Pegasus Reef: The City Resort

Pegasus Reef Hotel in Hendala, Wattala has redefined the concept of a 'city resort beach hotel' after extensive refurbishment project to provide guests the option to customized and personalized their experience. Sri Lanka's very first five star hotel, Pegasus Reef is on a new promotion drive to focus the image of the country, which will benefit the entire hospitality trade.

After 2004 tsunami destruction, the hotel virtually comes to a standstill. But the Rupees 250 million refurbishment programme turned the new era of this pioneering hospitality establishment. The After this massive refurbishment project, the hotel opened to public in mid 2006.

According to Paddy M. Vithana, the director of the hotel, the new look opens the new avenues in business and it is now one of the most sought after MICE destinations in the country. 'We have two big conference venues, which can accommodate up to 350 and 250 pax with all modern facilities' he said.

'A smaller conference hall is available for special meetings, which can accommodate about fifty. The biggest advantage is the location. We are just 45 minutes drive away from Colombo' he added.

Located on the north of Colombo, overlooking the Colombo Harbour, Pegasus Reef is the only resort in the city. The life of the local fisher community, the historical Dutch canal and Mangrove swamps, which is home to a wide variety of bird and small animal species forms the ideal backdrop that complements the luxury of Pegasus Reef.

'A few minutes drive away from the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and the Katunayake Free Trade Zone (FTZ), the Pegasus Reef is one of the best transit hotels for business and leisure travellers. Pegasus is the base hotel for SriLankan Airline cabin crew' said Niranjan Ragunathan, the Resident Manager of the hotel.

The refurbishment of the hotel, introduced a new level of luxury accommodation in all 107 spacious deluxe rooms in three different wings. The rooms are equipped with all modern facilities such as central air-conditioning, cable TV, Telephone, mini bar, Safety lockers, Internet connections, Hot/Cold bath and private balcony/terrace.

'The beach', 'garden' and 'the pool' wings faces the respective directions and the main highlights in all these rooms are the four star comforts that goes with its ambience and facilities' Mr. Vithana, the former Tourist Board boss said.

The newly gained beach, relocated pool, the reception, restaurant and the lobby area were developed under this project. 'We have to finish another 30 rooms and the estimated cost will be Rs .2.5 million per room' he said.

The open air restaurant with 150-200 covers has become very popular among guests. The choice of cuisine is a combination of eastern and western food together with a range of themes for entertainment. Fisherman's cove on the beach, Spitfire barbeque nights are some of the attractions.

'Lunch buffet is a touch of Sri Lankan and international combination and the Sri Lankan food is cooked in the cultural style in traditional clay pots. Apart from the dinner buffet for those who prefer to have a different taste, the food could be ordered from the available a-la-carte or set menu. Live bands keep the guests spellbound on Fridays and Saturdays during dinner time and the weekend, special lunch buffets are very popular among the guests' explained RM.

'The hotel hopes to introduce a sea food night, BBQ and grill nights in future as there is a high demand from the guests' he added. Saturday and Sunday buffet is one of the popular weekly events of the hotel, apart from other recreational facilities.

The 'Club Membership' is the latest drive to promote the hotel and it offers a range of discounted facilities for members and their guests.

'The wedding market and corporate functions are two of the other top attractions of the place. Our banquet halls and poolside and large garden are the popular venues for these functions' he said.

Mr. Vithana also said that more promotions are needed to woo more tourists to Sri Lanka. Overseas promotions are vital. Vithana said that the Gulf region is an important area as there are many expatriate workers to tap.

'I think rich native Arabs will not be attracted to this market unless otherwise we look into different aspects of destination drive, but definitely European and American expatriate workers should be our target market' he explained.

Paddy Vithana is now a Director in Pegasus Reef and Giritale hotel, which comes under Carsons Cumberbatch Hotels. For more details about the hotels, log on to www.carsonscumberbatch.com.