THE CLUB HOTEL SEA SPRAY IS IN A QUIET LOCATION

just north of the main Negombo strip. The lobby is built on a grand scale, with sweeping views of the sea at the front, and the rooms and garden leading down to the pool at the back.

The single-story, tiled roof structure of the rooms, with their pale yellow, arched terraces opening onto the central garden, give the hotel an almost Spanish look. There are 50 rooms and they are all identical, simply furnished but with air conditioning and TV on request.

Managed by the Serendib group from 1999, the hotel is in a process of change, with a completely new management and staff who are implementing a number of renovations and gradually upgrading the hotel. There in also a whole new ethos, with the direction now very much focused on the club feel, all inclusive holidays.

In keeping with the club spirit, it's a lively place, with music and action centered around the pool and pool bar. There is an animator to organise pool volleyball and water aerobics during the day, and entertainment programmes- often involving the guests. For the sports minded, there is also badminton, volley ball, tennis, and table tennis.

As so much activity is focussed around the pool, all guests are provided with tea and coffee and a snack menu at the pool-side bar. There is also a large air conditioned main restaurant with a dramatic sea view, where all 3 buffet meals are set up. Adjoining the restaurant is the main bar, where guests can enjoy a drink before and after dinner.

But, for both daytime and evening entertainment, the pool-side is the most popular place to be, with its lively, club atmosphere and variety of entertainment.