Fox Kandy: Heaven in Hantane

Business

By Sanath Weerasuriya

Fox Kandy by Fox Resorts, a luxury boutique resort nestled on the edge of beautiful Hanthana Mountains, off the peaks of Heerassagala in Richmond Hill, will be celebrating its fifth year anniversary on 31st October.

With quite uncommon brand name ‘Fox’, the Fox Kandy Resort was created in October 2019 on one of the best view points in the Hantane range. Few decades ago Hantane and Heerassagala in Kandy were just Jungle Mountains with herds of wild boar, mouse deer, monkeys, leopards and of course skulk of brown foxes wandering around. But after identifying as a potential tourist destination, Hantane and adjoining Heerassagala now emerged as one of the most popular tourist destination in the hill capital.

It offers more hotels and accommodation facilities for travellers to the hill capital, than any part of the city of Kandy. ‘Fox Kandy’ opened out the best kept secret of Hantane, emerging out as the best boutique resort that offers modern conveniences in the most breath-taking setting.

Fox Kandy is isolated from the busy and boisterous town of Kandy, is the second addition to high end Fox Hotels and Villas, owned and managed by hospitality arm of ‘The Capital Maharaja Organization’. The very first Fox Jaffna Resort was opened in June 2018.

‘Fox Kandy is the ideal place for busy travellers to unwind and rejuvenating, with jaw-dropping vistas around every corner. It is a popular family vacation destination with exceptional gourmet meals with authentic Kandyan touch and the best fine dining option in the city’ said Raushan Meyen, the Resort Manager of the Fox Kandy.

The Fox Kandy boasts of having 24 luxury rooms including one specialty suite. Twenty two deluxe rooms are spread cross the well maintained and manicured elevated lawns, while the specialty suite and three of the Superior mini suites are placed in the architecturally designed main cottage.

Traditional tropical design elements such as hand painted batik linens, locally crafted artisan jute rugs and cane furnishings elevate the 24 rooms. All rooms are named and dedicated to a different local artist, offering a private gallery with their own creations.

All rooms are fitted with basic amenities while suites rooms have unique facilities such as lobby and a dining area. Apart from free wifi facility, other room facilities included are flat-screen satellite TV, A/c, tea/coffee making facility and en-suite bathroom with all modern amenities. An appropriately designed Swimming Pool with Jacuzzi and outdoor dining areas are some of the other attractions.

‘Fox Kandy will continue to delight our guests with our commitment to excellence in Sri Lankan hospitality along with our dedication to celebrate the rich tapestries of the Kandyan culture. It is also a popular choice for honeymooners. The management of Fox Kandy is also investing in refurbishing over the next few months to ensure we maintain our competitive edge in providing an unparalleled guest experience for the future. Apart from the structural improvement, the Resort will be adding a new Yoga progamme and Spa facilities for visitors’ said RM Meyen.

The main Bungalow is the service point to all residents for their menus and all other requirements. The Hotel has one signature restaurant with a stunning view of Hantane range, manned by Chef Peter Kamal Perera who has years of experience behind him both locally and internationally and is skilled in almost all types of cuisines.

‘We offer different styles of cuisines to meet the needs of any type of traveller and to satisfy their palate. Whether it’s a sumptuous dining experience or traditional rice and curry with authentic dishes, my team is capable of meeting any requirement’ said Chef Peter Kamal.

The restaurant offers both buffet and a-la carte menus depending on the number of guests.

‘Guests can enjoy their meal anywhere in the Resort Whether sit at a private corner on a terrace or balcony or by the pool or to have a quiet meal in their room is possible at Fox’ said RM.

‘Actually cuisine is one of our main driving forces. Many comment about our cuisine. From simple Kandyan village meal to star class dining and Sri Lankan culinary experiences are included in our menu’ said F & B Manager Froze.

The resort also offers trekking options to the neighbouring mountains - a chance to escape and unwind, and be one with nature. The Scenic trails can be explored on mountain bikes or walk for those who desire a natural environment experience and rejuvenating of the mind.

‘The famous Pekoe Trails starts with Hantane Mountains and we encourage our visitors to follow the trail. Also the Resort can arrange other guided excursions on prior request’ said RM Raushan Meyen.

Apart from adventure treks, tours to Knuckles, Meemure and Hunnasgiriya, Kandy city round up, Botanical Gardens, Tea Museum in Hantane and tours to Udawatta Kele and Victoria Golf are quite popular with Sri Lankan clientele.

The current promotional room rates at Fox Kandy range from Rs. 25,000/- HBD to 34,000/- FBD and Rs 49,000/- upwards for Suites.