Eden: bright, splashy and very green

Many years ago, Eve gave an apple to Adam and thus the famous biblical story of the Garden of Eden began. Taking up the theme of a paradise recreated, Confifi Management Services Ltd on 3rd June 1995 launched their resort hotel in Beruwala. Officially approved by the Ceylon Tourist Board as a five star, Eden Hotel is a bright and cheerful hideaway. The gateway opens into a gushing waterfall set amidst lush greenery. The glimpse of the attractive swimming pool below from the lobby window is a refreshing sight to a weary traveller, beckoning one to immediately take a dip in the blue, blue, waters. The decor is distinct- paintings of flowers and animals adorn the walls creating a rainforest atmosphere. The ceiling depicts the story of Prince Wijeya - the beginning of Sri Lankan culture.

The Hotel built in the shape of a horseshoe has no superstitions behind it, says an official. This was to provide most of the guests rooms with a spectacular view of the sea. Of the 158 rooms the two Penthouses are appropriately called the Lighthouse View and Gulls Nest. They are priced at Rs 12,600/- nett.

Entering a normal Eden room is bit like sitting among trees in a cosy spot in the garden. Why? Because the bed spreads and curtains have a design of a lush forest with parrots aplenty. Paintings of animals and flowers adorn the cosy rooms and the cane furniture blends in perfectly. All rooms have satellite T.V and a mini bar with a catchy slogan which says "Try me". There's good news, for all you worry warts who give up a family outing to stay at home and safeguard your jewels. There's a personal safe in each room with your very own pin number and each room is equipped with a mini balcony with table and chairs to sit and enjoy the salty sea breeze. The rooms (double) cost 4900/- full board - nett. The deluxe rooms have an additional benefit; butler service. So you can be waited on hand and foot.

If the sea's too rough for a dip, the Eden pool more than compensates. The large pool has the Splash Bar set in the middle, almost like a little island with a bridge to cross over. But if you're looking for a more cosy ambience while sipping your drink, then the Captain's Deck might suit you. The glass topped tables have the ship's wheel on the inner side of the table, splashes of blue on the ceiling and brass railings like those on a ship's deck, not to mention the anchors designed on the railing.

The Garden of Eden, the main restaurant seats nearly 350 guests. Here again there's green, green and more green infused into the decor. Built on level with the swimming pool one gets the feel of having a meal inside the pool.

The Adam conference hall is truly magnificient, carpeted in vibrant colours of blue, yellow and orange that sets off the green hues of the furniture and curtains. The large hall has a balcony and can be converted into a theatre.

Guests looking for adventure can check out the diving packages and courses offered by the Confifi Marine Group. They include a wide range of water sports such as Snorkelling, Jet scooter rides, Wind surfing, Cannoeing and many more with the services of qualified instructors for an additional fee. The gym provides all the latest equipment for fitness freaks and party boopers can have fun too at the Chameleon night club.

More Plus * Fighting for survival

Return to the Plus Contents