8th February 1998

Beat the heat at Oasis

If you are an early riser, then you just might be lucky and catch a spectacular sun rise over sand dunes and the endless undulating sea. Even if you don't, early mornings have their special ambiance here. Gentle daylight illuminating tiny fishing craft, bobbing along the horizon, the quiet disturbed by the chirpy calling of birds. The ruggedness of the scenery contrasts with the luxury of the room, with its heavy drapes, tiled floor and custom made decor.

This is the Oasis. Located in the outskirts of Hambantota, this new hotel offers a welcome stay, especially to transit travellers on their way to Yala or Kataragama. It would be an ideal base to explore the lesser known sanctuaries of Bundala or Kalametiya, known for their abundance of bird life, or maybe the hot springs of Suriyawewa, only a 20 minute drive away on the superb Japanese built highway.

It's hard to miss the Oasis. The hotel is clearly visible to the road, across a salt lagoon (which dries up during the drought) with its sprawling two storey buildings with a blue roof.

Its location between the lagoon and sea is idyllic, also given that a large portion of wild garden, left in shrub, emphasises the location. The garden is being landscaped at the moment. Between the hotel and the sea, there is also a Forest Department owned reserve where pinus is cultivated.

The walk to the beach, even though it's unprotected from the sometimes scorching heat, is worth the while. This stretch is a deep, untamed sea beating against a pristine beach unlittered by even a scrap of paper. Not a single other person was to be seen, only birds hunting breakfast in the receding waves. The beach was scattered with shells and here and there rocky outcrops loomed over the crashing waves.

Every hotel room has a sea view. The ten chalets, on the other hand are built upon the edge of the lagoon commanding the view of a large spreading coconut estate.

Walking into the hotel you are refreshingly greeted by the sight of a spreading pool, gleaming blue in the morning light. The lobby, as the rooms, is decorated in bright colours.

An interesting wood carving is the centre piece. The carving is done in abstract and has the figures of 29 animals. The 50 rooms are spread out in two wings. Framed floral prints, cushioned cane furniture, decorative cupboards, piped music, a spacious balcony and bath are features of each room. There are two deluxe rooms with wall to wall carpeting and sofas. The company hopes to introduce a TV in every room.

The hotel also has squash courts, a fully equipped gym, jacuzzi and mini golf ( to come).

The main restaurant overlooks the lagoon. The walls of the "Bush" bar, are stylishly decorated with mahogany and stone tiles. Make believe tree trunks form pillars holding up the ceiling, and the bar counter too sports the polished mahogany tiles. Log shaped bar stools complete the decor. The room looks out into the sea.

The hotel promises superb service and a culinary feast to all visitors. In the shimmering heat of Hambantota, the hotel truly becomes an Oasis to tired visitors. Not just a mirage but a very real experience.

At the moment the hotel sells at Rs. 3080 nett, double, full board.

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