Wednesday, July 18, 2012

"CLOSENBERG HOTEL GALLE - SRI LANKA"

                                      











THE HOTEL

This is 115 kilometers away from the airport. The hotel is a colonial type hotel located in Galle & is situated on a promontory in Galle harbor. It's location is unique. tranquil & beautiful.
This is one of the few hotels which preserve the colonial past of Galle . Situated from 3 kilometers away from Galle Fort, a famous world heritage site & 4 kilometers from Unawatuna beach , one of the best 10 beaches in the world, this attracts visitors from all over the world.
This is a beach front hotel & surrounded with terraced gardens at different levels
All the rooms are standard rooms with sea view, air-condition, attached bathrooms, private balcony & a mini bar.
There is only the main restaurant & it serves eastern , western & Chinese food.
This is a beach front hotel & surrounded with terraced gardens at different levels.
1 km to the nearest beach, 172 kms to the nearest airport (bandaranayake intl), 3 minute walk to the nearest bus stop, Centrally located, Close to the station (galle).


THE LEGEND




 
 The Portuguese captured Galle from the Sinhala Kings in 1587 and built a Fort named ‘Santa Crusz”
In 1640, the Dutch, with twelve ships under the command of Whilhelm Jacobz Coster laid siege and after four days of severe fighting captured the Fort. The Fort expanded and flourished till 1790 when the British took over Galle. The Galle Fort stands today as a "World Heritage Site’
Klossenburg (Citadel on which the sea roars) was an island in the Galle harbour on which the Dutch in 1719 built a Fortalice with a battery of two guns, (the Sinhalese called it ‘Aluth Kotuwa' or New Fort)and after the British arrived in 1790 the Fortalice lay abandoned.

 
In 1842 the P&O ship ‘Hindostan’ called at Galle initiating a regular service with Europe.
Captain Francis Bayley was the P&O agent and he acquired Closenberg island and built a magnificent mansion in 1860 and named it ‘Villa Marina’ after his wife. The P&O used as its device the ‘Rising Sun ‘ which is used as a feature in the building.
Colombo took over as the principal port in Ceylon and in 1882, P&O moved its headquarters from Galle to Colombo. Closenberg was sold in 1889 to Simon Perera Abeyewadene who was a close friend of Captain Bayley.
Closenberg has remained in the Perera Abeyewardene family and is today preserved as a Colonial Hotel for the enjoyment of its many visitors.

 


THE LOCATION

 
 
 
 
Closenberg is a Heritage Hotel which is located in the city of Galle and is situated on a promontory in the Galle Harbour. Its location is unique, tranquil and beautiful.
Closenberg is 3 km from the Galle Fort, a World Heritage site and 4 km from Unawatuna, acclaimed to be one of the 10 best beaches in the World. To arrive at the hotel use the Galle - Matara Road and turn into Closenberg Road leading into the Galle Harbour.



ACCOMMODATION




























 Closenberg hotel has twenty rooms, sixteen of which have been refurbished in 2003 with air conditioning, mini bar, attached baths with hot & cold water and private balconies facing the sea where you can watch the surf breaking in the bay below.

The four large colonial rooms are situated in the old mansion and transports one to an era of days gone by- an era during which Galle was the focal point of Dutch influence in Sri Lanka.


THE RESTAURANT




The ‘Fernery’ restaurant has “gracious ambience” and is a favourite stop for travelers to the south of Sri Lanka and boasts of a good selection of wines and an excellent kitchen.
We have an international menu with Bouillabaisse our speciality in Sea Food, Italian Dishes and our own southern style country Rice and Curry.
Our motto” Service to others comes first” is the code by which our staff work and you will experience it when we welcome you at Closenberg.


SECRET GARDEN


Secret Garden Villa can accommodate up to 7-9 guests in the main house, plus 5-7 in the punchy bungalow (4 units). It is possible to rent the whole villa or tao-suite only or a punchy bungalow. The villa is furnished with colonial antiques and has two patio bathrooms, two open living rooms, large veranda, tea pavilion, individual sitting places, kitchen (including 1 cook), waiter, room girl, gardener and security guard.

An oasis, ideal for individuals, families, honeymooners, or groups of 14-21 persons for yoga meditation or seminars inside the octangular dome bungalow spanning 49sqm situated in the tropical garden. For ayurveda and alternative healing treatments (synchron massages etc.), there is a separate two room bungalow with an Ayurveda doctor and assistant.)


