Tree of Life

Nature’s Paradise:

Beverley JANSZ

Tree of Life Hotel, is a place where nature takes pride of place. Set in 64 acres of idyllic surroundings at Yahalatenne, Kandy, the draw of nature’s tranquillity 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 city life and the day to day rat race.

The Tree of Life is an eco-friendly hotel worthy of its name. The hotel has a unique architectured style, a fusion of colonial features and an openness to nature married in surroundings 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 guests 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 word 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 thats 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, Tree of Life, Thimothy 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”

“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 Thenuwara 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”.

Paldano said that Hotel Tree of Life will be the co-sponsor for the Ayurvedic Exhibition to be held on September 7, 8 and 9 at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre, Colombo.

The hotel will exhibit their Ayurvedic strength. MD, Tree of Life, Thenuwara who was in Japan for a long period, has strong ties with Japan which has invested in the Tree of Life project. The hotel has also opened an Ayurvedic Centre and two restaurants in Japan.

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

Taj Airport Garden goes 24 x 7

Taj Airport Garden has announced the “ 24 x 7 “ concept beginning from July. The hotel’s Society Coffee Shop & In Room Dining, were among the first to adopt this concept. Since July 1, the Laundry, and the Hotel's’ Service Centre, Reservations, Business Centre and its Gymnasium have followed this 24 x 7 concept.

This means that all of the above outlets mentioned will remain open for 24 hours of the day seven days of the week.

This is indeed an awe-inspiring feat, being open 24 hours from Monday to Sunday would give both resident guests and visitors to the hotel the opportunity to sample any meal at the Society Coffee Shop, avail themselves of the speedy services of In Room Dining, have one’s laundry taken care at day or night, and unwind at any hour of the week at the Hotel’s Gymnasium.

This is a unique service that none can match, and which Taj Airport Garden Hotel is proud to present to its guests, says Sales and Accommodation Manager, Ashok Fernando.

The Heist at Ceylon Continental

Experience the musical extravaganza at the Heist of the Ceylon Continental Hotel Colombo. You could chill out after a hard day’s work and sip your favourite cocktail with relaxing music of your choice.

Enjoy scintillating piano music on Sundays and Tuesdays with Jayantha on Piano while Nalin with Romantic Organ music will come alive on Mondays, at Infinity - duo will perform every Wednesday night.

Sohan and the X - periments will perform on Thursday nights. Be there on Friday nights till 1.00 a.m. to catch the glimpse of the band “Kings with Mariazelle” a the Heist.

They will show their talents from 7 p.m. onwards. On Saturday nights you could enjoy “Sax on the rocks” live entertainment at the Heist, says the hotel’s Public Relations Executive, Onitha Gurugalla.

Enjoy a 50 per cent discount on selected beverages during the happy hour from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm and 11.00 p.m. to midnight throughout the week. A selection of beverages, exotic cocktails and mocktails and a range of delectable snacks will be on offer.

Guests could enjoy delicious snacks and bar bites such as Cheese toast, Stir fried Chicken, Roasted Cashew, Chicken winglet, Spicy Sri Lankan Omelette, Devilled Pork, Garlic Sausage and many more items.

Leading model’s in Sri Lanka take the ramp at the Heist of Ceylon Continental as Sharmini Seneviratne of Silk Wrap unfolds her latest creations. The fashion show will come alive every Friday night from 9.30 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.

Kotmale Holiday Resort Special ‘Group’ offers

Kotmale Holiday Resort, owned and managed by the Ceylon Hotels Corporation (CHC) is offering “group” rate specials (for 30 guests or more).”

This is a golden opportunity for company picnics, seminars and family outings at the lush sleepy valleys of Kotmale”, CHC Director (Marketing) Anushka Lovell said.

Package No. 1: Full board (Sharing twin) which includes welcome drink, accommodation, buffet launch, evening tea and cake, buffet dinner, and buffet breakfast, at a very attractive price.

Package No. 2: Half Board (sharing twin) which includes welcome drink”, accommodation, evening tea and cake, buffet dinner and buffet breakfast. Kotmale Holiday Resort is positioned among the lush sleepy valleys of Kotmale, a city famous for its dairy products.

Whether a scenic holiday or a day of activity, there is something for the entire family, at Kotmale Holding Resort, says Anushka.

Cafe Carlo - Downtown leisure dining

Experience a change in the usual dining experience at the latest additions to trendy dining at cafe Carlo housed at the famous Dilly’s on Bauddhaloka Mawatha (Bullers Road).

The trendy and stylish interior has added that extra touch of ambience for dinning. The place is mostly like a hide-out due to its compact nature away from the hustle and the noise.

Cafe Carlo is on two levels at Dilly’s with a superb compact menu comprising of little nibbles and moving to a good selection of sandwiches, salads, light meals that include Chicken teriyaki, Kathi kebab rolls and Beef lasagna to name a few.

Cold and hot bakes that includes cakes and gateaux and of course thirst quenchers from the beverage selection from fruit drinks to smoothies to vegetable juices.

The most popular beverage so far has been the smoothies and the runner up is Single estate tea. Cafe Carlo also accepts orders for Cakes, Pastries, Bakery Loaves etc. It is open from 10.00 a.m to 8.00 p.m on Fridays and Saturdays and the rest of the week from 10 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.

Hamburger promo at Galadari

Try the famous Galadari Hotel hamburgers at a promotion at the hotel’s Coffee Shop, until August 12, from 11.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m.

An A La Carte menu offers a variety of burgers, vegetarian and non vegetarian items, such as Burger Temptation - chicken burger griddle fried topped with roasted cadju nuts served on a toasted bun, Tantalizing Burger - Cheese sauce sealed in minced beef, griddle fried served on toasted onion bun, Galadari Jumbo Burger - Extra large triple decker beef burger, served on a toasted bun with home made tomato sauce, Jerk Chicken in Burger Bun - Seasoned chicken cooked in Jamaican jerk seasoning served on a toasted bun, Blue Water Burger - Combination of minced fish, celery, garlic, green chilli and crushed pepper topped with shoe lobster and shrimps served on a toasted peanut bun with, BBQ sauce.

Lamb Sensation - Ground Lamb mixed with spices topped with sweated onion and green pepper rings served on a toasted garlic bun.