Author: Charmaine Stephen

Posted on by Charmaine Stephen

Sri Lanka returns to normality, slowly but surely

The continuous support of our friends worldwide in the travel community have reminded us that despite the tragic events of Easter Sunday, Sri Lanka remains an island that many are anxious to return to as soon as possible.

This blog post will be updated frequently, and is intended to keep everyone – including the clients, both current and prospective, of our chief sponsor Red Dot Tours updates on the latest situation here on the island.

Saturday, 18th May 2019

The calm of Vesak Poya is upon us and the country has been quietly celebrating this important day in the Buddhist calendar, with much respect to those who lost their lives or loved ones in the recent events.…

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Posted on by Charmaine Stephen

With the support of our friends, Sri Lanka will unite

Dear Friends & Partners,

It is with a profound sense of sadness that we share this. You will by now have heard the news, have seen the distressing pictures flashed across your television screens, and will fully understand the scale of appalling tragedy that unfolded on this beautiful island on Easter Sunday. Words are rarely adequate when it comes to capturing the true emotions created by such events, but the human and personal stories in the media reports that have followed the initial breaking news could not have left our hearts heavier.

This tragedy is completely at odds with the true reality of modern Sri Lanka, a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society that has been enjoying an extended period of peace and growing prosperity in recent years.
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Posted on by Charmaine Stephen

Fighting the Galle Fort jams

Why Sri Lanka’s famed Fort needs fewer vehicles
The archway at one of the entrances to the Galle Fort
Photo credit: Sean Stephen

The Galle Fort is a treasure trove of history, beautiful cobbled streets and well-restored buildings. And amongst these narrow streets flanked with quaint eateries, gem merchants and local art shops, there are also a lot of vehicles that do the rounds. So, if you are someone who prefers to walk around the Galle Fort to take in the charismatic aura of this 16th century Dutch stronghold, you’ll soon realize that the number of four-wheelers and three-wheelers is excessive.…

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Posted on by Charmaine Stephen

Rock Villa strikes gold at Tourism Awards Ceremony

Rock Villa by Taru Villas, a 170-year-old Sri Lankan wallawwa set on a two-acre coconut grove bordering the Indian Ocean off Bentota, was recently named the Best Boutique Villa at the Sri Lanka Tourism Awards held in December.

With an offering of 6 rooms varying from Deluxe to Suites, Rock Villa oozes class and timeless character at every turn, creating a haven for guests. Rooms and common areas are decorated with Dutch-period antiques and soothing soft furnishings, blending a calm and inviting aura to the villa. The property also boasts direct beach access over a single track railway line at the end of the garden, so it’s worth keeping an eye if you do travel with kids.…

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