In a previous post, we gave our top accommodation pick for Colombo: Park Street. If that happens to be full or you fancy something a little different, here is our second top pick for a boutique hotel in Colombo to suit the luxury traveler: Casa Colombo. This hotel is very conveniently and centrally located down a private lane just off the Galle Road.
Casa Colombo is a stunningly restored 200 year old Moorish mansion originally built by one of the wealthiest Indian trading families of the time. Combining old world charm with contemporary design, Casa is a tribute to the creative talents of its owner: Lalin Jinasena who innovatively custom designed everything from the cutlery and crockery to the furniture and fabrics- solely using craftsmen and materials from Sri Lanka. With no reception desk, Casa Domos personally look after you during your entire stay by taking care of any needs that may arise be it getting you a poolside drink, taking you on a city tour or sending an important business fax. More »
Written by Antonella on April 6th, 2009 | Comments Off
Filed under Architecture, Bars, Boutique Hotels, Colombo, Galle Fort, History, Hotels, Luxury, Luxury Travel, Sri Lanka, Tours, Travel
Up in the leafy hills of Kandy in the central part of the country, you’ll find the most extraordinary hotel- a technicolor vision of the old-world-meets-Goth, called Helga’s Folly. It’s a hotel and restaurant you’ll either love or hate – where literally every inch of space is painted or decorated with bright colours, fantasy murals, dripping candles and glitzy accessories crossed with the traditional – old paintings, antique furniture, stuffed animal heads and a wind-up gramophone playing Ella Fitzgerald.
Helga’s Folly is presided over Helga herself, a glamorous Anglophile in Jackie O sun glasses, with a tendency towards the eccentric:
“This is my home and I want everyone who visits it to feel at home. That is the point. I call it an Anti-Hotel! We give our in-house guests complimentary afternoon tea and before dinner serve cocktails and canapes. I try to make it feel like home. The main thing is that people must come back! And we are lucky enough to have a few that do return!”
Helga was described by the Times as “a benevolent Cruella deVil, complete with pet dalmatian” and the hotel was the home were she was raised. In those days, guests were people like Sir Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh and the Ghandis. These days it is fashion/rock star-types (Paula Yates reportedly loved it) and travellers looking for something different. Very different indeed! Helga comes from an illustrious family, and is the mother of British designer Selina Blow. Her history and exciting life is seen throughout the house, which is full of interesting memorabilia in every room.
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Written by Antonella on March 16th, 2009 | 2 Comments »
Filed under Boutique Hotels, History, Hotels, Kandy, Restaurants, Travel
One of the finest things you can do when visiting Sri Lanka on a luxury tour is to head up north to Elephant Corridor. It’s an experience that you won’t forget and is truly “five star” (so often said…so rarely true!). The hotel is located in Sigiraya, which is in the “cultural triangle” or the “central region” of Sri Lanka, about a four drive north from Colombo.
Surrounded by thousands of acres of jungle, the Elephant Corridor Luxury Boutique Hotel offers you scintillating views of the nearby picturesque lake, the “Kandalama Hills” and the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Sigiriya is known for its ancient monastery, a World Heritage Site: the “Mount of Remembrance“: More »
Written by Antonella on February 16th, 2009 | Comments Off
Filed under Architecture, Boutique Hotels, Buddhism, History, Hotels, Luxury Travel, Sri Lanka
For families looking for an unforgettable beach or lakeside holiday, the South Point Villas come highly recommended for their superb service, food, location and comfort.
Luxurious yet simple, South Point Villas are comprised of three properties, all with it’s own swimming pool, each with its own special charm. The South Point Villa on the beach is the largest, has three bedrooms and is the most elegant, adorned with period furniture and all the mod cons, including wireless internet. If rustic charm is more your style, try the South Point Abbey, an old Dutch house restored lovingly with two bedrooms, a study, and an infinity pool with jacuzzi. And lastly, those seeking complete privacy, the South Point Cottage on the banks of Koggala Lake has been called the perfect place for writers to be inspired! With expansive views of hills and the tranquil lake, this cozy retreat is in close proximity to a the charming local village and Buddhist temple.
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Written by Antonella on February 13th, 2009 | Comments Off
Filed under Beach Holidays, Charity, Galle Fort, Hotels, Luxury, Villas
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
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