PLACES OF INTEREST


  • Dutch fort
  • Unawatuna
  • Rumassala
  • Galle Museum

RESERVATION



No: 11, Closenburg Road,Magalle, Galle, Sri Lanka.

Telephone
+94 91 2224313
+94 91 2232241

Fax
+94 91 2232241











Sunday, May 22, 2011

“Saman Villa Hotel & Spa-Bentota” , Sri Lanka

Saman Villa Hotel & Spa ” - Bentota , Sri Lanka



Saman Villas is perched on a rocky headland dividing two long seemingly endless, surf swept unspoilt beaches of golden sand, backed by dense green coconut plantations, in the quiet-sleepy fishing village of Aturuwella in Bentota. The atmosphere is one of tranquility, disturbed only by the sounds of birds and the waves breaking on the rocks below. The views, from anywhere in the hotel, are magnificent. Enjoying a beachfront location, it offers an infinity-edge pool, a spa and beautiful suites with private balconies.
Spacious suites have elegant hardwood floors and furnishings. They come with private bathroom facilities featuring both a bathtub and shower. Suites enjoy sweeping views of the ocean.
Massages are available at Villa Saman. The hotel also provides a sauna and a jacuzzi. Other facilities include a book and CD library.
Saman’s main restaurant offers an international menu and local specialties for dinner, while the terrace restaurant provides breakfast and lunch. Guests can also enjoy stunning views of the ocean with their drinks at the bar.
Villa Saman is surrounded by tropical grounds and coconut plantations. It is located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, about 40 miles from Colombo. The International Airport is about 56 miles away. Approximately traveling time from airport to hotel is 180 minutes by road and 45 minutes by air.








Saman Villa Location

60 km south of Colombo and 100 km south of the airport. Saman Villas is magnificently perched on a rocky headland dividing two long seemingly endless, surf-swept unspoilt beaches of golden sand, backed by dense green coconut plantations, in the quiet-sleepy fishing village of Aturuwella in Bentota. The atmosphere is one of tranquility, disturbed only by the sound of sea gulls and the waves breaking on the rocks below. The views, from anywhere in the hotel, are unbelievably magnificent






Saman Villa Accommodation

There are just 27 luxuriously furnished, air-conditioned Suites designed in traditional Sri Lankan style and carefully positioned to give spectacular views of the shoreline and sea. They include an open-air bathroom, dressing room, sleeping deck, lounge area and verandah, mini bar, cable and satellite TV, radio, CD player, telephone, safe, make-up mirror and hair dryer. A two-storey villa houses a Superior Suite upstairs and a more spacious Deluxe Suite on the ground-floor, with a small garden. The exclusive two-storey Saman Villa, with the bedroom located upstairs, is available for the seeker of maximum comfort and privacy.






































Saman Villa Facilities

A choice of restaurants overlooking the pool and the sea beyond; terrace restaurant opening onto the garden, for breakfast, lunch and weekly barbeque dinner and the main restaurant well known for its excellent cuisine and the daily 5-course set menu is open for dinner. Two bars with magnificent views; the Lounge Bar by the pool and the cozy air-conditioned Library Bar with a snooker table and a wide selection of books - the latter an acknowledgement "Saman Villas" specialty.





















General
Restaurant, Bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Grounds, Terrace, Restaurant With Dining Menu.






Activities
Sauna, Spa & Health Club, Massage, Jacuzzi, Library, Outdoor Swimming Pool, Outdoor Swimming Pool (all year).






Services
Room Service, Laundry, Breakfast in the Room, Ironing Service, Currency Exchange, Souvenirs/Gift Shop, Shoe Shine, Fax/Photocopying, Ticket Service, Concierge Service, Private Check-in/-out.






Internet
Wi-fi is available in the hotel rooms and costs USD 5 per 30 minutes.






Parking
Free! Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).















Hotel Policies
These are general hotel policies for Saman Villas. As they may vary per room type, please also check the room description.


Check in
From 12:00 hours

Check out
Until 12:00 hours

Cancellation / Prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children and extra beds
Children cannot be accommodated at the hotel.
There is no capacity for extra beds/cots in the room.


Pets
Pets are not allowed.

Accepted credit cards
American Express, Visa, Euro/Mastercard, JCB
The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorize credit cards prior to arrival.




Things of interest
Safari at the yala national parl.
Windsurfing and other water sports.
Swimming and diving.
Fishing.
Boat Cruise.

Historic sites- the Galle Fort and the 12th century Kande Viharaya Temple in Beruwala.
The Art of Mask-making in Ambalangoda.










