Sunday Splendour at Cinnamon Lodge Habarana

Tucked away in the middle of the cultural triangle, Cinnamon Lodge Habarana is the perfect epicentre to seek rest and relaxation when exploring the marvels of Sri Lanka’s past. Cinnamon Lodge tempts travellers exploring the ancient relics in Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa or the weary traveller from Trincomalee with its elaborate Sunday lunch.

A selection of well seasoned meat, encrusted with spices grilled to perfection, innovative appetizers. The main course will leave guests spoilt for choice with wok fried chilli crab served fresh at action stations, moreover Thai and Vietnamese action stations and speciality far- Eastern fare. A choice of pasta glazed with the homemade sauce of your choice and an Asian Corner for ardent rice and curry lovers.

Cinnamon Lodge Habarana invites its Sunday lunch buffet diners to take a dip in the fresh water swimming pool; a special one for one offer on selected beverages is also available during the buffet. A special kiddie’s corner with face painting, movies and cartoons is bound to keep kids occupied. The Sunday Lunch is completed with a serving of tea or coffee and a selection of evening snacks.

For a simple hearty meal, guests could try out the latest addition to food and beverage outlets at Cinnamon Lodge ‘The Verandah’, a bistro style restaurant. It is perfect for a meal in a hurry and caters a selection of culinary delights. Indulge on Sunday at Cinnamon Lodge Habarana.

‘Chaaya Blu’: JK Hotels answer to the burgeoning of East Coast Tourism

Following the announcement of their planned investment of Rs. 500 million towards revamping and refurbishing their hotel in Trincomalee late last year, the John Keells Hotels Group has well poised itself to herald the burgeoning of East-Coast tourism in Sri Lanka.

This was clearly the message the Group seemed to impart at its stand-alone stall adjacent to the Sri Lankan and Maldivian areas at this year's International Tourism Bourse (ITB), held in Berlin during the 10 - 14 of March.

The hotel property formerly known as Club Oceanic Trincomalee, a member of the John Keells Hotels Group, is in the process of transformation and is scheduled to reopen in May with a new and unique ambience as Chaaya Blu Trincomalee.. Under the watchful eye of renowned architect Channa Daswatte, the investment promises a vibrant new appearance that will enchant its guests. Designed according to a retro - chic theme, the resort will be decorated with denim trimmings, cut cement, rattan and more, promising an experience that complements the rich marine offerings of the seas of Trinco, or the ‘Blu’ as ancient seafarers would have called it.
Located on the north of Trincomalee, Chaaya Blu Trincomalee offers a perfect escape for those in search of serenity.

In recent times this region has been developing at a rapid rate and is focusing on capitalizing on its magnificent location, gorgeous beaches and crystal clear waters which have the potential to make Trincomalee another dream destination in Sri Lanka.
Joining the Chaaya Resorts and Hotels circle, Club Oceanic Trincomalee is to garland its grand reopening with its new name, Chaaya Blu Trincomalee. Nestled on a location which provides access to all the unique features of the area including the azure waters and sun kissed beaches of Uppuveli, Chaaya Blu truely a unique destination.
Commenting on the opening of their latest property, Executive Vice President of the John Keells Hotels Group and Sector Head of Sri Lanka Resorts Mr. Jayantissa Kehelpannela stated that - as a unique selling proposition for the resort, we will commence Whale Watching operations from Chaaya Blu Trincomalee. The hotel will also promote snorkeling, diving, angling and yachting among others, and we believe will help promote Trincomalee as the next most sought after tourism destination within Sri Lanka.

Chaaya Blu Trincomalee is set to open its doors on 16th May 2010. Commenting on already pent up demand for the hotel, Mr Kehelpannela said - bookings have already commenced. Tour operators and local holiday makers seem eager to secure rooms before the dash during the season. We have also commenced sales via chaayahotels.com and johnkeellshotels.com.

