A new beach resort, al- most on Colombo’s doorstep opened recently. Spread out in six acres of lush coconut land in Kalutara, the five star rated Royal Palms is only 40 km from Colombo and 2 km from Kalutara town.
The entrance to the hotel is through a small road that runs parallel to the railway at Waskaduwa. The property borders Tangerine Hotel, both managed by the same company, Mercantile Investments.
Tall coconut trees sway in the salted breeze. The hotel gives out an aura of spaciousness and relaxation almost upon entry. The large lobby and lounge area are loosely connected. The high wood-panelled ceilings, abundant use of glass and wood give out an aura of space. The interior is decorated with sweeping arches and many miniature palm trees, in keeping with the name of the resort.
The most attractive feature about the hotel is its pool. Large and spread out, its blue waters reflect the raw brick buildings that house the rooms. The pool is designed so that it flows under the main building (the area between the lobby and the lounge) to the other side of the hotel.
A built in bubble bath and jacuzzi are other unique features. The bubble outlets are at the base of the pool and on request the hotel activate them, churning out water bubbles that have a massaging effect. The Jacuzzi jets can be adjusted by the pool users themselves. The pool bar and lounge is ideal for relaxing in the water all day. The large garden also provides opportunity for sports like volleyball. Although the beach itself is not the best bathing spot, even during the season, the 100m long pool more than compensates for it.
The 124 well appointed, luxurious rooms at Royal Palms all overlook the pool, the coconut palm garden and the sea. The rooms flank the main building with the reception, restaurants and bar. The outer walls of the buildings have been finished with raw brick with a protective, fungi-resistant coating.
The roof is of wood and tiles, adding to the resort atmosphere. Every room is equipped with satellite TV, mini bar and personal lockers. A wooden banistered balcony looks out into the western sea. Two chairs and a table on the balcony enable those who wish to enjoy the setting sun in the privacy of their rooms. An in-house movie channel operates daily.
This
is very popular with locals spending the weekend at Royal Palms. The hotel has
seven suites and one Royal Suite, yet to be completed, which will have an open
air Jacuzzi, and will command the best view of the gardens and the sea.
The main dining-room has buffet or set-menu meals and guests can choose between dining in air conditioned comfort indoors or on the poolside terrace outside enjoying the sea breeze and landscaped gardens. The Coffee Shop serves light meals and snacks around the clock as well as hot spicy Sri Lankan fare. Barbecues and theme nights are held outside in the terrace under the twinkling stars, listening to the endless sound of the surf.
The hotel disco is also very popular with guests who enjoy a much more active night scene. Its pulsating music and the cosy pub situated alongside makes the disco popular among all age groups. A speciality restaurant serving South East Asian cuisine, especially seafood delicacies, will open in October.
A shopping arcade is now functioning. Future plans include a health centre with herbal massage and a fully equipped gym. Squash, tennis, volleyball and badminton courts are already in place for the sporty ones. The expansive lounge bar is ideal for quiet reading or a game of billiards.
Hotel rates -for locals and expatriates- are, Rs. 1500 single room only, Rs. 2250 single full board, Rs. 3750 double full board and Rs. 4750 triple full board. A suite is charged al Rs. 6000 full board.
Traveling time is less than an hour from Colombo and a new route plying from Kesbewa- Kalutara, which is presently under construction, will be a faster drive free of traffic congestion.
A holiday amidst swaying palms and a glorious pool, this is what The Sunday Times Travel Page has in store for readers this week. We are offering three packages of free weekends, at the Royal Palms Hotel, a luxurious five-star resort in the coast of Kalutara. To be eligible for this super prize, simply answer the question on the coupon given below and each of the first three correct entires drawn would be entitled to a free weekend package for two ( Friday night to Sunday lunch) at Royal Palms
Royal Palms Quiz
The Sunday Times
P.O Box 1136
Colombo.
email: editor@suntimes.is.lk
Entries should reach us before August 13. Watch out for the names of the winners in the Travel Page on August 17.
Q: What is the hotel Banquet hall called?
A:..............................................................................................................
Name:.......................................................................................................................
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Address:....................................................................................................
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In The Sunday Times of July 20 we featured the new resort in Kandy. Together with Connaissance Hotels, we offered our readers three super packages of free weekends at this beautifully located hotel.
Well, we had a flood of entries and here are our three lucky winners who can now look forward to an unforgettable weekend in in the cool Dumbara hills of Kandy.
Congratulations to:
1. S. Liyange, 441/10, Makola North, Makola.
2. Mrs. Faith Ratnayake, 25/13, Kalinga Mawatha, Polhengoda, Colombo.
3. A. L. Diaz, 26/1, Halpe Mawatha, Kandana.
Your entries were the first three correct ones drawn, Connaissance will be in touch with you shortly.
We thank all you readers who wrote in, and if you were not among the winners today, don’t despair.
The Sunday Times has got many more exciting holiday packages from some of the country’s most exotic holiday spots lined up for you.
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