For Reservations

Saman Villa, Bentota, Sri Lanka.
USA : +1 510 931 7697
England : +44 845 867 8540
Facs (SAM) : +1 251 217 3148























































































































































































































































Sunday, May 15, 2011

" Taj Exotica Hotel " Bentota - Sri Lanka

Taj Exotica Hotel-Bentota

Sri Lanka






















The Taj Exotica in Bentota certainly lives up to its name. Taj Exotica is one of the best 5 star beach resort in Sri Lanka. This 5 star hotel in Bentota is located along the south coast of Sri Lanka is set on the shores of the Indian Ocean‚ a stroll through the gardens will take you to the long stretch of golden sand‚ fringed by coconut palms. The large terrace overlooking Bentota Beach is a perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing drink while the pool area is great for lying back in the sun. In the evening you can sample the cuisine at one of the four restaurants‚ three of which are a la carte.










Hotel Reviews






"The first impressionsof the Taj were very pleasant and the staff were more than happy to tend to your every need. Our room was clean and spacious. We had upgraded to the deluxe room which gave us a seating and dressing area along with a fab view. We also booked all inclusive as we had read on this site how... "
"We've just come back from the Taj and it was a great holiday. Once we arrived we were given complimentary drinks and a free room upgrade so we had a suite. That meant we had a large balcony and separate lounge as well as a huge bed. Resturants in the Taj: Generally very good-especially the Oriental. Don't believe what people... "
"Lovely clean hotel staff very friendly. Only complaint that the beaches around the hotel with litter. Mensioned in our report so by the time you go may of been sorted. Two complimentry bottles of water each day plenty of tea coffee etc. Extra pool towels if needed. I had a birthday while out there and the cleaner did an arrangement on... "
"We stayed at the Taj between 18 - 26 June 09 on a bed and breakfast basis the hotel is situated in large grounds which lead directly onto the beach. This is monsoon season so it rains for about 1 hour per day and boy does it rain.The majority of rooms have at least a partial sea view. Our room... "
"We stayed at Taj from 6/18-22. We booked the Orchid room at 6th floor with a great view of garden and beach. The staff was excellent and courteous. However the room is somewhat old and I will give it only a 4 stars. Some additional information: 1.Transportation: We took recommendation from Hans and contacted Sena (dinesh@sltnet.lk) in advance for the... "
"Having read lots of reviews on TA it seems to me that a holiday is what you make it and you have to take account of what is normal locally and not expect everything to be as it is at home - otherwise why travel in the first place. Having said that the Taj was great. The public areas were... "
"Stayed 11th - 19th June 2009. Had a private transfer from the airport which 2.5 hours. This was arranged through TC as part of the package. Car was air conditioned and the driver knowledgeable and courteous. As the airport is in Negombo it takes a while due to the traffic in Columbo itself. Drivers are a little mad to say... "
"We travelled to Bentota on the 2nd of June 2009 for 10 days. The hotel was very grand when we arrived and we were very expectant. The lobby and longing areas and in fact all the outside areas of the hotel are immaculate and very impressive. We were shown to our room (308) which had a sea view and balcony... "
"Although there are good number of hotels on Bentota Beach which is only 60 Kilometers away from the main town Colombo. But me and my family would rate Taj Bentota as one of the finest property in south east Asia. We have been there three times and my son again wants to be there in his next holiday sometime. more "
"If you were coming to lie by the pool enjoying a view of the ocean and munching in the poolside restaurant then this place would suit you down to the ground. For me it was quite constrictive because it is not possible to walk outside the hotel compound without being continually hassled. The most effective line was my husband saying... "



Overview


Location.


Situated near the beach in the South Sri Lanka Coast neighborhood of Bentota, Taj Exotica is close to Bentota Beach.
Located on Sri Lanka’s South West Coast , Taj Exotica is 60kms (2 hrs) from Colombo & 90 kms (3 hrs) from the Airport.








Distances from Taj Exotica





Distances are calculated in a straight line from the property's location to the point of interest or attraction, and may not reflect actual travel distance. Distances are displayed to the nearest 0. 1 mile and kilometre. Bentota Beach 1 km / 0.6 mi Kalatura Beach 22 km / 13.7 mi The preferred airport for Taj Exotica is Colombo (CMB Bandaranaike Intl.) 85.1 km / 52.9 mi.







Transportation services Taj Exotica







· Private parking
· Rent a car in the hotel
· Valet service


Hotel Features.




