Goldi Sands Hotel Negombo: Fifty years of excellence

By Sanath Weerasuriya

Negombo is making a vibrant comeback. As part of an ambitious tourism revival project, the city’s hospitality industry, hoteliers, restaurateurs, community leaders and tourism authorities, have come together to rejuvenate Negombo’s standing as one of Sri Lanka’s most dynamic and welcoming coastal hotspots.

At the heart of this revival is the ‘MMR 25 – TOGETHER’ festival: a celebration of speed, spirit, revival and entertainment, set to unfold along the golden beach stretch by Goldi Sands Hotel in Negombo.

‘With easy access to the island’s most vibrant beach scene, the MMR Musical Sundown Jam sessions, Goldi Sands Hotel is perfectly positioned for revellers and overseas visitors to enjoy the festivities in Negombo. It’s an ideal family holiday and business destination for Sri Lankans as well,” said Lal Dissanayake, veteran General Manager of the hotel.

The hotel boasts of one hundred and thirty one air-conditioned luxury double rooms, which consists of Five Junior Suites and sixty five deluxe rooms in the recently opened new wing, fifty three deluxe Sea View rooms and eight Economy Rooms. All sea view rooms having its own private balcony / terrace offering excellent views of the Indian Ocean and the beautiful landscaped garden.

The new wing of the Goldie Sand opened to the public in 2023 after the pandemic lockdown. Apart from luxury rooms and suites, the new wing consists of a brand new pool, a-la-carte restaurant, pool bar and a Balinese Spa.

Established in 1974, Goldi Sands Hotel stands tall as one of the pioneering hospitality landmarks in Negombo. Blending decades of tradition with modern comforts, the hotel now offers well-appointed rooms, tastefully furnished and equipped with contemporary amenities. Each room features IDD telephone facilities, piped music, a mini refrigerator, electronic safe, hair dryer, tea and coffee making facilities and en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold water, ensuring a relaxed and comfortable stay.

Dining at Goldi Sands is an experience in itself. Renowned for its superb seafood, sourced fresh from the neighbouring fishing boats, the hotel promises an authentic culinary journey.

‘Guests can choose from a wide range of mouthwatering seafood delicacies prepared by our skilled culinary team. The freshness and unique flavours of our seafood dishes will definitely have you coming back for more’ said Lal Dissanayake, the veteran General Manager of the hotel.

The property features three restaurants offering an impressive array of local and international cuisines. While seafood remains the star attraction, guests can also enjoy global cuisine, live ‘action stations’, and flambé presentations at the main restaurant.

‘With dishes crafted to perfection using the freshest local ingredients, our main restaurant offers the finest Sri Lankan and continental culinary delights in a beautifully styled setting’ added Executive Chef Jagath Prasanna.

 ‘Guest can also tuck into a wide and varied A la Carte menu featuring both international and local cuisine prepared to suite the discerning taste of guests. Still more if there is a special dish you wish to have made, just request it and I am ready and will be more than happy to prepare it for you. We are specialized in sea food and our guests are always getting attracted to authentic preparation of ‘Negombo Special Sea food dishes’. ‘Apart from Seafood, we are famous for our black pork curry and traditional Negombo style pork preparations’ added Chef Prasanna.

Adding spice to the dining experience are theme night buffets such as Sri Lankan Night, Mongolian Night, Chinese Night, International Buffet, Italian Night and Seafood Extravaganza held at the main restaurant and the ‘Beach Hut’ restaurant along with the exciting Beach Barbecues held under the stars with the music of the sea in the backdrop.

The hotel can also arrange Private Dining on a secluded spot on the beach or by the pool. If it’s your romantic getaway, dine in the glowing candlelight, under the stars with your loved one is a must’ said GM Lal.

Other facilities available include conference and MICE facilities as well as wedding packages at the 350 pax banquet hall. 

‘Goldi Sands Hotel is an ideal weddings destination for Sri Lankans and foreigners. The hotel ensures that your special day is executed perfectly to radiate the true romantic ambience that you've always wanted’ said the GM.

Water sports including wind surfing, deep sea diving and other water sports activities in the lagoon are popular with foreign travellers.   Negombo offers visitors a variety of attractions such as the mangrove swamps with its large bird population, the Lellama fish market, tours to religious interest places in and around Waikkala and Negombo including Angurukaramulla Temple and St. Mary’s Church- Negombo, Munneswaram, Anawilludawa wetland and Sri Lanka`s first wetland reserve the Muthurajawela Marsh and Wilpattu National Park are popular attractions.

The room rates range from Rs. 32,250/- FB single to 37,000/- FBD and Rs 44250/- for FBT to boost the holiday season.

 For more details log on to www.goldisands.com

 Pix by Shan Bandu Weerasinghe