- Sri Lankan hotel has Irish flavour
- 28 bedroom boutique hotel
- Holidays wil help aid local orphanage
Olcote in Ceylon hotel launched earlier this summer, a new hotel in Sri Lanka with a strong Irish accent.
Sri Lankan Irish entrepreneur Tess de Kretser, whose celebrity lifestyle included a marriage to Cathal Ryan, launched her boutique hotel in Colombo, Olcote in Ceylon, at an event in Dublin.
The hotel is 40 minutes outside the Sri Lankan capital Colombo, four hours from the heritage sites of Krabi (fire dance, temple of the tooth) and within reach of other tourist favourites such as Sigiriya lion rock. Dambulla rock temple, Polonnaruwa (with its monkeys), Pinnewala elephant orphanage, Anuradhapura Buddha temples, Mirissa Turtle Hatchery, and Galle fort, occupied by each of the colonialists who took control of the island for 150 years each, the Portuguese, Dutch and English.
At the launch Tess de Ketser described how she had to take on the male dominated Sri Lanka building federation. She reminded guests that part of their room tariff would go to help a loal orphanage: we make sure nobody is turned away. Listen here.
Guests at the hotel can have their children looked after by Tess’s personal nanny, Kavitha Sellathurai, who is also the housekeeper. She was joined at the launch by Manoj Silva, her business partner, and his family, Renuka, Rishitha, Minoshaand and Shevon. Sri Lankan dancers who were flown in from London and a trio of musicians, Celtic Grace (Tom Dalton, Liz Murrayand Matteo Villano an Irish traditional musician from Torino)
One stop options to Sri Lanka include Emirates, Etihad, Sri Lankan and Turkish
- See www.olcoteinceylon.com
- Watch here Tess de Kretser interviewed about the service levels in her new hotel
Watch here Tess de Kretser public speech about her new hotel near Colombo sat the launch for the travel trade in Dublin. - Listen here to Tess de Kretser speaking at the event.
- See more pictures here or connect with the album on Facebook.
A written release said:
Sri Lankan native Tess de Kretser, who has lived in Ireland for almost 35 years, today launched a new boutique hotel located in the heart of the beautiful Sri Lankan countryside, Olcote in Ceylon ,in Dublin.
A labour of love, this stunning hotel boasts eight luxury ensuite double bedrooms, an extensive pool and Jacuzzi area, exotic gardens and, of course, sunshine. An acronym for Our Little Corner of the Earth, the special meaning behind Olcote in Ceylon’s name reflects its atmosphere of intimacy, relaxation and sanctuary, and guests can expect to be immersed in traditional Sri Lankan culture, cuisine and hospitality throughout their stay.
Dating back to the 1930s, the property was lovingly restored and extended by Tess and her loyal team to create a unique Sri Lankan paradise for all to enjoy, from couples and families to weddings and honeymoons with an exotic twist. A beautiful al fresco dining area is ideal for family get-togethers or romantic candle-lit meals, and the skilled chef also holds cooking classes for those who’d like to learn about traditional methods of cooking, the local food markets and seasonable produce.
Resident housekeeper Kavitha will be happy to look after the younger ones while parents enjoy a soak in the Jacuzzi, indulge in some much-needed relaxation by the pool or sample the local nightlife, and bicycles are readily available for the more adventurous. Explore the local area and discover some rural villages for a taste of authentic Sri Lankan life, or visit the larger town of nearby Piliyandala with its thriving market.
Unmissable one or multi-day excursions, some with overnights, are also available to some of the most beautiful areas surrounding the Olcote. These can be discussed and organised with tour director Manoj, and include a mountain/tea plantation trip to the city of Kandy, shopping and sightseeing in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo, a climb up the ancient rock and eighth wonder of the world, S.giriya, animal safaris and boat trips to the Bentota Lagoon for crocodile watching The hotel itself is a haven for wildlife, with monkeys, squirrels and colourful birds aplenty in the private gardens, as well as a 300 year-old Tamarind tree and a small patch of tea bushes used to make delicious organic tea. WiFi is also available throughout the hotel for those who want to share this extraordinary holiday with those back home.
Tess and her team are looking forward to welcoming Irish visitors to Olcote in Ceylon – living in Ireland for over three decades has given Tess a strong understanding of Irish holidaymakers and has used her first-hand experiences to create this home away from home. Tess has also named the hotel bedrooms after Irish places she has lived including Maynooth, Sandymount, Cabinteely and Ballsbridge, and even her hotel bar has an Irish twist.
Prices include breakfast, light lunch and dinner, and guests can choose between sumptuous Sri Lankan delicacies or more familiar Western options. Transfers to and from the airport are also included. Prices start from €2,000 all-inclusive for a couple staying for a week – or why not exclusively rent the entire hotel for your family, wedding or honeymoon for just €3,500 per week all inclusive.