For further inquiries, contact Annouchka Weeratunga Fernando
Tel:+94 (0) 11 230 625
Fax:+94 (0) 11 230 432
Mobile:+94 (0) 777 269082
Email:annouchka.khms@keells.com
Website: http://www.johnkeellshotels.com/

Daily Mirror: Thursday, 11 March 2010

Chaaya Blu Trincomalee - Artist Impressions

The almost surreal panorama of white sands edging the azure ocean dimpled with sunlight scattered over the waves conjures the canvas of a picture postcard, direct from Trincomalee. Add the charm of a 1970s resort that has a touch of the esoteric James Bond tale, “Die Another Day” woven into it and one can visualize an orange swimsuit clad Halle Berry rise from the depths of the waves. And it was this Halle Berry image that fuelled master architect Channa Daswatte’s mind to create the new Chaaya Blu Trincomalee .

“Looking at the old Club Oceanic with its double arches reminiscent of the ‘70s architecture reminded me of a leftover James Bond phase. Wanting to get the John Keells Hotels Group first off the mark in Trincomalee in the expected East coast tourism boom, we needed to do something fast, which meant reusing old resources but modernizing the concept. Aligning all this, I also thought of having some retro-fun with this old building, to be slightly off the wall.” Recalling his childhood, Daswatte remembers Trincomalee as being about the sea and lots of light, “because there were few trees unlike on the southern coast. So it was this blue white kind of image juxtaposed with nuances of orange that I wanted people to experience at Chaaya Blu Trincomalee. I’m trying to encapsulate the ring of the hip and maybe those lost teenage retro years which we didn’t notice living through when we were growing up. Looking back, there was something really wonderful about that time, energetic if you like and I want the resort to relive some of that.”

And retro chic it is! Chaaya Blu Trincomalee is all about unusual shades of white with nuances of blue; cool, easy, relaxing; a gathering place for the disco child and the flower power generation and a conversation time for the later generations to be in awe and enjoy an era that is now the theme of movies. Its about terra cotta tiles dipped in white paint for the Caribbean look and feel; (“I want the spirit of the resort to be different to what is portrayed for the southern coast,” avers Daswatte.); clay lamps painted white, Wetakeiya rugs and lots of denim accessorized with mid-century Scandinavian limed furniture touched by an orange hue. It’s about lounging on polished cement based beds within the confines of the cool white of the rooms and looking at tie-and-dye and mosaic walls and reminiscing.

It’s also about looking out at the sea, from everywhere in the resort, whether its the bar, the restaurant or the combination of bleached wood decks that encircle the periphery of the resort and forgetting the hubbub of the world outside. Its about creating centralised spaces to enjoy the sun and sea; dining under the trees, on the deck, by the long infinity pool or even around the white circular bar

with its 1930s denim upholstered chairs or the beach bar built around the Banyan Tree looking out at Swami Rock savoring the famed Trinco crab menu. Or simply sit at bar counters or on comfy lazy chairs at check in, taking in the aura of the mosaic columns and large disco balls strategically placed in corners and enjoying an unusual blue caracao cocktail with a swirl of thambili to begin a holiday with a touch of the exotic. And get on that boardwalk! A timber deck that runs out across the reception and onto the beach and out – for an eyeful of the unique landscape that only Trincomalee boasts of. “I’ve connected all the public spaces from one centralised space to another on simplified movement patterns,” explains Daswatte. And this he has done by connecting the floor pattern via concrete sleepers, continuing the floor from the lounge, to the bar and dining room.

Under the John Keells Hotels Group umbrella, the former Club Oceanic joins the Group’s four star resorts as Chaaya Blu with an inventory of eighty rooms including an addition of twenty chalets and two suites. The investment of Rs 450 million marks the first development project promoting East Coast tourism. As Deputy Chairman of John Keells Holdings Ajit Gunewardene asserts, “Having been involved in Sri Lankan tourism as a group for over 35 years, we are excited and enthused by the emergence of east-coast tourism. We believe that Trincomalee has the potential to become one of the most sought-after destinations in the country and Chaaya Blu Trincomalee with its new retro-chic look will bridge the present deficit for quality 4-star accommodation.” Adds Executive Vice President Jayantissa Kehelpannala who reiterates that Trincomalee has some of the best diving, snorkeling and whale watching spots in the country, says, “Blu is as sea-farers would refer to the ocean and “Chaaya Blu Trincomalee” by name, will be pledged to promoting the rich offerings of the seas of Trinco to the world.”

