The Fortress Hotel, Red Dot’s favourite beach hotel on the south-west coast, is re-launching its “Lime Spa” in August 2008. The Lime Spa, managed by Per Aquum, manages the spas at Fortress in Sri Lanka and Huvafen Fushi, Maldives. Per Aquum has gone though a complete re-branding of all spas in the properties they manage.… Read More »

As the only member of the Red Dot team not allowed the joy of largely permanent living in Sri Lanka, the tension has been building. It’s been several months since I managed my last trip. So here I am, travelling vicariously, reading a Guardian travel section about the Art of Spontaneous Travel. It’s a very… Read More »

I went on a fantastic bike ride last week – organised by Idle Tours in conjunction with Kahanda Kanda, the boutique hotel overlooking Koggala Lake near Galle.  We met at KK at noon and had a swim in the beautiful infinity pool before sitting down for a sumptuous three course lunch and coffee.  After 3pm… Read More »

Two chefs from the famous River Café in London, visiting Sri Lanka on a 5 week surfing tour, took time out from the beach to cook a stunning 6 course dinner for 30 at The Dutch House in Galle. A starter of Inzimino, a dish involving chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, white wine and spinach, was followed… Read More »

Some good news for those of us worried about the preservation of our heritage. The Central Cultural Fund of Sri Lanka has initiated the establishment of an Archeological Museum, a long overdue facility for the magnificent attraction of Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This new museum would enhance the experience to Sigiriya and would allow the visitors… Read More »

Waking at 5:00am the day after New Year’s wouldn’t usually be my cup of tea. Having never been in a hot air balloon, however, I jumped at the chance. 11 of us made the effort, along with Justin, the pilot. A 15km drive inland from Galle delivered us to the take off site and the… Read More »

After a over 60 years since the last new species of Butterfly was recorded in Sri Lanka, Dr. Michael van der Poorten has recorded a new species of butterfly in Sri Lanka. The Orange Migrant (Catopsilia scylla) has never been recorded in Sri Lanka before and now brings the tally of Butterflies in Sri Lanka… Read More »

If you are keen visiting somewhere off the beaten track and you like wildlife and walking, considering visiting the Namal Uyana (Ironwood Forest) in the Cultural Triangle. Visited by many locals everyday, Namal Uyana is seldom visited by foreigners. These 1005 hectares of Ironwood forest is famous for many reasons than just the large number… Read More »

On a trip down south recently, stopped for breakfast at Taru’s latest creation, Tamarind Hill which opened in December 2007.  Its 5 minutes inland off the main road just before you get to the Lighthouse Hotel in Galle.  It’s housed in a magnificent 200-year-old mansion with meandering verandahs, courtyards, and trellised awnings – typical of… Read More »

After three years of passing by its imposing gates wondering about the goings on inside, I was thrilled at the transformation of Tintagel once it opened its doors in December 2007.  Located at the corner of Rosmead Place and Wijerama Mawatha in Colombo 7, this new 10-bedroomed boutique hotel is the creation of Shanth Fernando,… Read More »