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Deer Park joins Banyan Tree Resorts
The Deer Park Hotel has decided to join hands with the one of Asia's top Hotels, Angsana Resorts & Spa from July 1.

Deer Park Hotel, part of the Jinasena Group announced at its press conference last week that it has joined with premier Asian resort and Spa operator Angsana Resorts & Spa, part of the prestigious Banyan Tree Resorts Group, to manage The Deer Park with effect from July 1, 2003.

Angsana Resorts & Spa was conceptualised to enable parent company, Banyan Tree Holdings, to diversify its business operations to other areas of hospitality and spa operations and management. This joint venture marks the Angsana brand's maiden entry into Sri Lanka as part of its expansion drive in the Asia-Pacific region, and is in line with the Jinasena Group's objective to re-position The Deer Park in the global market.

The new Deer Park Resort & Spa will be the 6th resort for the Angsana brand which also manages and operates 12 Angsana Spas worldwide. The Banyan Tree Group has established itself as one of the most sought after resort chains in the world, attracting high end tourists to their 5 award winning properties around Asia. Both the Banyan Tree and Angsana chains reflect their strong emphasis on providing space, luxury and truly breathtaking settings for their guests. The Deer Park Hotel, located in the cultural triangle, in a beautiful jungle bordering the Giritale reservoir, has become one of the most popular destinations in Sri Lanka. Banyan Tree Holdings became aware of The Deer Park from the PATA Gold Award it won recently in New Delhi, and expressed an interest to have Deer Park join their Angsana chain.

In a statement Mr. Lalin Jinasena, Head of Marketing for The Deer Park, said, The fact that the Angsana brand has decided to establish themselves in Sri Lanka is a very positive sign and a firm expression of confidence in the future of tourism in Sri Lanka. Partnering with this prestigious group is perfectly timed with our initiative to reposition the Deer Park to a high-end market segment.

With the management transfer in July 2003, the hotel will undergo some transformations and renovations to match the vivacious clan of an Angsana property.and yet reflect the rich and colourful culture and history of the location. Anchoring the new resort will be the signature Angsana Spa, a first in Sri Lanka and an Angsana Gallery. Angsana Resorts & Spa has already begun marketing the Deer Park through its own operators in Sri Lanka and Europe.

With the seamless handover of management and operation of the hotel, The Deer Park will be integrated into the Angsana booking system and marketing media like the website.

Discover the undiscovered Olenka Beach Hotel
By Sanath Weerasuriya
Since ,the Government has decided to develop the Marawila costal line as top tourist attraction, a number of hotels have come up to cope up with the influx of tourists.

Olenka Sunside Beach Hotel is the latest and the most modern and luxury hotel to come up in Modarawella.

The phase one of the Olenka Sunside Beach Hotel was opened to the public from last January. Though the hotel is opened for tourists, official opening has to be done yet.

" We are at the moment developing the correct connections through the travel agents and hoping to do well in the coming winter season." said the Managing Director Paul Fernando.

Situated in the wave breaking distance of the Indian Ocean, the hotel on 11/4 acres, when completed would be a 44-room property, which would include four suites.

Olenka Sunside Beach Hotel is a single owner hotel and the management has invested Rs. 50 million for the project so far. It is managed by its Chairperson Christa Geethanjali, who is now based in Sweden and Managing Director, Paul Fernando.

The second phase of the hotel is expected to commence next month.

"At Present the hotel is operating about 25 rooms. We are hoping to add 16 luxury rooms, 4 Presidential suites and an Ayurvedic centre for this stage," said the MD Paul Fernando. He said that the second stage would be completed by the end of this year in time for the season.

At The special press brifing at the hotel last week, Fernando said that the hotel is being aggressively marketed in Sweden and they have received many bookings especially from Sweden and the Scandinavian Countries.

All rooms are air-conditioned with modern facilities like television, telephone, mini bar, large balconies and a picturesque view of the Indian Ocean.

The hotel also has conference facilities, an Internet cafe, large restaurant and a bar to serve any kind of food or beverage.

According to the Chef Denzil Thirimannage, who has 20 years experience as a chef, the kitchen staff is well trained and ready to take challenge .

The present 20-member experienced staff is ready to provide a personalised service and is available 24 hours.

The well-designed swimming pool in the middle of the hotel over- looking the long sandy beach is an ideal place to gaze at the sunset, reading or sipping the favourite drink. "The beach is almost deserted and is free of beach boys or various sellers who would disturb a person's holiday offering so many services' Manager Gihan Imbulana said.

The management is hoping to introduce deep-sea fishing, wind surfing, boat safaris along the Dutch Canal and day excursions to places of interest such as the Negombo lagoon and Kalpitiya Fort.

"The hotel is also hoping to promote Wilpattu National Park, which was closed for the public for nearly 20 years. " he said.

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