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NO HOTEL CAN LIVE IN THE PAST BUT EVERY GREAT HOTEL DEVELOPS
with
the changing times, always conscious of its unique legacy. So
it is with Mount Lavinia Hotel, one of Sri Lanka's classic colonial
hotels with enough history and intrigue to fill a novel or two,
today it is still buzzing, modern and highly successful.
It
was originally built by the second governor of Ceylon, Sir Thomas
Maitland, at least in part to be near his mixed blood, dancing
girl ladylove. A secret tunnel, was dug under the mansion for
her discreet use. Certainly, an air of romance and a feeling that
anything can happen still fills the long corridors, marbled ballrooms
and quiet colonnades.
Always
a place for lovers, it is now also a great place for families
and for those just looking to relax and take it easy in some idyllic
setting by the Indian Ocean. The recently renovated poolside terrace
has some of the best views on the whole coast. Almost sheer down
to the waves at this point, the view north runs up to Colombo
on the distant skyline, southwards it overlooks the hotel's own
paradise beach and on down past fishing villages and endless coconut
plantations. Tea on the terrace at four and 'G & T's' at sundown
are drinks never to be forgotten.
That
is not to say that the food will be easily forgotten. The Governor's
Restaurant is the main restaurant and also on the same terrace.
Varnished wooden floors, antique styled furniture, miniature palms
and crisp white linen make a wonderful accompaniment to any meal.
But it doesn't stop there. The seafood restaurant on the beach is
a delightful, 'rustic' alternative.
If
you are serious about your relaxation, take a series of ayurvedic
massages in the authentic hut by the beach and do some daily yoga
on the pavilion roof. If you are serious about your partying,
head down to The Hut at the weekend. Or, of course, enjoy everything
this great hotel has to offer.
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