Travel

Allianz Lanka relaunches travel insurance

Allianz Lanka relaunched its Travel Insurance policy with a unique Home Safety feature that takes care of the traveller's home while he is on his travels overseas. The burglary cover, provided free of charge, protects his home against burglary that may occur as a result of breaking and entering the premises in his absence.

The Allianz Lanka Travel Insurance policy also protects the traveller while he is away, from the devastating effects of a range of situations that could occur during overseas travel, which can result in both financial loss as well as emotional trauma, and ruin an otherwise enjoyable and productive trip. A wide range of benefits put the traveller's mind at rest whilst travelling overseas on business or pleasure.

The policy meets the cost of purchasing replacement items, should the traveller's personal baggage be lost at any time during his travels, or if checked in baggage is delayed.

He is also compensated for expenses incurred if the aircraft for travel from Sri Lanka is delayed beyond the scheduled departure time, or he misses a connecting flight for reasons beyond his control, and also for each consecutive day's delay if the aircraft in which he is travelling is hijacked.

The loss of a passport while overseas can prove not only traumatic, but expensive as well.

The Allianz travel insurance policy also meets all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred to obtain a duplicate passport or other valid travel document in such a situation. Cashless hospitalisation anywhere in the world and related expenses, as well as the cost of emergency medical evacuation to a hospital are some of the medical benefits offered. The policy also provides Personal Accident benefits.

The Allianz Travel Policy is a 'must' for the ardent golfer, as it reimburses expenses incurred when celebrating his achievement of a hole in one, anytime during his trip overseas.

Parents, too are given peace of mind with a special plan designed for students travelling abroad for studies, which meets tuition and school fees should an accident occur to the sponsor, and also covers the expenses of a visit by a member of the student's family.

The frequent traveller is also well taken care of, with an annualised policy that enables him to travel as frequently as he wishes to, without the hassle of obtaining a travel policy every time.

Amila from Habarana Cinnamon wins Wine Sommelier Competition

Amila Uddika Dissanayake attached to Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, was adjudged the E & J Gallo Winner Sommelier Champion at the Wine Appreciation Programme held at Cinnamon Grand recently. He was awarded a shield and certificate for his outstanding performance in sommelier skills.

He said the strenuous training he received at the hotel was the key to success. Sri Lankans are poor wine drinkers and the main reason for this is the myth that Wine is expensive. "Wine is more cheap than spirits as they have to be accompanied with other drinks," he said.

Amila joined Habarana Lodge as a trainee steward two and half years ago. With the re-branding of Habarana Lodge as Cinnamon Lodge Habaran, the butler service was introduced as a value addition and Amila was selected for this training, purely on his performance since joining the hotel.

Though a steward and butler, Amila was also selected by the training team to the development squad of Cinnamon Lodge for the Bartenders' competition. He is expected to engage in training in the Maldives as well.

Hailing from Amila was among 300 other participants who took part in the programme that was held for over three months and 26 other participants qualified for the semi final.

In the semi-final round, the participants, in addition to being trained in Colombo for four days on wine tasting by the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism, were tested on aroma tasting and identifying and describing particular wines.

He was then among the top 12 who were chosen for the finals at which he was able to outdo the other contestants with his knowledge on sales skills, pairing wine and food, service of wine, convincing ability and character of wines, among a few other important aspects. In second place was Hilton Colombo, while Taj Exotica came in third.

Surf and Turf at Trans Asia

"Surf and Turf" will commence at Trans Asia from March 19 onwards. The kitchen brigade's amazing idea will be at the Terrace, which boasts an incredible atmosphere. Surf and Turf as explained by a spokesperson of the hotel comprises meats marinated in different sauces, and a combination of meats pierced on a skewer and grilled.

For instance, you could have cubes of marinated chicken with prawns on a skewer, or prawns with beef, or chicken and beef, and several other combinations. The skewer is served with three different dips and vegetables.

Grilled vegetables skewers can also be ordered from an a la carte menu in March.