Taj Exotica has an outdoor pool, a spa tub, a sauna, and a fitness facility. There is a business center on site. This Bentota hotel offers a restaurant and a bar/lounge. The staff can arrange concierge services, translation services, and currency exchange. Additional amenities include valet parking, multilingual staff, and laundry facilities.







Guestrooms.






Taj Exotica has 162 guestrooms. Rooms open to balconies. Televisions are equipped with satellite channels. All accommodations provide in-room safes and phones. All units feature coffee/tea makers. Bathrooms offer hair dryers. Additional amenities include minibars, air conditioning, and windows that open. In addition, a turndown service is provided nightly and amenities available on request include wake-up calls.






















Facilities

· General
· Bar/lounge
· Number of floors: 6
· Number of rooms: 162
· Restaurant(s) in hotel
· Swimming pool - outdoor
· Rooms (all rooms include)
· Air conditioning
· Clock radio
· Coffee/tea maker
· Hair dryer
· In-room safe
· Minibar
· Phone
· Turndown service
· Wake-up calls
· Window opens
·
See more room details
· Balcony
· Satellite television service
· Services
· Currency exchange
· Fitness facilities
· Hair salon
· Laundry facilities
· Multilingual staff
· Safe-deposit box - front desk
· Sauna
· Self parking
· Spa tub
· Valet parking
·
View more services
· Babysitting or child care
· Breakfast available (surcharge)
· Concierge services
· Business & Event
· Business center
· Multiple conference/meeting rooms
· On-site car rental
· Room service (24 hours)
· Translation services







Dining

Taj Exotica has a restaurant on site. 24-hour room service is available.
Recreation

An outdoor pool and a spa tub are on site. Other recreational amenities include a sauna and a fitness facility.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.
· Boating
· Fishing
· Water skiing


Know before you go

Check-in time starts at: 1 PM
Check-out time is: Noon
Pets not allowed
Check-in policy:
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy. Guests must show current government-issued proof of identity at the time of check-in. Photo identification and credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges. Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.


Terms & conditions

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy. Guests must show current government-issued proof of identity at the time of check-in. Photo identification and credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges. Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.




Things of interest







Safari at the yala national park.
Windsurfing and other water sports.
Swimming and diving.
Fishing.
Boat Cruise.
Historic sites- the Galle Fort and the 12th century Kande Viharaya Temple in Beruwala.
The Art of Mask-making in Ambalangoda.

For Reservations

Taj Exotica, Bentota, Sri Lanka.
Tel:(034) 75650
Fax:(034) 75160
E-mail:exotica@sri.lanka.net











































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































Thursday, January 15, 2009

''LIGHT HOUSE HOTEL - GALLE ''

''LIGHT HOUSE HOTEL - GALLE '' - SRI LANKA
















One of the 'Small Luxury Hotels of the World' The Lighthouse Hotel & Spa is a private sanctuary tucked away from the bustle of the city. Lighthouse Sri lanka holidays from £799.



Lighthouse Hotel Galle Info

This spectacular place has outstanding ocean views and is the only hotel in Galle with its own stretch of beach for swimming. The more adventurous may want to take a safari in Uda Walawe National Park and Yala National park where they can see an amazing number of animals, including lots of elephants. Designed by Geoffrey Bawa, who is perhaps Sri Lanka’s greatest modern architect, this place has two swimming pools, an outstanding spa, and spacious rooms have lovely pine wood floors and open air corridors. Dine at one of the three restaurants, and take meals with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.





Galle was our last stop on our trip to Sri Lanka and our three nights at the Lighthouse were wonderful. I am a huge Geoffrey Bawa fan (the architect) and here one can see his mastery at play again. View corridors and shifting axes all through the property are wonderfully powerful and subtle where they need to be. The rooms were great - bathrooms opening up into the room to let in the views and natural light. The food was spectacular (contrary to previous advice from other travelers) and the breakfasts in the morning next to the crashing waves of the rocks was wonderful. All in all, a great place to stay.










Wonderful views and incredible rooms

The hotel itself is wonderful. However, if you like to swim on a beach and want a beach front hotel this is not the one for you. The nearest swimming beaches are 5 km away in one direction and about 30 km in the other.




  • Things of interest

    Safari at the Yala and Udawalawa National Park.
    Windsurfing and other water sports.
    Swimming and Diving.
    Fishing.
    Coral Reaf of Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa.
    The Art Mask-making in Ambalangoda.



    Historic sites

    The World Famous Galle Fort.


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