Skip to main content

Going For Green in Sri Lanka

going for green ganga 1
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Sri Lanka abounds with once private villas that have been revived into tiny boutique-ish hotels; some slightly more decrepit than others but all bursting with history. Perhaps the most intriguing of such reincarnations is the Lunuganga estate, previously owned by Geoffrey Bawa, undoubtedly the island nation’s most illustrious architect. Bawa purchased this 25 acre plot of rubber estate back in 1948 and gradually transformed it into a tropical idyll with lake views, Italianate lawns and hidden courtyards, all surrounded by dense jungle.

Today, 10 years after Bawa’s death, Lunuganga is a museum and artists’ retreat for most of the year. But from December to April, it functions as a five-room hotel. Meals are still prepared by Bawa’s personal cook and, as there is no formal dining room, they can be taken wherever and whenever guests should choose. To the western palate, Sri Lankan cuisine is similar to Indian, mostly rice and curries ranging from hot and spicy to very hot and spicy. A national breakfast favorite is the ‘hopper,’ a sort of pancake made with rice flour and coconut milk.

Recommended Videos

Since the completion of Sri Lanka’s first and only highway – the Southern Expressway – driving time from the capital Colombo to Bentota (the main village near the estate) have been reduced from four hours to just more than one. Bentota isn’t much of a sight, but it does have a great beach. A short car ride south will bring you to Galle and the Galle Fort in all its crumbling glory; first built by the Portuguese in 1588, it withstood the 2005 tsunami and remains one of the largest standing fortresses built by European settlers in Asia. Monsoon season is usually from June to August, and yearly temperatures hover around the 86-degree mark. But saying it’s humid would be a slight understatement – it’s more like having a steam bath.

Manfredi Conti
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Manfredi is an aspiring globetrotting gypsetter. This is not to be confused with a vagabond beach bum. Apart from…
The ultimate Valentine’s escape for pet parents is here: ‘Fur-Ever Yours’ at Paséa Hotel & Spa
Enjoy a fun-filled getaway with your furry friend
The Meritage Collection

Who says Valentine’s Day is just for couples? If your true love has four paws, Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach has the perfect getaway for you and your dog. Perched above the beach with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, this modern hotel is offering the ‘Fur-Ever Yours’ package, a unique Valentine’s escape designed to pamper both pet parents and their furry companions.

This special package lets you and your dog enjoy luxurious accommodations, including a Barkuterie Board (a special snack board for your pet) and the convenience of waived pet fees. It’s the ultimate way to celebrate your bond and enjoy an unforgettable experience at one of California’s most beautiful beachfront hotels.
Fur-Ever Yours: the details

Read more
Experience next-level dining at KOMO, the newest gem at Four Seasons Maui
Reservations are now open for this incredible restaurant
Four Seasons Maui

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is raising the bar on island dining with the unveiling of KOMO, a brand-new culinary destination that seamlessly blends masterful Japanese cuisine with the natural beauty of Maui. Set within the resort’s iconic lobby, this intimate 50-seat restaurant, featuring a sleek 14-seat interactive sushi bar, captures the island’s legendary glow while offering an elevated dining experience like no other.

Helmed by Tokyo-born Chef Kiyokuni "Kiyo" Ikeda, KOMO brings a unique vision to life, where every dish showcases the precision and artistry of traditional Japanese techniques combined with the flavors of the Hawaiian islands. 
An artfully crafted menu

Read more
Turkish Airlines opens expansive lounge in this Asian country
Turkish Airlines opens lounge in Tokyo, Japan
Turkish Airlines Narita Lounge

On February 5, Turkish Airlines opened its largest overseas lounge at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT). The new space marks the airline’s seventh overseas lounge, helping spread its hospitality and service worldwide. The lounge provides a luxurious, comfortable place before or after a flight, including a curated menu of international foods.
Turkish Airlines’ Tokyo lounge will cover than 16,000 square feet
Turkish Airlines Narita Lounge Turkish Airlines

The Turkish Airlines Lounge at Narita is located Terminal 1 South Wing, Satellite 4, Gate 47. The initial phase will make up 8,600 square feet, with room for 105 passengers. Upon completion of its second phase, the lounge will comprise over 16,000 square feet. Daily hours will be 7:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m., and access will be open to Miles & Smiles Elite Plus and Elite cardholders, Miles & Smiles Elite Corporate cardholders, along with Star Alliance Gold members and Business Class (First Class) passengers flying with Star Alliance member airlines.

Read more