Saman Villas Bentota *****

Aturuwella, Bentota. Sri Lanka
Tel: +94 34 2275435, +94 34 4936200.
Fax: +94 34 2275433, +94 34 4287063.
resv@samanvilla.com
www.samanvilla.com



Offering beautiful views and calm breeze of the ocean, the Saman Villas Bentota is the place for a perfect holiday.

Location
Saman Villas is perched on a rocky headland and is exactly in front of surf-swept beaches of golden sand, backed with dense green coconut plantations, in the fishing village of Aturuwella in Bentota. This property is 65 kilometres from Colombo and 92 kilometres from the International Airport.

Rooms
The hotel offers accommodation units that have the beautiful views of the ocean. The rooms are well-furnished and have the modern amenities to keep you relaxed and comfortable during your stay.

Restaurant
The terrace restaurant serves delicious meals for breakfast and lunch while the main restaurant serves exclusively for dinner a wide variety of eastern, western and Sri Lankan dishes along with an extensive world class wine. Guests can relax and have their favourite drink or cocktail at the Lounge bar or the Sunset bar.

Room Facilities :
• Air conditioning
• Balcony / Terrace
• Hairdryer
• In-room safe
• Mini bar
• Private bathroom / Ensuite
• Telephone
• Television

Hotel Facilities :
• Cocktail bar
• Gymnasium
• Lounge
• Outdoor swimming pool
• Restaurant
• Sauna
• Spa
• Steam room
• Swimming pool

We make your Dreams a Reality

Mahaweli Reach Hotel
35, P.B.A.Weerakoon Mawatha,
P.O. Box 78,
Kandy,
SRI LANKA.
Tel : + 94 - 81 - 4472727 (General) ,
+ 94 - 81 - 4471883 / 5 (Sales/ Reservations)
+ 94 - 81 - 2212854 (Sales/ Reservations / Fax )

Fax : + 94 - 81 - 2212854 (General/Fax)
E-mail: sales@mahaweli.com


The enchantment begins as you enter Mahaweli Reach. Situated in the ancient highland capital of Kandy, Mahaweli Reach Hotel nestles snugly on the bank of the Mahaweli River surrounded by velvety mountains. Experience the scenic beauty of this hotel with its secluded tropical gardens.

Impeccably owner-managed in the gracious traditions of Kandyan hospitality, the Mahaweli Reach is Kandy’s finest hotel.

Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage

Close to the Maya Oya River, when the hills of the Kandy merge in to the western coastal plain, stands Sri Lanka’s premier elephant care establishment, Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage, set up in 1975 and growing stronger each year. On 11 hectares of open grassland and palm groves an eclectic herd of elephants brought to the location after misfortunes which left them in need of human care. The majority of the intake, which average 5 animals per year, a young who have become separated from there mothers for some reason and been found by wildlife officials or villagers in forest areas. Some may be older animals. One resident stepped on a land mine in the war-torn north: she has a mangled rear leg but manages to limp alone. The oldest and saddest in mate is Raja, a huge tusker who was blinded by poachers and now stands alone, shunned by the rest.

Twice a day they are herded down to the river for bathing

The elephants roam their limited range under the watch of keepers. Twice a day they are herded down to the river for bathing, which is a delightful sight for tourists as well as a pleasure for the pachyderms. Five times daily the babies, up to five years old, guzzle milk from bottles held by keepers or fascinated tourists. At night, all inmates are chained in rows in open-sided sheds.

Five times daily the babies, up to five years old, guzzle milk from bottles held by keepers or fascinated tourists

A recent count gave 63 individuals, all known by name and character to the keepers. Say the director of the orphanage, SSM Seelarathna, a lively and caring man: “We have a file on each one. It has all the information we known to them, even their horoscopes.”

Forty-two staff including 15 mahouts help him in this mammoth task.

Holiday in close to nature….

Sri Lanka as a country endowed with one of the richest eco systems in the world has much to offer the discerning foreign traveler to the country. Yet, how much of it is he really encouraged in to the enjoying. How much of it is he even aware exists. Instead many a traveler that visit the country departs having only the (heavily polluted) sandy beaches as his/her only memories of Sri Lanka.

With forest coverage of approximately 25% of the total land area of the country Sri Lanka has an abundance of virgin forest, nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries etc., which are home to a variety of flora and fauna, among them a considerable number of endemic species.

Sigiriya

Thousands are presently the travelers’ especially the Western travelers who are keen on feasting their eyes and broadening their vistas on the many wonders of mother nature. How ever such a visitor is provided little, if any encouragement in venturing out to the refuge of the forest. Bearing in mind the treat over visitation may pose to the delicate balance of nature, there is obviously the need for concentration on sustainable eco-tourism.

Through slow in recognizing the international trend towards eco-tourism as compared to its regional competitors, the hotel industry itself seems to have taken a slow but sure first step, towards gradually inviting the concepts to its own ventures.

In keeping with and in appreciation of, the acute need to create this vital balance between the industrial sector and the ecology, a number of local hotels have ventured in to the construction of the buildings to subtly blend with the surroundings with as little harm to the environs as possible.

