Sri Lanka Tourism Blog

Nature, Culture, Luxury… a Lifestyle!

The newest and most ambitious project of Jetwing Hotels, located within 5km of the ‘8th Wonder of the World’-Sigiriya- is the creation of a truly ‘Lifestyle Hotel’. Sigiriya, located within the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka is famous for its rich history and Sri Lankan heritage. Vil Uyana situated within view of Sigiriya rock, on the flatlands that stretch to the west, integrates into an ancient plan - a plan to irrigate, in the tradition of the Sinhala kings.

The introduction of a wetland on reclaimed agricultural lands within the Dry Zone, provides the unique backdrop for this exciting new property. Inspired from local and rural traditions.

A private nature reserve provides a haven for wildlife and a setting of peace and tranquility. The hotel is possibly the first in the world to construct a wetland system with lakes and reed beds to form a private nature reserve.

This has allowed for the first time in Sri Lanka for rooms to be built over water. Centered around water bodies are parklands and woodlands, designed for leisure; an extension of the ancient practice of planning gardens for pleasure.

A challenge has been overcome, for the conversion of Dry Zone chena lands formed by slash & burn agriculture, to a seasonal wetland (land that is inundated by water for part of the year). The colonization of the new habitats by local fauna and flora has been accelerated by the planting of reed beds and groves of trees.

5 acres of land was used to re-grow paddy using traditional methods of farming and harvesting, providing a new and exciting feature. Rooms have been placed within the paddy fields, thereby giving the guest a unique opportunity of participating in both the farming and harvesting if they wished; yet another first in Sri Lanka! The regeneration of the forested groves create a feeling of ultimate privacy and seclusion in the Forest Lodges, the largest of the Chalets.

The tastefully designed rooms boast space as its hallmark of luxury. Dine in the privacy of your room or ‘under the stars’ or simply relax and pamper yourself at the Island Spa with a range of treatments to choose from.

The many components of the ecosystem will be subject to continuous monitoring. The hotel is unique in building a research facility from inception. Comfortable accommodation will be provided to researchers locally and internationally, overcoming one of the key logistics hurdles to field work. The research center also has a library, a room for laboratory based work and a computer room. The guest will be a participant in the metamorphosis of tourism as a champion of conservation. The environmental awareness will be an important aspect of a new ethos.

As part of Jetwing’s responsibility towards local communities an English teaching program is being held in two Buddhist temples located near Vil Uyana. Namely, Rotawewa and Kimbissa. Unemployed youth now attend these classes where they are trained to read, write and speak English. Halfway through their 6 months training they will receive hotel craft training in a field selected from Hotel Housekeeping, Reception, Restaurant & Bar and Cookery. The objective of the initiative is to make them gainfully employable. Some of them will have the opportunity to join Jetwing while others can look for employment in other companies in Sri Lanka or even overseas.

Whether it is the nature lover in you or the task of ‘finding yourself again’ treat yourself to an experience…come be part of the lifestyle!

This prestigious property is scheduled to be opened in Autumn 2006.

25 Tastefully appointed Chalets set in 3 distinct ‘habitats’:

7 Water Pavilions 1030 Sq. Ft (Dining Deck 200 Sq. Ft)

6 Paddy Field Villas 1030 Sq. Ft (Dining Deck 200 Sq. Ft and Plunge Pool 200 Sq.Ft)

2 Marsh Villas 1030 Sq. Ft (Dining Deck 200 Sq. Ft and Plunge Pool 200 Sq. Ft)

10 Forest Lodges 2100 Sq. Ft (Private Pool)

Spread Over 24 Acres of Land

Location:

169 km from Colombo (About a 4 ½ hr drive)

153 km from the International Airport (About a 4 hour drive)

Tree of Life Hotel, is a place where nature takes pride of place. Set in 64 acres of idyllic surroundings at Yahalatenna, Kandy the draw of nature’s tranquility is hard to resist.The mere sight of the splendid location will put your mind and body instantly at ease, wiping out the stress and strain of the life and the day to day rat race.

The Tree of Life is an eco friendly hotel worthy of its nature. The hotel has a unique architectural style, a fusion of colonial features and an openness to nature married in surrounding that are untouched by artificial landscaping.

Surrounded by 700 acres, of land the hotel has a rich history. The old wing was once an estate bungalow built during the colonial era, over 100 years ago.

The hotel is covered by a green carpet of vegetation with the ‘Knuckles’ mountain range providing a magnificent backdrop adding to the beauty and serenity of the scene.

As for the creature comforts of Tree of Life there are 40 luxurious rooms, equipped with TV/Hot, Cold water bath plus private balcony, which offers a guest a panoramic view of the encircling hills. To many this is indeed a romantic setting among the foliage and is ideal for both honeymooners and nature lovers. The hotel has two restaurants, adjacent to the large and beautiful swimming pool. They offer exquisite Sri Lankan and Western cuisine.

A plunge into the crystal clear water of the hotel’s swimming pool which commands a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape is sure to invigorate anyone.

You can chill out in the billiard room or party the night away at the in-house disco or emerge yourself in Ayurvedic herbal treatment the last work in luxury. The hotel’s experienced masseurs will sooth your stress and tension away.

There are mountain bike outings or you may join a trained hiking guide. And that not all, the songs of the wide varieties of birds might tempt you to go bird watching at the Tree of Life.

Conference and workshop groups will find the fully equipped conference hall just the place for brain storming. Manager Timothy Paldano takes care of every individual guest to make his/her stay at Tree of Life memorable. The latest addition to Hotel Tree of Life is four modern Villas.

‘Magul Maduwa’ overlooking the hotel’s beautiful swimming pool is also another addition to Tree of Life. This has become extremely popular for weddings due to its beautiful setting.

Tree of Life is certainly a honey mooner’s paradise due to its romantic setting, Managing Director Tree of Life Shelly Tehenuwara said.

At a time when tourist arrivals are low, we are thankful to the local clientele who have always patronised Tree of Life. We have a large honeymoon market through word of Mouth’. Manager, Timothy Paldano said. Their recommendation of the hotel is highly accepted because the hotel runs to ‘Packed Houses’ on Nekath Days.

Hotel staff have been trained at Tree of Life and posted to the restaurants and Ayurvedic Centre in Japan, thereby giving employees and opportunity to work in Japan Thenuwara said.

Tree of Life is a Japan/Sri Lanka venture and is a Green Globe certified hotel.It won the prestigious President’s Environment Award. – 2005