionally prepared dishes, which are authentic home-made delicacies in the Batticaloa area’ said Roshanth.

‘We are specialised in sea food and most of the guests are very keen to experience the fresh sea food straight from the bay. Our kitchen serves up the full spectrum of authentic Sri Lankan dishes, along with a selected range of international cuisine including Italian, Continental, Japanese and French delicacies’ said Chef Amila.

Passikudah is famous for diving and snorkelling and offers some of the most sought-after dive sites. A certified Five Star PADI dive centre on site equips divers for excursions such the US Aircraft carrier HMS Hermes which was sunk by the Japanese during World War II. Many dive enthusiasts and underwater excavation specialists have travelled to Passikudah to explore these famous sites.

Located in close proximity to some of the country’s most sought-after national parks, such as Minneriya, Wasgamuwa, Trikonamadu, Maduru Oya and Gal Oya, which can all be reached within a short driving time of one-and-a-half to two hours.

The famous Thoppigala and Somawathiya can also be easily accessed. The excursion to Thoppigala is a half-day venture, which is ‘a must’ for all Sri Lankan adventure lovers.