21st December 1997

Travel

Sea, sand and blue blue pool

Wide open spaces, swaying tall palms, gushing water in the lobby , still water ponds and a blue blue pool- all this has blended beautifully to make the newest hotel on the Southern coast quite an experience. The Blue Water, a novel name, and a novel concept. The entrance and lobby areas are built so that they are surrounded by water, ponds, the pool and out in the distance framed by coconut trees and a green lawn is the sea. Rain water drains off the roof and ledges and flows into the still ponds. The pool water is circulated around to create a low slung waterfall by the side of the lobby. Even the interior is decorated to co-ordinate with the palms and the expanse of green outside with grey pillars and earthen coloured floors.

The Blue Water is yet to be ceremonially opened but guests are welcome now at introductory rates. Equipped with facilities to qualify it a five star resort, the hotel already has a good tourist clientele.

The hotel takes you by surprise. Its entrance of pillars and a large iron gate gives no indication of the luxury beyond. There is also no sign board. The reception is reached through an open corridor. Behind the counter is a black and white painting of a mythical nine headed cobra signifying protection and safety.

Its 100 rooms are decorated minimally using wood extensively and white as the dominant colour. Reed slats decorate the doors and bed panels and every room opens out into a view of the sea. TV and mini bar facilities are provided. Polished terra cotta tiles give a sandy brown colour to the floor.

Furniture has been custom designed for the resort under the guidance of master architect Geoffrey Bawa. Iron and wood chairs and an assortment of antiques complement the lobby spread, where one is bound to stumble upon white flowers floating in water in a large metal dish, mounted on an iron stand. The management tells us that this is a type of deep fryer used in the good old days to make kaludodol in. The lobby leads into the coffee shop -airy, open, overlooking the garden. Chairs again uniquely designed with black and brown leather backed on stainless steel.

The bar is a cosy affair with softened lighting and plush leather chairs in black. The main dining hall combines the relaxed atmosphere of the beach resort with understated elegance. The room overlooks the "reflecting pond" This has been designed by Bawa to reflect the coconut tree tops at night. The bottom of the pond is painted black and it is built incorporating the palms that would have originally dotted the landscape.

So is the pool. Swimming along the wide, spread out pool one will come upto a small island with three large palms.

The original trees have been left intact as far as possible.

Another attraction is the 400m of beach , which in good weather is safe for bathing. For those who tire of the sea and sand and water there are other activities.

A fully equipped gymnasium will be ready in a few weeks and also tennis, squash courts and a mini golf course. A discotheque is also on the cards.

Rates are at Rs. 5500 a double full board and Rs. 3000 a double room only for the time being. The Blue Water is located right next to Wadduwa Holiday Resort.

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