Written by Savithri Rodrigo

Living - March 2010

Reverberating Rhythms - Talking Drums In Concert on the beach

The rhythmic tête-à-tête of eclectic beats will penetrate the southern air as the local maestros of drumming take the stage at Bentota Beach Hotel on Saturday, 27 February from 8.30 p.m. - 11.00 p.m.

The evening promises to be a refreshing break from the usual uniting a myriad of Sri Lankan drumming traditions from across the country and also featuring the well known ‘Elephant Foot’ and ‘Triloka’ with the aberrant flare of Pabalu.

Twenty handpicked young professionals from around the island will represent folk drumming from the Northern, Southern, Central and Sabaragamuwa traditions. Known collectively as 'Rhythms of the Isle', this group represents a rhapsody of Sri Lankan rhythms that tell the story of the age old tradition of percussion which is original and ecstatic.

'Triloka' lives up to its name of three worlds by amalgamating the traditions of Sri Lankan folk music, Indian raga, jazz and rock. The band officially entered the field in 2006 and since then Triloka has gained recognition not only for its distinctive beats but also for the use of unique musical instruments. The band partnership is made with Harshan Gallage on drums, Uvindu Perera on bass, Sarani Perera on guitar, Eshantha Peiris on Keyboards and Pabalu Wijegoonawardane on percussion.

As the night thickens rhythmic beats of the transcending styles of drumming will resonate. 'Elephant Foot', a collaboration created in the neighbouring shores of Hikkaduwa is influenced by the multitude of drumming styles found globally. Pioneering into the world of fusion drumming the irrefutable technique and talent of this group has won the nod of approval from many.

Be entertained by the multitude of talent displayed by the three performances and enjoy a night of the traditional rhythms and fusion drumming.

JOHN KEELLS HOTELS WINS GOLD AWARD FOR CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY

John Keells Hotels PLC won a Gold Award and was placed first in the ‘Hotels and Travel’ sector of the STING Corporate Accountability Index conducted by STING Consultants.

The STING Corporate Accountability Index evaluates companies across six key areas namely, Corporate Values, Stakeholder Engagement, Identifying impacts/risks and opportunities, Policy coverage, Management & governance and Measurement and disclosure which together are the foundations of holistic CSR. In each of these areas, companies are rated against a range of criteria that allow determining whether or not they have incorporated into their overall management approach the basic ingredients that are required to operate in an accountable and responsible manner.

Sustainability is fundamental in the way John Keells Hotels goes about its business and to this extent it continuously strives to make decisions which are advantageous not only to the organisation but also to all stakeholder groups. It is strongly believed that adding value to the stakeholders and the environment is of the utmost importance as they form the platform upon which the business success and sustainability of the organisation is built.

From a total of 66 companies assessed which included the LMD 50 companies, ten State Owned Enterprises and six other private organisations, John Keells Hotels was placed 9th in the overall ranking.

Reverberating rhythms – Talking Drums in concert on the beach

The rhythmic tête-à-tête of eclectic beats will penetrate the southern air as the local maestros of drumming take the stage at Bentota Beach Hotel on the 27th of February 2010 from 8.30 p.m. – 11.00 p.m. The evening promises to be a refreshing break from the usual uniting a myriad of Sri Lankan drumming traditions from across the country and also featuring the well known ‘Elephant Foot’ and ‘Triloka’ with the aberrant flare of Pabalu.

Twenty handpicked young professionals from around the island will represent folk drumming from the Northern, Southern, Central and Sabaragamuwa traditions. Known collectively as ‘Rhythms of the Isle’, this group represents a rhapsody of Sri Lankan rhythms that tells the story of the age old tradition of percussion which is original and ecstatic.

‘Triloka’ lives up to its name of three worlds by amalgamating the traditions of Sri Lankan folk music, Indian raga, jazz and rock. The band officially entered the field in 2006 and since then Triloka has gained recognition not only for its distinctive beats but also for the use of unique musical instruments. The band partnership is made with Harshan Gallage on drums, Uvindu Perera on bass, Sarani Perera on guitar, Eshantha Peiris on Keyboards and Pabalu Wijegoonawardane on percussion.

As the night thickens rhythmic beats of the transcending styles of drumming will resonate. ‘Elephant Foot’, a collaboration created in the neighbouring shores of Hikkaduwa is influenced by the multitude of drumming styles found globally. Pioneering into the world of fusion drumming the irrefutable technique and talent of this group has won the nod of approval from many.

