The Southern coast of Sri Lanka especially Tangalle though far less visited as a tourist destination is even more beautiful in its own inimitable way.
Situated between the Coastal towns of Matara and Ambalantota, Tangalle Bay Hotel with unique architecture, is the only hotel in Sri Lanka, built in a shape of a cruise ship
Surrounded by the ocean from three sides its looks a ship carrying four decks of cabins and a front deck.
On board Tangalle Bay Hotel, guests both Sri Lankans and overseas can enjoy the comfort of the 34 cabins (rooms), which are arranged in four different decks, with the lowest being at the sea level. Guests will find all cabins equipped with modern bathroom fittings, ceiling fans, window type air-conditioning units, IDD facilities and an individual balcony facing the ocean.
Built in 1974, during the early boom of tourism, under the direction of the architect Valentine Gunesekera, the hotel from the very beginning was a popular destination of the deep down south tourism.
‘It was owned by Dr. Sunil Wickremasuriya and later by Gilbert Jayasuriya. Now the Chairperson is Shermila Soysa of the owning company and now Managed by Jetwing Hotels’ said Mahendra Soysa, the Managing Director of the owning company.
Jetwing Hotels unveiled this latest addition to their chain of properties in May this year. Taking over last year, and having undertaken thorough renovation Jetwing has further enhanced the hotel’s already considerable image as a mystical getaway.
‘All cabins have the facility to sun bathe in the privacy of your own balcony. Two categories of cabins are offered at the hotel. Each cabin will be air conditioned and spoil you for choice with all amenities. Attached bathrooms ensure hot and cold water to meet a guest’s preference’ said Tyrone David, the General Manager of the Hotel.
Crew Cabins rooms are standard and are economically priced and are ideal for budget travellers. There are 22 triple and double rooms available with air-conditioning facilities, modern beds and ceiling fans.
Captains Cabins are deluxe rooms, which include additional facilities with modern double beds, satellite television and air-conditioning and IDD facility.
Dining at Tangalle Bay will be a mouth watering affair that has come to be expected with Jetwing Hotels. The Dining Saloon promises to offer a choice of delectable Western and Eastern cuisine with specialty sea food fresh from the ocean. The dishes of prawns, lobsters, crabs and every type of seafood are the speciality of the hotel.
Dining will be an event in itself as the outdoor terrace is situated on the west side of the hotel offering a charming view of the sea. ‘Sunset barbeques, dining on rocks and beach dining are most unique dining events of the hotel’ said the Chief Chef of the Tangalle Bay Hotel.
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| GM Tyrone David |
The pool with its vanishing edge opening out to the ocean gives it a truly infinite effect that makes you feel you are at sea and complemented with a six seat Jacuzzi
Tangalla Bay Hotel also provides a variety of excursions as visits will be organized to cultural sites such as the Wewurukannanla temple and the ancient Mulkirigalla rock temple. Other interesting places on the itinerary would be to a ‘blow hole’, Ussangoda and to villages that carry out traditional industries such as brass works, coir, pottery and weaving.
Wild life and nature lovers will not be disappointed with night excursions to the turtle beaches of Rekawa and entire day tours for bird watching at Bundala and Kalamatiya Lagoon. Likewise the popular wild-life safaris of Yala and Uda Walawe will be easily accessible.
Plans to also run a school for sports fishing and fishing voyages under the guidance of veteran Sports Fishing expert Damith Wickremasuriy is on the cards. ‘Ten more cabins and all facilitated conference hall will be the next big investment on the hotel during the year 2011’ said Mr. David. |
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