Saturday, November 10, 2012

A landslide win for Villa Hotels & Resorts at Maldives Travel Awards 2012


Achievement is the utmost reward of hard work and dedication. The team at Villa Group is very familiar with the two phrases “hard work” and “dedication”. This has been proven in the MATATO Maldives Travel Awards 2012. We have won 7 outstanding awards for our properties Sun Island Resort & Spa, Paradise Island Resort & Spa and Villa Airport Mamigili. With the Leading conference center & resort, diving and the most supportive resort being awarded to Sun Island Resort & Spa followed by Paradise Island Resort & Spa as the leading business resort  and we have the leading domestic airport in the Maldives; Villa Airport Mamigili. Proud is what we feel every day towards each and every member of our team for putting in 110%, and warm congratulations to our Chairman Mr. Qasim Ibrahim  for being awarded Tourism Personality of the Year . 
We take this opportunity to thank each and every fan, guest, well-wisher, travel agents and team members who voted for us in the MATATO Maldives Travel Awards 2012 . And not to forget MATATO that has taken an effort to recognize the hard work and dedication of the individuals in the industry; thank you.  

The proud Villa team at the Maldives Travel Awards 2012
We at Villa group do not aim to provide a good service; we aim to provide an exceptional service. 

Awards achieved by the Villa Group

Sun Island Resort & Spa
  • Leading Meeting and Conference Centre
  • Leading Meeting and Conference Resort
  • Leading Dive Resort
  • Most Supportive Resort
Paradise Island Resort & Spa
  • Leading Business Resort
Villa Airport, Mamigili
  • Leading Domestic Airport

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Ebert Silvas offer special packages for Kandy Esela Perehera


Sri Lanka Tourism in collaboration with Ebert Silvas’ offer special luxury packages for both foreign and local tourists to view the Kandy Esela Perehera, known to be one of Asia’s most spectacular cultural pageants.

The packages are organized to view both Kumbal and the Randoli Pereheras from the July 23rd to August 1st 2012.

The Esala Perehera is a glittering festival of lights and colours with magnificent elephants and vibrant drummers and dancers. It is a tradition of over 230 years held in honour of the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha.

With Sri Lanka enjoying the dividends of peace, numerous foreign visitors will be arriving from around the world, specially to view this mesmerizing pageant.

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau, will be promoting these packages in order to provide a unique service to foreign guests, in the Colombo city hotels to view the pageant in safety and comfort. The Kumbal Perehera commenced from July 23rd and the Randoli Perehera from July 28.

Air Conditioned luxury coaches are scheduled to leave Colombo with both foreign and local guests. Foreign guests will be picked up and dropped back at their respective hotels after viewing the Perehera.

Package 1: is a full day excursion that includes a visit to the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala, breakfast in Pinnawala, visit to the Botanical gardens enroute and lunch in Kandy together with a prime seat to view the Perehera.

Package 2: is organized exclusively to view the Randoli Perehera, during the final three days from July 30th to August 1st.

The package is scheduled to leave Colombo soon after lunch with a stop for tea at the Heritage Rest Ambepussa (Ceylon Hotels Corporation), with seats to view the perehera and snacks. Guests will return to Colombo directly after viewing the pageant.

Courtesy: DailyNews 

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Eastern Hotel Developers redefines simple comfort with Kothmale Holiday Resort



Eastern Hotel Developers have announced holiday offerings said to “encourage travelers to escape the warm temperatures and indulge in the chilly hill side atmosphere with amazing specials”. Nestled between pine-clad mountains just half an hour away from Kandy Town, the Kotmale Holiday Resort is a quaint resort which redefines simple comfort. The property features the essence of quiet comfort, but with modern amenities such as wireless internet access, satellite TV and complimentary bottled water.


This charming retreat is set amidst an expansive area, presenting guests a serene ambiance to relax and enjoy. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Kotmale Holiday Resort provides guests easy access to stunning attractions Sri Lanka has to offer, including the breathtaking Kotmale Reservoir located nearby and the Ramboda Waterfalls, approximately 20 minutes away from the hotel. A pleasant dining verandah, airy living spaces and balconies that open out to views of misty mountains add a distinct charm to this hotel, along with an enticing menu of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine.