Be entertained by the multitude of talent displayed by the three performances and enjoy a night of the traditional rhythms and fusion drumming.
For more details call John Keells Hotels Reservations 2439049 - 51

Chaaya Blu Trincomalee to open next year

A member of the John Keells Hotels Group, Club Oceanic Trincomalee has closed operations to undergo a complete refurbishment and expansion.
The 56-room Club Oceanic will receive a new look and theme by the design of master-architect Channa Daswatte and additional capacity to take its inventory to 80 rooms.
It is expected that the hotel will reopen in May 2010 as "Chaaya Blu Trincomalee" joining the "Chaaya Hotels and Resorts" family of five other 4-star resorts in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. An investment of Rs. 450 million will be committed to this development.
"Since the dawn of peace in Sri Lanka, the east coast has emerged strongly as the country's new tourism destination", said Executive Vice President of the John Keells Hotels Group and Sector head for Sri Lankan Resorts Jayantissa Kehelpannala.
"Trincomalee in particular is becoming increasingly accessible to local and foreign holiday-makers with the development of the road network, allowing them to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Uppuveli and Nilaveli, some of the best diving and snorkelling spots in the country and a host of other activities including yachting, angling and whale watching.
"Blu" is as seafarers would refer to the ocean and "Chaaya Blu Trincomalee, " will be pledged to promoting the rich offerings of the seas of Trinco to the world," he said.
"Having been involved in Sri Lankan tourism as a group for over 35 years, we are excited and enthused by the emergence of east-coast tourism.
We believe that Trincomalee has the potential to become one of the most sought-after destinations in the country and Chaaya Blu Trincomalee with its new retro-chic look will bridge the present deficit for quality 4-star accommodation," said Deputy Chairman John Keells Holdings and President of the Leisure Group Ajit Gunewardene. He said "The John Keells Hotels Group is proud to launch one of the first development projects towards promoting east-coast tourism.

Health camp by bentota beach hotel

On Sunday the 8th of November 2009 Bentota Beach Hotel, member of the John Keells Hotels Group, initiated a specialized health camp at Sri Dharmavijayaramaya Temple in Bentota. The free health camp was held for the community living in the surrounding area as a part of the Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of the John Keells Hotels Group together with the Rotary Club of Colombo (Colombo Regency and Colombo Fort R.I. District 3220).
The medical team comprised consultant pediatricians, surgeons, general physicians, gynecologists and trained pharmacists, complemented and supported by a mobile blood-testing unit. Over 800 registered patients attended the medical camp while a further 100 unregistered patients were also treated due to the increased demand. Every patient who visited the health camp received the opportunity of obtaining free medical treatment and consultation from the specialists together with free medicine and refreshments.
The inauguration ceremony of the health camp commenced at 8.00 am at the temple in front of a large gathering with the participation of the management and staff of Bentota Beach Hotel, officials of the Rotary Club of Colombo Regency and Fort, a team of consultants, villagers and Dayaka Sabawa of the temple which was led by the Chief Priest.
The John Keells Hotels Group is committed to sustainable business practices and the development of the communities that are touched by its businesses. As a leading institution in the area, Bentota Beach Hotel is concerned about the health, education and environmental issues of its community, in line with these sustainable business principles.

History of Christmas Cake; mixing of the traditional Christmas cake at Bentota Beach Hotel

The Christmas cake as we know today comes from two customs which were merged into one around 1870 in Victorian England. Originally there was a porridge, the origins of which go back to beginnings of Christianity. Then there was a fine cake made with the finest milled wheat flour, which used to be baked only by richer families. This is because not all homes would have had ovens at that time.

Originally people used to eat a sort of porridge on Christmas Eve. It was a dish to line the stomach after a day`s fasting, which people used to observe for Christmas Eve. Gradually, they began to put spice, dried fruits, honey etc; for the porridge to make it a special dish for Christmas. Much later, it was turned into a pudding, because it got to be so stiff with all the fruits and things that they would tie it in a cloth, and dunk it into a large cauldron of boiling water and boil it for many hours. This turned into Christmas pudding.

