A View From The Top

Bin-Vino, an all-exhilarating experience by any standard:

Front view of Bin-Vino hotel

It sits all by itself on the summit of a single mountain off the new Nuwara Eliya, Doluwa Road over-looking the vast expanse of the Dumbara valley with a view of Sri Pada, Utuwankanda which is all the way in Mawanella and a close view of the Ambuluwana Temple which sits atop of a neighbouring mountain.

This newest small luxury property consisting of 25 rooms well appointed with a Mini Bar, DVD player, TV and tea-coffee making facility, opens up onto balconies; giving you a view of all the above mountainous sights.

The hotel which is just a 30 minute drive from the Kandy City, is an ideal location for adventure seekers who enjoy Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing or Nature Trekking which is ideal with the presence of a large number of birds in the vicinity.

With the culinary department coming under the much experienced Chef- Manager Seneviratne Banda, it is evident that things cannot go wrong in a hurry at all. The food served, both eastern and western, is prepared with uttermost care maintaining the best of hygienic standards.

Since its inception recently the hotel has become a popular place with honeymooners who can enjoy the privileges of a special package all year round and a special introductory offer that is currently on for this season for groups and families.

Bin-Vino is a place surrounded by extra doses of serenity and privacy which many other hotels in the Central Province lacks. It is a brand new architect built property and offers the best for you to experience and revere for sometime amidst you travel and holiday experiences.

The hotel is managed by Tasks Leisure which can be contacted on www.bin-vino.com


Watch the story of Mt. Lavinia unravelled on Channel EYE

JULY 14th 2006 was a special day for Britishers, Ian Maitland and Henry Brownrigg. Not only were they holidaying in Sri Lanka, they were taking a trip on the Viceroy Special, the ancient steam engine named Maitland, from Maradana railway station to Mount Lavinia station and by it re- tracing the steps of the ancestors.

Who are Ian Maitland and Henry Brownrigg, what was their purpose and why the trip to Mount Lavinia. You will find the answers in the twenty five minute documentary developed by Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation to be telecast on Saturday 23rd December at 8 p.m on Channel Eye.

One of Sri Lanka's oldest hotels is a former British Governor's mansion, built in 1806, on a stunning promontory overlooking the Indian Ocean. Now the mansion is 200 years and one of Sri Lanka's national heritages.

A book titled "Mount Lavinia - the Governor's Palace" (compiled by Ms. Shevanthie Goonasekera on behalf of "Paradise Isle Publications", a publication house based in London, managed and owned by two Sri Lankans) was released earlier on this year, capturing the history of Mount Lavinia including the much inspired passion between the former Governor Maitland and a local dancer named Lovina Aponsuwa.

Shevanthie anchors the programme and describes all the events that have taken place in the mansion in past 200 years, describing some very important incidents that have now been chronicled in the history of Sri Lanka.

This stately residence from its inception in 1806, built by the second Governor of Sri Lanka, Sir Thomas Maitland, as his country residence is steeped in history.

The building, a symbol of the British Empire, still stands, imposing and resilient; a building that followed the ebb and tide of the British Empire, revelling in its days of glory and weathering in its decline, yet remaining a perfect reminder of Ceylon's colonial past.

Make a date with Channel Eye on 23rd December at 8 p.m for a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka's colonial past.


Festive packages from Bandarawela Holiday Home

BANDARAWELA Holiday Home is offering special discounted festive packages specially to Sri Lankans and expatriates from December 20 to January 20, 2007.

'We are targeting school holidays' Managing Director, Bandarawela Holiday Home, S. Jeganathan said.

This will be an ideal opportunity for Sri Lankan families to spend a memorable holiday in the cool climes of Bandarawela during the festive season, Jeganathan said.

Bandarawela Holiday Home stands at a scenic location at the peak of Senanayake Mawatha, Bandarawela, overlooking lush tea plantations and waterfalls.

It is an ideal spot for a typical family outing, and for honeymooners due to its romantic location and climate.

All guest rooms offer modern facilities at affordable prices, Jeganathan said.


Christmas at Ceylon Continental

Ceylon Continental Hotel, Colombo will celebrate Christmas this year on a grand scale.

Wine and dine in style on December 24, at a special Christmas Eve dinner buffet from 7 p.m. to midnight, at the Cafe Emerald Coffee Shop of the Ceylon Continental. The hotel will offer special traditional dishes to make your Christmas Eve a memorable one.

A "Merry Christmas", in Ceylon Continental Style at the Cafe Emerald. A Christmas Brunch and Christmas Dinner Buffet, with a wide spread of delicious cuisine, is on the cards for December 25 night. The "Tandoor" Indian Restaurant will offer a special 'A la carte' Christmas menu on December 25, from 7 p.m. until midnight.

A 'Boxing Day' special lunch buffet is on the cards from December 26.

Usher in the New Year on December 31 night at the Cafe Emerald of the Ceylon Continental at a special New Year's Eve dinner buffet from 7 p.m. until mid night. Feast your eyes on a selection of North Indian delights at the Tandoor Indian Restaurant on December 31, from 7 p.m. to midnight.

