Financial Times

Aitken Spence recently reopened its former Triton Hotel under its new brand – Heritage Ahungala – wowing local and foreign guests with what it calls the comfortable feeling of being “looked after”.

The company said that the new Heritage brand’s first hotel is one of the legendary Geoffrey Bawa’s architectural fantasies come to life where the uninterrupted line of sky merging with the sea, gives the illusion of continuous stream right into the azure waters of the main swimming pool.

“This gives way to slender white columns rising majestically from the courtyard into the elegant polished granite paved lobby where a warm welcome awaits,” it said.

Renowned artist, Laki Senanayake’s painstakingly magical tracery in charcoal, of liana reminiscent of the Sinharaja forest, “climbs lazily along the staircase wall from floor to ceiling and spreads its tendrils like a fine lace curtain.

Its undulating curves contrasting sharply with the angles of the carpeted black and tan stairway – shades of Bawa and Senanayake at their best,” the statement said.

The ‘Mustard’, a 24-hour coffee-shop, overlooks the pool and on certain evenings the stillness is pleasantly broken by the incredibly haunting but plaintive tones of a lone flute being played from the vantage point of a rustic fishing boat moored on the water, adding its sweet contribution to a leisurely meal and a tranquil evening.

The ‘Jute’ main restaurant gets its name from the unusual blend of colours from the Ena de Silva batik-on-jute ceiling.

For a contrast of textures, this is interspersed with shiny, brass lamps that warmly reflect the colour tones at night; while a ‘moat’ of running water gurgles just outside the windows, providing dappled reflections during breakfast and lunch.

The Pool Bar provides cool and refreshing thirst quenchers to those emerging after a swim, while the Lounge Bar on the first floor takes in the panorama of pool and sea – a quiet spot, for spending an enjoyable hour or two, either during the day or at nightfall.

The guest rooms blend warm, unpolished Burma teak floors with crisp white linen; wood and glass with fabric paneled roll-in shutters that either let in or keep out the sunshine. The private balcony overlooking the sea provides a restful and soothing view across the ocean. Focusing on comfort, the soft beds with extra large, downy pillows, black and white throws and cushions certainly provide it.

The glass paneled toilets, louvered for privacy, echo the black and white theme and are well appointed with large, fluffy white towels and an array of toiletries. For recreation, in addition to two large swimming pools, there are tennis and badminton courts, a fully equipped gym and a host of other recreational past times.

The internationally acclaimed Six Senses spa will come into operation early in 2007, as part of one of Sri Lanka’s largest spa complexes.