SET IN 20 ACRES OF COCONUT PALM GARDEN,

with the largest swimming pool in Sri Lanka, the Club Hotel Dolphin looks spectacular. The impressive, high-ceilinged, open reception area leads, through covered walkways, to groups of rooms which are well-positioned amongst the trees, around the long, winding swimming pool, and over- looking the sea.

All the public areas are large, light, open and tastefully decorated in neutral colours. The rooms, too, are well-decorated, with attractive woven fabrics, marble surfaces, and local terracotta tiles for the floor. All the rooms are air conditioned, 76 of them are standard double, and 50 are cottages with semi open air bathrooms.

This is a hotel with plenty of space for sports and entertainment and it makes good use of it. The overwhelming majority of guests are all-inclusive and the active, club atmosphere attracts a lot of young people. There are tennis and squash courts, archery, kayaking, water polo, table tennis, billiards and pool, as well as organised activities such as water aerobics with an enthusiastic young animation team.

Also in keeping with the club concept is the variety of entertainment in the evening, with organised shows taking place either in the garden or on the outdoor stage. The highlight of these is the spectacular fortnightly musical production of "The Lion King", performed under the stars by a visiting theatre group in magnificent costumes. The pool bar is also popular in the evening and for dancing there is "The Paparazzi" disco, with its own bar, karaoke, and an open air terrace.

As for food, all three meals are buffet, with a good variety and different theme nights. For all inclusive guests there are also snacks provided in the morning, afternoon and midnight. The Club Hotel Dolphin has a lot to offer. The sports facilities are good, a lot of effort is put into the entertainment, and the whole place is well-maintained and attractive. It's also big enough that if you just want to have a quiet relaxing holiday, away from the activity, you can do that too.