Exclusively Aditya

Exclusively Aditya

I Know I was going to like Aditya when I phoned to ask to ask how to get there, and the young lady who answered thephone was polite, obliging and interested.I’ve encountered telephone receptionistsat five-star hotels, whose sole ability seems to be a capacity for inanity. Aditya immediayelydistinguished itself - even before I arrived - as having staff capable of coping with guests who aren’t packaged.

In Aditya’s brochure there is the catchy phrase captioning a photograph of a suite: “room for individuality.” With 12vast” eclectically-decorated suites (and a cating staff of 43) meals served where and whenever guest want, and no pressure to be oranised of entertained, Aditya is definitely for individulists.

The realisation that this a different place to stay(hotel isn’t the right word, but I suppose ‘boutique hootel’ conveys a sense of its dedication to hospitality) commences on the approach from the Galle road. This is down a narrow, granite-walled alley with no view on either side. Gates, manned by a uniformed guard, swing open as the vehicle approaches, and there is a couple of steps up to the lobby. On the left is a meandering rock pool which, I discovered later, is a feature of the decor of one of the suites.

The first impression is of an amazing amount of highly polished, smooth cement floor extending in different levels towards an extravagance of plants by the beach, and a stunning swimming pool. A dramatic Balinese four-poster bed commands a corner overlooking the pool, and one wants to whisper so as not to disturb the lounging guests. This clean-lined vista is softened by splashes of colour – from cushions, sunshades, glass oranments and, looking up, from a party of puppets suspended fromthe roof. A waterfall wall of glass lines a wooden staircase, and tiny lights sparkle above the lounge (one suite actually has its own galaxy lighting. the night sky portrayed on its ceiling).

Aditta is named after the solar deities in Hindu mythology and the suites follow suit with five Shanti (with a garden view), six Sagara (’soar penthouse). Each is unique in layout and design, but every one somehow combines a plunge pool, a private veranda or balcony, a large, woodne-floored bathroom partly open to the sky, and a cavernous bedroom with kingside bed and Oriental knickknacks. I was pleased to see that each has a writing desk,a gentle reninder that the suite life is not just for relaxation.

Spa treatment from a skilled therapiset is avalilable in each suite, and there is a gym for the energetic, a yoga room and a first floor library with books and DVDs for the in-suite players. Black and white photo-graphs of Sri Lankas, as well as reproduc- tions of 100 year-old postcards decorate the walls, and every corner reveals something fascinating. Even the apparent wilderness of the garden, with its gate access to the beach, is as carefully conceivedas the building’s desing.

Most visitors feel inspired to ask the name of the architect (Bernard Gomes), because the layout is so intriguing. The total land area is one acre, but with its different levels and staircases, the building seems to occupy much more space. Opened only a few months ago, Aditya has become very popular and is frequently fully-booked. Non-resident guests are welcome to dine there is an elegant open-sided restaurent and bar - as long as reservations are made in advance.

Getting to Aditya is easy. There is a sign on the landside just after the 104km post on the drive from Hikkaduwa to Galle, indicating the turn off down the alley. To take that turn is to learn what it’s like to be spoiled.

Aditya is at 719/1 Galle Road, Devenigoda,

Rathgama, Tel: +94 912267708,

Fax: +94 912267709; adityavilla@sltnet.lk;

www.aditya-resort.com

suite rates starts at US $185+++ with special

rates start for residents of Sri Lanka.

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