Heaven meets luxury living
Listed as one of the seven most beautiful beaches in the world, the fishing village of Unawatuna is the magnificent beach frontage of the mysterious Rumassala Forest, the beautiful hill off renowned Galle Harbour, which was known as
‘Buono Vista’ (magnificent view). Unawatuna is an ideal holiday destination for both the budget minded as well as the more up market traveller. Rumassala hill offers what are arguably the best coastal views – ‘jungle beach’ from North and west, while tranquil Unawatuna Bay from the South side. Both the forests and the ocean around Rumassala along with world famous Unawatuna are rich in biodiversity.
Sited by the rough waves with rocky outcrop of the ocean and by the rocky slope of Rumassala Hill, beautifully designed twin heaven- ‘Thaproban Pavilion Resort and Spa’ and ‘Thaproban Pavilion Wave’ offer spectacular views across the Galle Harbour and Dutch Fort. Started in 2012, ‘Thaproban Pavilion Resort and Spa’ is the first Pavilion project initiated by Managing Director Preshan Dissanayake of Tambapanni Leisure Group. ‘Thaproban Pavilion Wave’ was completed in 2015 to bring the total room strength to 43.
With the blend of the Dutch and Roman architecture, Thaproban Pavilion Resort and Spa offers elegantly furnished luxurious resort living in 16 duplex suites designed to take advantage of the magnificent backdrop of the Unawatuna rocky outcrop.
‘Each spacious bedroom boasts of having two king size double beds on two levels and breathtaking and spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. The duplex features two comfortably furnished rooms with en-suite bathrooms, televisions and other amenities’ said Shelton Weeramanthri, the General Manger of ‘Thaproban Pavilion and Waves’. All 27 double rooms of the Pavilion Waves wing embrace with luxury interior, exclusive materials, modern amenities, own home entertainment system and an unrestricted view over the beach and beyond.
‘Also this is an ideal honeymoon destination. But we do not encourage weddings here’ said GM Weeramanthri.
‘Taproban Pavilion and Wave boast of having two large swimming pools and also offer many culinary facilities to enrich guests’ stay in Unawatuna. The rock carved private bathing area is a popular place on the beach for the ‘Wave’.
‘Unawatuna is popular for budget or low cost travellers. But I think the time has come to market Unawatuna as an up market destination. We have the capability of offering luxury living. There are a few other high end properties that have come up in Unawatuna. These resorts offer star class facilities’ explained MD Dissanayake.
Like everything else, cuisine plays a major role in the Hotel. Nothing beats a good Lankan rice and curry, they say. Boasting personalised room service, this resort also provides guests with a restaurant that features all major cuisines. ‘From our traditional cuisine to a hot and authentic rice and curry along with a whole range of Sri Lankan dishes are the main attractions.
Western, Continental, Far Eastern, Italian, Mexican dishes and Chinese cuisine are popular on the menu and could be prepared by our experienced team of chefs’ said Kavishka Fernando, the Resident Manager. The main restaurant and sitting areas are designed to provide a magnificent view of the ocean. The chef offers to arrange an open area dining on special occasions. Excursions and tours are another attraction of ‘Taproban Pavilion Resort and Spa. Unawatuna, an attractive sandy bay popular for lounging and snorkelling, virtually deserted palm-fringed beaches of Jungle beach, Dalawella, Talpe and Mirissa are also a very short distance away and heaven for water sports lovers. ‘‘Whale and Dolphin watching in Mirissa is a half a day tour, which can be arranged on request’ said Weeramanthri.
Apart from Galle Fort and other colonial places, other attractions include Kottawa Rainforest, spice and cinnamon plantations and the tea plantation at Hinduangoda that produces the world’s most expensive white tea. The Martin Wickramasinghe Museum and turtle hatchery at Kosgoda, Madol Duwa in Koggala, stilt fishermen at Ahangama, the Blow Hole in Tangalle and the temples in Yatagala and Rumassala are also interesting places to visit.