Defining simple comfort the Superior Rooms offer guests a comfortable living space to enjoy their vacation - airy and styled with a minimalistic design, these charming abodes are well-equipped with a range of modern amenities, paired with an en-suite bathroom that comes with complimentary toiletries. The Family Rooms are ideal for families, presenting a spacious living space for guests to retreat into their own room of uninterrupted quietude, showcasing soothing colors, comfortable bedding and modern furnishings. This, coupled with the serene environment of the hotel creates an ambiance of total seclusion, perfect for relaxation and moments for family-bonding. The White Room on the other hand allows guests to wake up each morning to stunning vistas, coupled with the refreshing breeze from an outdoor verandah. Inside, an interior of simple, elegant style awaits - a romantic hideaway in the cool climes of the hill country.

Offering the best of Sri Lanka to the world, Eastern Holiday Developers, a company with a vision to provide exceptional and memorable hospitality by exceeding guest expectations and creating a holiday experience like no other. Having just acquired the management rights to this hotel, Eastern Holiday Developers currently owns and manages the ‘Pigeon Island Beach Resort – Nilaveli, Trimcomalee’                                                                            (http://www.pigeonislandresort.com/) and ‘Lanka Holiday Destinations – a travel company’ (http://www.lankaholidaydestinations.com). In addition, the company’s growing portfolio now encompasses many such properties, with the latest to be in the city of Kantale. Named the “Ranch” an Eco Friendly Project, the property is expected to be one of Sri Lanka's exclusive luxury tented camps. Targeted at a niche traveler the property is scheduled to be launched in January 2013. EHD has plans on investing in more properties in the near future in line with its vision to build a specialized chain of resorts contributing towards the national economic growth of the country via tourism. All accommodation would be value for money and with the top most quality in each of its class.

Monday, November 5, 2012

The Haven at Lankanfinolhu - Newest addition to Villa Hotels


Standing clearly above the rest, The Haven at Lankanfinolhu, is a heavenly retreat. Just 20 minutes from the airport lies The Haven facing the majestic emerald backdrop of the Indian Ocean.
The Haven is a 62 room resort entirely built on stilts protruding out of the turquoise shallow water in the lagoon awaiting those seeking the ultimate vacation. The Haven offers excellent cuisine and choice. Sleek, contemporary and lustrous,The Haven offers unparalleled services and comfort.
Each Bungalow is exquisitely furnished with contemporary décor with all modern amenities and has a spacious private balcony offering the panoramic vistas of the blue sea. The Resort consists of 40 Water Villas, 16 Haven Villas, 4 Haven Suites and 2 Ocean Suites. In addition 4 Restaurants, 5 Bars, Araamu Spa and a countless recreational facilities such as Dive School, Gym, Water Sports Centre, etc.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Cinnamon Citadel Modern, yet traditional


Having two feathers already in its cap, Cinnamon Resorts welcomes its newest member Cinnamon Citadel to the family. Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, the hospitality brand of John Keells Holdings represents a chain of modern hotels vibrant in colour, indulgent in hospitality and committed to going the extra mile to satisfy customer needs.

The very first resort of the 'Cinnamon Resorts' chain was Cinnamon Lodge Habarana and Cinnamon Beywas added recently. Apart from the Cinnamon Grand Colombo, the flagship hotel of Cinnamon Hotels, and Cinnamon Lakeside, Citadel stands new to the family.

Cinnamon Citadel sits at the edge of the beautiful Mahaweli River on the north-west outskirts of the hill-country capital of Kandy. Cinnamon Citadel is an extension or representation of its surroundings, remaining attuned to its Kandyan heritage.

With most of the rooms facing the river, it is a place for romance to thrive, but so does culture, tradition and history. Citadel is constructed in the place of the former Dunuvila, the ancestral home of the Dunuvila family. Popularly known as Citadel and later Chaaya Citadel, now it has transformed into a modern four star plus resort under the new vision of Architect Channa Daswatta.

With refurbishment, the Resorts' already luxurious interior has been made even better, and the change is sure to be well received.

‘This Resort is truly showcased in the facilities designed for leisure travellers. Its new look lobby and other areas has given a true Kandyan touch apart from its modern outlook.

This is what Daswatta wants it to be at old Citadel.

Our main motto is guest satisfaction and we are committed to that' explained Arosha Pananwala, the General Manager of the Resort. Cinnamon Citadel has 26 deluxe rooms and 96 Superior Rooms with thematic interiors as well as TV, telephone, Mini- bar and other facilities.

