Jetwing dives into surf resort in Pottuvil
Launching their latest hotel venture with a splash the proud team at Jetwing enthusiastically presented the “Next Big Wave in the East” – Jetwing Surf in Pottuvil Point at a media briefing last month at Jetwing Colombo Seven.
Addressing the media Jetwing Chairman Hiran Cooray, Managing Director at Jetwing Hotels Ruan Samarasinghe, Architect of Jetwing Hotels John Balmond and Director of Operations at Jetwing Hotels Jerome Auvity spoke of how the project had taken shape.
“Crazy idea now a reality: Hiran Cooray, John Balmond and Jerome Auvity
“We do these crazy things once in a way,” Hiran laughed. The idea of erecting a surf resort came to the chairman on his visit to Jetwing Symphony director Len Porter’s London residence some time back. Over a meal Len showed him pictures of a property he had acquired in Pottuvil. “Why on earth Pottuvil?” Hiran shares his initial thoughts on the matter. However, when viewing the scenic pictures with the waves breaking on the beach, he said, “What I saw amazed me.”
Deciding that he wanted to do something “different”, Hiran and his team enlisted the help of architect John Balmond, son of the great Cecil Balmond to create a unique eco-luxury surf resort in Pottuvil.
Officially opening their doors on December 1, Jetwing Surf has 20 cabanas designed to make maximum use of “space and luxury”. With the lack of high end hotels in Pottuvil Point, Jetwing is emphasising the ethereal beauty of the pristine beaches in the East coast.
“I invite you to experience Pottuvil,” Hiran said, emphasising major surf attractions; Pottuvil Point, Whiskey Point, Crocodile Rock and Elephant Rock. Guests can also enjoy a wide range of activities from boat safaris, bird watching, visits to historical sites and wildlife parks.
The cabanas and resort’s ingenious design is the vision of the architect John Balmond. The eco-luxury resort blends vernacular architecture and sustainable techniques with added modern amenities. Jetwing Surf was also adjudged the ‘Best Hotel – Architectural Design’ at the Asia Property Awards held in Singapore earlier this year. This was an exceptional moment for the architect and the surf resort as this was the first time a Sri Lankan project was recognised on this platform.
This literally “handmade hotel” was the diligent work of contractors from Monaragala, who built the resort from “traditional Sri Lankan materials”- wood, woven coconut leaves and reeds, John shares. The vision of the layout of the hotel stemmed from John wanting to imitate “a wave like motion”. The highlighted design innovations of the resort are the unique architecture of the pool and restaurant (inspired by the shape of seashells) and also the circular shape of the cabanas and the spiral floor-touching roof of the reception.
Each cabana has a sea view and opens out to a spacious outdoor deck. “We are only as good as our clients,” John humbly stated adding the reality of the architectural vision “is a true testament to innovators like Jetwing.”
The hotel has been stringent with its eco-friendly culture having been made with almost “O carbon footprint” John affirms. Jetwing also strives to bring employment opportunities to youth. Jetwing Surf has already hired 12 – 15 youth from Pottuvil who have been working with current staff members. This vision ties in with the objectives of their Jetwing Youth Development Project (JYDP).
At the spacious restaurant under a thatched roof, diners have a carefully curated selection of local and international specialties.
“It took a bit more than 9 months… but the baby is finally born” Director Operations, Jerome laughs. “It’s more than its amenities but more about the concept of the hotel,” he states. However to make their stay a comfortable experience for guests, even prior to checking in, the hotel staff will be in contact with guests.
Hiran Cooray adds that with the highway coming in guests can be assured of a much faster drive to the resort (the 337.5 km drive from Colombo usually takes about 7 to 8 hours by car).
Log in to www.jetwinghotels.com or call on 011 4 709 400.
| Hotel J at Unawatuna: For the traveller on the go | |
 When you think of travel at a fraction of the cost – think Hotel J, a brand dedicated to select service and no frills accommodation! Jetwing announced the newest addition to the Hotel J brand at Unawatuna last week. Choose to stay in a cosy dormitory, double room or family suite to suit your budget. Warm, welcoming and modern, the 31 comfortable rooms feature balconies and the five dorms offer everything for the discerning traveller on the go. Each of the rooms have air conditioning, electric power, telephone with IDD facility, bathroom with rain shower enclosure, with hot and cold water, TV, The all day dining restaurant and bar – has an à la carte menu. The pool area meanwhile has a laid-back aura with casual tunes heard both in and out of water. Hotel J Unawatuna is a mere 10 minute stroll away from the picturesque Unawatuna Beach and in close proximity to the heritage city of Galle. For more information contact +94 114 709 400 or email reservations@hotelj.lk or log on to www.hotelj.lk |
free Wi-Fi, fan, safe-deposit box, and toiletries. Additionally the family rooms encompass a kitchenette, sitting area, fridge, induction cooker, cutlery and crockery to make your holiday all the more comfortable and convenient.