One of our favourite places to eat and shop in Colombo is The Gallery Cafe. Previously the studio of Sri Lanka’s most famous architect, Geoffrey Bawa, the cafe most definitely carries his mark, and is easily the most stylish restaurant in the bustling capital and often crowded with the “who’s who” of the Colombo jet-setters and expat community.
Although it is located right at the heart of Colombo, the minute you enter the Gallery Cafe‘s doors, you feel as if you have entered a tropical oasis. An open air courtyard, latticed doors, tranquil ponds strewn with purple “nil manel” (Sri Lanka’s national flower), comfortable seating and fabulous art everywhere, its the perfect place to relax after a busy day exploring the city. More »
Written by Antonella on January 29th, 2009 | 1 Comment »
Filed under Arts, Bars, Colombo, Restaurants
The majority of “luxury” hotels in Colombo are those big, grandiose “chain hotels”, part of much larger hotel groups. Examples of these would be the Hilton, the Cinnamond Grand and the Taj Samudra. While they may be quite comfortable and convenient, they certainly lack the charm, individuality and exclusivity of a “boutique hotel” that the discerning traveler is looking for.
By far the best of such luxury boutique hotels in Colombo is the Park Street Hotel. Situated right in the heart of the city near to all the major restaurants and shopping centers, Park Street is an oasis of tranquility and elegance, set within two acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. Formerly the home of a colorful and eccentric couple who were members of Colombo’s “elite”, this 250 year old building was stylishly converted into a hotel by the Taru Villas Group, who own a collection of such boutique hotels around Sri Lanka, yet it retains all the original charm and authenticity of its previous look as a home, so that it really doesn’t feel like a hotel at all! More »
Written by Antonella on January 22nd, 2009 | 3 Comments »
Filed under Boutique Hotels, Ceylon, Colombo, Galle Fort, History, Hotels, Luxury, Luxury Travel, Sri Lanka, Tips, Tours, Travel
For the last two years, Geoffrey Dobbs (owner of the Sun House hotel) has organized a literary festival in Galle and it has become a huge success, with tickets sold out well in advance, hotels and villas booked choc-a-bloc and a roster of famous writers visiting that would impress any literary enthusiast.
This year’s event will be held in and around the world heritage site of Galle Fort from the 28th January to February 1st. Writers this year include Thomas Keneally, Germaine Greer, Pico Iyer, Edna O’Brien, Romesh Gunesekera, V.V. Ganeshananthan, MJ Akbar, Giles Milton, Moses Isegawa, Michael Morpurgo and many more. More »
Written by Antonella on January 18th, 2009 | Comments Off
Filed under Arts, Galle Fort, History, Tours
Perhaps one of the most luxurious places to stay in Sri Lanka, Amangalla is an oasis of colonial refinement in charming Galle Fort. Unlike most of the Aman group’s properties which have a resort-like feel, Amangalla is decidedly a town hotel, where the visitor can experience the architectural splendor of yesteryear first hand.
Previously the New Oriental Hotel, the building has always been of historical significance to the town of Galle, founded in 1885 by the Sarkie Brothers, the Malay (of Armenian origin) hoteliers who built the famous Raffles Hotel in Singapore.
Amangalla has respected, down to the finest detail, the heritage and natural appeal of its legendary predecessor by skilfully unveiling and restoring original features, furnishing the polished jack-wood floors with fine antiques and period-styled reproductions, the culmination of which reflects an ambiance of a bygone era. More »
Written by Antonella on January 15th, 2009 | 3 Comments »
Filed under Aman Hotels, Boutique Hotels, Galle Fort, Hotels, Luxury, Travel
Welcome to Ceylon Luxury! Sri Lanka (or Ceylon as it was once known) is considered by many to be the most beautiful country in the world. Stunning beaches, breathtaking mountain views, lush tea plantations, tranquil lakes, tropical forests and the list goes on….
The country lies next to the Maldives, which arguably has the best beaches of any country, and Kerala, the Southern state of India, which is also becoming an increasingly popular travel destination. Sri Lanka has a colorful past and is full of many natural resources, most notably its tea, coffee and spices. It is a predominantly Buddhist country (Theravada- early Buddhism) with an ancient culture that can still be seen today in many of the wonderful temples, monuments and sites. Sri Lanka was colonized by the Portuguese, then the Dutch and finally the British before achieving independence in 1948. This rich and diverse history lends itself to a very unique culture which one can see in the architecture, arts and crafts. Sri Lanka is also a home to ayurvedic medicine, which makes it especially appealing for those Westerners who believe in holistic health techniques.
Couple these facts with the most charming, kind and hospitable people you are ever likely to encounter on your travels and you have a paradise just waiting to be visited. More »
Written by Antonella on January 13th, 2009 | Comments Off
Filed under Ayurveda, Boutique Hotels, Buddhism, Ceylon, History, Hotels, India, Luxury, Maldives, Politics, Safety, Sri Lanka, Tea, Tips, Tours, Travel, Tsunami