Mixed with a modern touch, traditions continue whether in its gastronomic discoveries, well- appointed rooms or grand lobby area' said Fowme Ibrahim, the Front Office Manager.

‘Panorama', the extended main restaurant now serves international cuisine in buffet style for breakfast, lunch and dinner for nearly 250 pax. Guests can expand their culinary horizons by tasting traditional Kandyan flavours and international cuisine served to perfection at the ‘Café C' amongst many other a la carte preparations. ‘We serve any kind of cuisine from international to traditional Kandyan, Sri Lankan, Oriental and Continental too.

Theme nights will also be there according to the guests at the house' said Executive Chef Raminda Premaratne.

With a well- equipped Wi- Fi enabled conference hall, the resort is an ideal location for business conferences and workshops for a maximum of 80 people or for destination weddings in true Kandyan style, where guests can be housed in rooms that have warmth and comfort. ‘The Dalada Maligawa, the beautiful

Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, Hantana Mountains, Udawatte Kele forest reserve are some of the popular excursions available at the hotel. The Resort also offers the ` Cultural Trail' a study of Kandy's arts and crafts including drum making, Dumbara mat waving, and jewellery crafting

Hulhule Island Hotel welcomes guests to the Maldives


Hulhule Island Hotel is known for its classy and comfortable accommodation, with 136 guest rooms falling into various categories.

The rooms have a panoramic view of the exotic Indian Ocean in various shades of blue.

All the rooms have been provided with the most modern and functional amenities, a tea/coffee making machine, a mini bar stocked with selected delicacies and a few categories also have vintage cheese and a wine cooler pre-stocked according to personal preferences. 

The rooms also boast an LCD television for entertainment.

There is also a very special feature of choosing pillows of your choice out of the 16 varieties available, ensuring guests of every possible comfort towards a sound sleep.

The extensive food and beverage offer has also won accolades for being the ‘Best Culinary Establishment’ in Maldives, serving different cuisines including Arabic, Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Western, Mediterranean and, last but not the least, the local Maldivian cuisine.

The bars at all the food and beverage outlets also house a collection of international drinks, including a wide range of wines, champagnes and spirits.

The leisure facilities ensure guests are engaged in entertainment during their extended stays, offering activities including golf putting, beach volleyball, tennis, badminton, basketball practice court and a well-equipped gymnasium for the sports enthusiasts and fitness freaks.

At the spa, a unique blend of traditions to bolster the sense of balance of body, mind and spirit is offered while the swimming pool is quite inviting for a laze around.

The front desk also assists in organising water sports, diving sessions, fishing trips and island excursions to experience the real Maldives.

Maldives accepting requests for management of Vodamulaa island


The Maldives Tourism Development Corporation Plc (MTDC) announced that they are accepting requests from Maldivian and foreign individuals, partnerships, and companies to submit written proposals, under the Request for Proposal (RFP) , for the management and operation of Vodamulaa island in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll. Vodamulaa is leased by the government of Maldives for the development of 150-room resort.

Vodamulla is situated in the southern region of the Maldives, in the enchanting geographical, ecological, and cultural anomaly of Gaafu Alifu Atoll. It is 50 minutes by speed boat from Kaadedhdhoo Regional Airport or 10 minutes by speed boat from Koodoo Regional Airport. Vodamulaa possesses an extraordinarily beautiful reef ,and the beach surrounding Vodamulaa stretches on for 3 km, with an average width of 15 m on the northeast side and 20 m on the southeast side. Gaafu Alifu Atoll alone is an attraction with the unique crafts of its people, but Vodamulaa is a gem even amid the abundant attractions of the area.

Government confident of meeting 2012 tourism goals


Maldives tourism authorities remain confident the country will meet its ambition to welcome one million visitors to the country during 2012 despite ongoing “political turmoil” in the Indian Ocean over the last year.

The country plans over the next 12 months to hold a number of celebrations to commemorate 40 years since its travel industry was founded.

Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Ahmed Adheeb has told media in a press conference on Monday that should the Maldives achieve its aims of attracting one million visitors to the country during 2012, it could be effectively seen as being equivalent to welcoming two million arrivals due to the challenges of overcoming the “political turmoil” following February’s controversial transfer of power.

“We are closing in on that target with a lot of challenges. We are working with major obstacles due to the present crisis in the country,” Adheeb was quoted as saying.

source: minivannews