Holiday experience by helping the community

If you’re looking for a chance to rejuvenate yourself with a relaxed weekend at a quiet hideaway and also feel good about yourself that you have helped make a difference in the lives of the people, then the answer to your prayers is the “The Hide @ Kalametiya”.

Located in the heart of southern Sri Lanka, one of the island’s most ecologically diverse bird sanctuaries, The Hide promises its visitors modern comforts with a touch of old Sri Lankan history in the form of a 88-year old villa, according to a press release from the company.

The hotel offers its guests transport to and from the airport in luxury vehicles, hot and cold water, pure drinking water made out of air, 24 hour service on request, an open area restaurant, Internet access, IDD / fax and laundry room among many others, designed to make their guest feel right at home. For those who want to relax with a quick dip in the pool, there is a well equipped pool with a relaxing deck available. For those interested in bird watching or turtle nesting, The Hide also offers to arrange customized tours which are conducted by members of the community. Booking is possible for the exclusive use of its maximum capacity of 6 adults and 2 children or book the rooms separately as single or double. The Hide is approved by the Sri Lanka Tourist Board as a heritage house suitable for tourist accommodation.

What makes The Hide different from other boutique hotels is that its revenue is invested in the community and the income generated through the visits are used to support community projects in the villages of the RUK (Rekawa, Ussangoda and Kalametiya) area, so when you stay at The Hide, the money you spend will directly benefit the community. A unique feature of The Hide is that no alcoholic beverages will be served, as the management believes that alcohol is one of the major contributors to poverty in the country.

The net profit of the hotel will distributed to a fund to support community based tourism initiatives, towards the schools environmental education programme, training of community members and other welfare work, to the architect for the restoration work done and for the maintenance of the facility.

The Hide also supports many community projects such as the Ruk Diya Eco Stop and the Kalametiya Campsite, the Godawaya Blind Elders’ Home to name a few. Visitors are encouraged to visit these projects to encourage them in their further developments, the company said.

So next time you’re planning a weekend getaway with your family, be sure to check out The Hide as it gives you the unique opportunity to refresh yourself and help improve the lives of others.