 A View From The Top
Bin-Vino, an all-exhilarating experience by any
standard:
Prasad Abu BAKR

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. |