'Lets rock around the Christmas Tree, with perfect harmony. Festive beverages will keep you in the right spirit all season long. Sip traditional Christmas Cocktails and Mocktails and get into the festive mood.

Most popular brands in attendance throughout the Christmas week. 'Friends' will provide scintillating music on Thursday and Friday at the Hist. Live Fashion shows with leading models too are on cards during the festive season.

The sound of happiness and joy. Listen to and join in the harmonious voices of the Bishop's College choir to welcome Christmas on December 22 and 23 at the hotel's Lobby from 7.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. All are welcome, says a spokesman for Ceylon Continental Hotel.


'Moods of Christmas' at Cinnamon Grand

Enjoy an evening out with the whole family at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo as Soundarie David and her internally acclaimed choir 'Soul Sounds' presents an enchanting musical tribute to the many Moods of Christmas on December 21 at 7.30 p.m. at the Atrium Lobby.

Held for the third consecutive year, this musical tribute to Christmas will give an opportunity for the whole family to sit and enjoy some of the seasons's best loved carols. What better way to usher in the season of goodwill and cheer?

Traditional Christmas specialties-Minced Pies and Mulled wine will also be served to spread the Christmas cheer! That's not all Santa will make a special visit especially for the kids!


Christmas Specials from Galadari

Galadari Hotel is offering its guests a wide selection of Seasonal Takeaways from December 15-31. Honey Lemon Chicken, Prime Rib of Beef, Baked Modha Szechuan, Seafood Fantasy, Roast Leg of Lamb, Chicken Roast to Perfection, are some of the takeaways that are being offered.

Traditional Christmas goodies including a delicious range of traditional Christmas cakes, puddings, cookies, Christmas cake, Yule Log, Love Cake, Dutch Breudher, Traditional Christmas Pudding, English Fruit Cake, Christmas Stollen, Danish Cookies, are some of the Christmas cakes that are being offered by the hotel.

In addition, Santa Mini Chocolate, Santa's Face, Chocolate, and a wide selection of delicious chocolates are being offered until December 31.


Hotel Ceysands, Aluthgama, has made elaborate plans to celebrate the festive season on a grand scale.

Celebrations will begin on December 24 with a Santa's Christmas Cocktail Promotion, followed by a candle light outdoor gala International buffet dinner, with live music.

The dinner will go on until the wee hours of December 25 with a host of surprises and prizes, Director/General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Hotel Ceysands, Dulip de Alwis said.

On Christmas day, the hotel will offer its guests a gala Christmas breakfast buffet and a traditional Christmas lunch buffet with live music.

'Santa's Global Cuisine', an International dinner buffet is on the cards for December 25 night with live music, with many competitions. Winners will be presented valuable prizes, says de Alwis.

Celebrations on December 31 will begin with a 'Goodbye 2006' Cocktail promotion, followed by a gala 31st night dinner dance.

An International Buffet with a wide spread of delicious food items will be offered to guests. A raffle draw, 'Lucky Room Number' draw, selection of the best dancing couple, Baila competition, and many more competitions too are on the cards.

The highlight of the night will be the selection of the Ceysands Queen. A grand fireworks display too has been planned for the week hours of 2007, says Assistant Manager, Hotel Ceysands, Maximus Waragoda.

Special seasonal Theme Nights too have been planned by Hotel Ceysands until December 31, with a host of entertainment and prizes, says Maximus.


New menu at Number 18

HAPPENINGS: As the festive season kicks off, Number 18 brings together the joys of Christmas and the celebration of a New Year with all inclusive set menus that encompass the flare and surprise.

The new menu has been delicately prepared with much pain and care by the restaurant's Executive Chef, Uditha Iroshan Wijewardana, who will tantalise the taste buds with a mixture of cuisine from around the world along with your treasured favourites.

Some of the items included in the menu are Pan fried foir grass with figs and tamarillo salsa, Asparagus with mushroom and truffle, Roast duck, Australian Wagyu beef, Date and ginger pudding and Gin and tonic jelly.

There are 34 mouth-watering dishes to satisfy the most discerning diner. To experience the truly, exciting international menu be at Number 18 at Cambridge Place, this season.


Festive celebrations at Fingara

'Stars of Joy' Festive celebrations at Fingara Town and Country Club begins on Thursday December 21, with carols by 'Candle Light' at which all members are expected to participate.

This will be followed by a special dinner buffet with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine.

A special festive 'Waffles and Pancakes' promotion will be held every Friday and Saturday throughout the festive season. Special snacks will be offered to kids at the 'Kids Club' on December 21.

A gala Christmas eve festive dinner buffet will be offered to guests on December 24 night, with a complimentary glass of wine.

A family lunch is on the cards for Christmas day, with a wide spread of delicious cuisine in the form of a lunch buffet.

Here too a complimentary glass of wine will be offered. A 'Yuletide' dinner buffet has been planned for December 25 night, with a complimentary glass of wine.

A grand International Buffet dinner with live music has been planned for December 31, with a host of prizes and surprises. All guests will receive a complimentary glass of wine.

Santa's Ginger Hut Goodies too will be offered to guests until December 31, say food and Beverage Manager, Adrian Gomez.

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