JUST THIRTY KILOMETRES FROM THE CAPITAL CITY,

The Blue Water feels like another world. This is a world of space, light, air and water, where the building simply frames the gifts of nature.

The latest of Geoffrey Bawa's hotel designs, it exudes an uncluttered serenity. The sounds and reflections of water, sunlight across arcades and views over green lawns to the open sea are wonderful aids to a calm and relaxing holiday.

The rooms are a pleasure to linger in.

The warmth of the terra cotta tiles balance the brilliance of the white and off-white walls, covers and cushions. The room design is deceptively simple, the fittings and facilities first class. The wooden chairs, tables and beds are as elegant as they are functional. Throughout the hotel fine pieces of furniture are strategically placed to delight as much as to be of use.
Tempting as it is to linger in your room, the view from your balcony will draw you down to strech out in the manicured garden, between the palms, and catch some sun. A stroll along the beach beckons just beyond. Or it may be the big and beautifully shaped pool that entices you. If you prefer to stay outside, the poolside café serves lunch and a variety of fruit juices made on the spot.

The calm atmosphere is taken into the evening with soft live music playing in the lounge, where guests relax after another fine buffet dinner. For those even more serious about their relaxation, yoga and massage facilities are always on offer.

At the weekends, things get more lively as ex-pats and Sri Lankans come down from Colombo and give the place a bit of a buzz. The sound and music from the disco 'The Blue Wave' need not disturb anybody though, as it is situated on its own in one distant corner. And that is typical of this hotel: the location and design giving it the best of both worlds.