Sinha-raja Rain Forest

Besides the hotel industry and their localities, other such areas with an ecological significance that holds the promise of promotion within both the foreign and the local traveler are those lesser known reserves such as the Sigiri herbarium, the Muthu-rajawela mangrove sanctuary, Kurulu-kele in Kegalle, Pompakele etc. These sides are aside of their more popular relatives such as the Knuckles reserve in Matale, the Udawalawa, Yala, Sinha-raja, Bundala, Kumana and World’s End wildlife and nature reserves.

Unmonitored, unauthorized and over visitation could only prove a treat to an already decreasing ecosystem in the hands of an interested few in no proper care is taken. The continuation of the natural heritage must be ensured and not necessarily bargained for foreign currency. Hence, the need to strike a careful balance between the industry and nature, and their maintenance and preservation ensured for the future generations to enjoy and treasure..

Horton Plains

This Christmas at Trans Asia

With a nip in the air, the cool breeze that only visits Sri Lanka’s capital city Colombo just once in a year, certainly promotes one and all to swing into not just a festive mood but to feel the spirit of Christmas in the true sense of the word.

Barring falling snow, be it on a radio station, shopping malls, walking on the streets, or electronic media, all that you hear is the buzz word “Christmas, Christmas and Christmas!” In the same spirit, the Trans Asia invites their patrons to feast of Christmas tradition in their second home. Dining on Christmas Eve has for option, for one can enjoy the extensive buffet in the Summerfielde’s Café, or the special menus crafted in it’s distinctive flavors at the three specialty restaurants: Royal Thai, Saffron and Long Feng. The choice are many. Make a bang, let the bon bons spark of the merriment and let the noisemakers do what they are supposed to do.. Call the special event Desk for reservation on 2491901 or call over to collect the tickets.

Celebrate the advent of 2009 at Cinnamon Grand!

Cinnamon Grand
77, Galle Road, Colombo 3,
Sri Lanka.
Telephone: +94 11 2 437 437
Fax: +94 11 2 449 280
E-mail: grand@cinnamonhotels.com

Ring in the arrival of the New Year and bid farewell to 2008 by reveling in the Cinnamon Grand experience! With a host of events on offer, the Cinnamon Grand is the place to be on New Year’s Eve. Whether you prefer a tranquil family dinner, heralding 2009 with your loved ones or you are in the mood for an unforgettable party experience the Cinnamon Grand has what you need!

Taprobane offers a gala dinner buffet with tickets priced at Rs. 4900/- and Rs. 2500/- for adults and kids respectively and TAO’s fusion set menu makes a grand return at Rs. 4500/-. The Lagoon’s delicious seafood fare highlights 31st night dinner with tickets at Rs. 6000/- and Cheers Pub offers a British carvery dinner buffet at Rs. 3500/-. Echo’s set menu is priced at Rs. 4500/- while the best of South Indian cuisine is on offer at Chutneys at Rs. 3500/- for adults and Rs. 2000/- for kids.

For those who prefer a more personal party experience surrounded by close friends and family look no further than the Sequel Party Package on offer from the 15th of November to the 31st of December! With free corkage, three set menus to choose from and internationally renowned Indian DJ Loki as party host, this experience promises to be the ultimate private party! So take this opportunity to celebrate this season and make it one you will never forget! For more details please contact banquet sales on 0773724724 (hotline) or 0773956336.

The unforgettable resort Taj Exotica Bentota *****

Taj Exotica
Bentota
Sri Lanka
Tel: 0094 34 5555555
Fax: 0094 34 22 75160
Email :exotica.bentota@tajhotels.com
http://www.tajhotels.com/Leisure/Taj%20Exotica,BENTOTA/

Offering a good position, this property with comfortable accommodation and excellent services welcomes all types of holidaymakers for a pleasant and tranquil stay.

Location
Located on Sri Lanka's south-west coast, Taj Exotica is 60 kilometers from Colombo and 90 kilometers from the airport.

Rooms
Well appointed rooms overlook either the Indian Ocean or the beautifully landscaped gardens. All rooms have large bay windows and balconies and offer 24 hour room service.

Restaurant
The hotel offers a choice of local and international cuisine at it's two restaurants. There is also a bar, coffee shop and poolside bar for guests to enjoy. The breakfast area has both indoor and outdoor seating.

General
A fantastic resort on one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful beaches. The hotel has all of the facilities one expects from a first class hotel including a large freshwater pool, gym and health club, and a good choice of restaurants.
• 7 km to the City Centre
• 90 km to the Airport


Room Facilities:
• Air conditioning
• Balcony / Terrace
• Hairdryer
• In-room safe
• Mini bar
• Modem/data port connection
• Private bathroom / Ensuite
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• Telephone
• Television

Hotel Facilities:
• Banquet facilities
• Business centre
• Cafe
• Cocktail bar
• Conference facilities
• Gymnasium
• Jacuzzi / Whirlpool
• Lobby
• Lounge
• Outdoor swimming pool
• Restaurant
• Room service
• Sauna
• Swimming pool
• Tennis court