Later around the 16th century, it became popular to add butter, replace the oatmeal with wheat flour and add eggs to hold it together better. All Christmas cakes were made in advance. Many make them in November, keeping the cake upside down in an airtight container. A small amount of brandy, sherry or whisky is poured into holes in the cake every week until Christmas. This process is called `feeding` the cake.

Christmas in Sri Lanka is celebrated in the true Lankan style and with great enthusiasm. Sri Lanka shares to some extent the cultural history and environmental features characterizing so much of South Asia. The first sign of Christmas celebrations in the Island nation dates back to many centuries, when Sri Lanka (Ceylon) was ruled by the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch and finally by the British.

At Bentota Beach Hotel, an iconic resort world famous for its architectural marvel, Christmas celebrations have always been looked forward to with great enthusiasm and held in grand scale.
Traditional mixing of the cake has been a key event with the whole team – management and all levels of staff getting together eagerly as one family to do the honours. The cake is made to a closely guarded recipe unique to the hotel, which has been passed down by succeeding chefs, and final baking of the cake is done with meticulous care looking into all finer details.

The mixing of the traditional Christmas cake at Bentota Beach Hotel was held in the pontoon whilst cruising on Bentota River. It was held in a unique manner with the participation of the management and three staff members from each individual department, which reflected the true spirit of unity and brotherhood.

Marlon Roberts - Assistant Manager, Bentota Beach Hotel

Luxury by the Beira Birth of ‘Cinnamon Lakeside’ - Sanath W

‘Cinnamon Lakeside’ previously known as Trans Asia Hotel opened its doors last Monday, poised to set a new standard in the hospitality industry in Sri Lanka.

The transformation that has now taken place gives the hotel a new aura and ambience; a sensitive character and liberating spaces, making it truly the unique resort city hotel of the prestigious Cinnamon brand of hotels and resorts, the most preferred hospitality brand in the country today.

The team responsible for the refurbishment headed by JKH Leisure Sector Projects and LAN Management Development Service, Vasantha Ratnayake, Consultancy Services, interior designers Bent Severin and Associates PTE Limited, Singapore, DDN Design (Pvt) Limited, Taru i.e., the branding team headed by Shafeek Wahab and Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo have managed to achieve their goal in the short span of three and a half months.

‘The investment in refurbishing Trans Asia and re-launching it under the Cinnamon brand with new rooms, a completely different look to its lobby and an array of unique lakeside dining options will enable the hotel to position itself among the premium accommodation providers in the city while catering to multiple tiers of the market' said Susantha Ratnayake, the Chairman of the John Keells Group.

'Today, with the 501-room Cinnamon Grand Colombo having well-established itself as the best five-star in Colombo, and a newly refurbished Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo offering the business traveller a unique environment of leisure within the city, the John Keells Group simply awaits to greet the tourism potential of post-conflict Sri Lanka’ he added.

Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo borders on the Beira Lake, giving guests an opportunity to enjoy an unparalleled al fresco dining experience in the heart of the busy, bustling city .

Indulgence is the key to everything the hotel offers and the changes brought about by the renovation are no exception. They include new restaurants, a classy bar, and refurbished rooms with a stunning view of the lake. The ballroom has been restored to its original glory with stunning chandeliers and new carpet and furnishings, allowing patrons to have their functions catered at their favourite venue. Azmaara Spa will be the latest addition to the hotel's guest facilities, offering a range of the finest spa treatments to suit every guest.

The hotel's main lobby sees a significant change with brand-new flooring, walls and furniture, creating an atmosphere of warmth coupled with a delightful interplay of light and shadow. The main entrance to the hotel and doors leading to the garden and pool area has been changed to sheer glass doors to give guests a stunning view of the lake and pool. The ballroom has stunning chandeliers and new furnishings. The Azmaara' Spa will be the latest addition to the hotel's guest facilities.

'7o North, the new restaurant and bar, offers both a stylishly casual al fresco dining experience by the Beira Lake and an air- conditioned exclusive indoor bar.

Also new are ‘The Dining Room’, a chic, 24-hour coffee shop that offers both international and Asian fare; and The Lounge, the lobby lounge, with its daily High Tea, varied entertainment and dessert trolley each night.

Meanwhile, the popular restaurants, Royal Thai, Long Feng, Goodies, Pool Bar and The Library will continue as usual.