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introductionThis, the most ambitious project of Jetwing Hotels, located within 5km of the archaeological site of Sigiriya, is the creation

of a truly Lifestyle Hotel. Sigiriya, located within the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka is famous for its rich history and Sri

Lankan heritage. VilUyana, situated within view of Sigiriya rock, on the flatlands that stretch to the west, integrates into

an ancient plan - a plan to irrigate in the tradition of the Sinhala kings.

The introduction of a wetland on reclaimed agricultural lands within the Dry Zone provides the unique backdrop for thisexciting new property. The design of the buildings is inspired from the local, rural traditions. A private nature reserve

provides a haven for wildlife and a setting of peace and tranquility. The hotel is the first in the world to construct a

wetland system with lakes and a private nature reserve. Centered around water bodies are parklands and woodlands,

designed for leisure; it is an extension of the ancient practice of planning gardens for pleasure. A challenge has been

overcome, from the conversion of Dry Zone chena lands formed by slash & burn agriculture to a seasonal wetland (land

that is inundated by water for part of the year). The colonization of the new habitats by local fauna and flora has been

accelerated by the planting of reed beds and groves of trees.

Five acres of land has been used to re-grow paddy using traditional harvesting methods. Situated within them are the

paddy field chalets. The water chalets are built over water, a first for Sri Lanka. Others are besides regenerating forest

where at night the diminutive loris, a nocturnal mammal, resides. The 24 exclusive chalets with their distinctive high

pitched thatched roofs are inspired from the watch towers of the local farmers.

The tastefully designed rooms boast space as its hallmark of luxury. Dine in the privacy of your room or under the stars

or simply relax and pamper yourself at the Island Spa with a range of treatments to choose from.

VilUyana is a success story fusing aesthetics, service, community involvement and tourism as a champion of conservation.

The spa is set within one of the two lakes which collectively hold over ten acres of water. The technically minded can

wander for a chat at the purpose built research station or browse the well stocked library kept cool by the moist breeze

blowing over the lakes. Cool down in your plunge pool, be pampered with the butler service, explore the village trails on

foot or on bike or be inspired by the companionship of the resident naturalist.

The hotel is unique in building a research facility from inception. Accommodation is provided to researchers locally and

internationally, overcoming one of the key logistical hurdles to field work. When the researchers suites are free interested

guests may have the option of occupying the rooms. The guest will be a participant in the metamorphosis of tourism as a

champion of conservation. The environmental awareness will be an important aspect of a new ethos.

Dream vacation escapists, wildlife enthusiasts and cultural travellers seeking the very best in accommodation will find

VilUyana their kind of hotel. A fusion of luxury with conservation principles.

SERVICES-

Rooms: The hotel is possibly the first in the world to construct a wetland system with lakes and reed beds to form a

private nature reserve, allowing rooms to be built over water. The hotels rooms have been placed within the paddy fields,

thereby giving the guest a unique opportunity of participating in both farming and harvesting.

SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

IN-HOUSE ACTIVITIES

* Gymnasium* Island Spa (02 Single Treatment Rooms, 01 Couple Room, Yoga Pavilion)

DINING

RESTAURANT AND BAR

* Sulang Casual Dining* TheApsara Restaurant Fine Dining

* Graffiti A/C Bar

* Library Lounge

SPECIAL DINING

* Spa Dining* Kamatha Dining (Traditional Sri Lankan Culinary Experience)

* Cellar Dining* Parkers Peak Signature Dining Experience

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stratergythey use

The entry in the winning category was for their Jetwing Youth Development Project; We Dreamed a Dream, which was

conceptualised and im plemented at their newest property JetwingVilUyana, located in Sigiriya. Planned to bridge the

skills gap and equip local young people for employment, the project provided hospitality and English language training

free to school leavers from disadvantaged farming families in the Sigiriya area.

The aims of the We Dreamed a Dream project was to solve the human resources shortage in Jetwings properties,

especially JetwingVilUyana, Sigiriya, pass on some of the benefits of tourism to the local community and provide gainfulemployment to young people.

The project was launched in January 2006 and offered to 120 unemployed youth of the Rotawewa and Kimbissa areas

lessons in the English language. One month since commencement of their six months training the students were selectedto different areas of the hotel operation by a simple but yet an effective Personality Profile Test. Craft training

commenced in Front Office, House Keeping, Food & Beverage and Kitchen Operations.

Success of this project will be a model for Jetwing to emulate in all their hotels and at new investments.

JetwingVilUyana, a path breaking, ambitious project of Jetwing Hotels is located 5km within view of the renowned Sigiriya

Rock Fortress. This property with 25 dwellings was opened in October2006 and has already started to make its mark in

the industry and is fast becoming a favourite among its guests.

The introduction of a wetland on abandoned agricultural lands within the Dry Zone, provides the unique backdrop for this

fantastic property. The design of the buildings is inspired from local and rural traditions. A private nature reserve

provides a haven for wildlife and a setting of peace and tranquillity. The hotel is the first in the world to construct a

wetland system with lakes and reed beds to form a private nature reserve.Centered around water bodies are parklands and woodlands, designed for leisure; an extension of the ancient practice of

planning gardens for pleasure. A challenge has been overcome, for the conversion of Dry Zone chena lands formed by slash &

burn agriculture, to a seasonal wetland (land that is inundated by water for part of the year). The colonization of the new

habitats by local fauna and flora has been accelerated by the planting of reed beds and groves of trees.

A section of land was used to re-grow paddy using traditional methods of farming and harvesting, providing a new and exciting

feature. Rooms have been placed within the paddy fields, thereby giving the guest a unique opportunity of participating in both

the farming and harvesting if they wished; yet another first in Sri Lanka! The regeneration of the forested groves create a

feeling of ultimate privacy and seclusion.

Jetwing Hotels has always taken pride in setting new trends in Sri Lanka and offering their clientele luxury in the form of

personalised service. JetwingVilUyana is one such example. Corporate Social Responsibility plays a pivotal role in every aspect

of Jetwing. Our emphasis over the past years has been on people development and community involvement

It is one of only four best of show awards and a fitting accolade for both the campaign and the Jetwing Hotels sustained

efforts to create an excellent education and training programme.

JetwingVilUyana is a project jointly developed by Hayleys and JetwingSome of our informed and conscious decisions are not readily apparent. For example, it may not be obvious

that the decision not to use plastic water bottles in our restaurants was a conscious choice. Similarly, it may

not be evident that a hotel has asked suppliers to reduce unnecessary packaging, had switched to energy

efficient lights or had an active programme of always striving to reduce wastage, promptly replacing leaking

taps, etc.

Some areas of our work may not be so obvious. Anexample is the effort and money spent on training local service suppliers -

such as trishaw drivers - so that theybecame quality-accredited business partners

.would like to thank DrSriyanieMiththapala who is engaged in a series of on-going training programmes toeducate our staff on

environmental best practices. She has introduced a framework of environmental auditsand has documented work at our hotels

in the form of Green Directories such as this.

JetwingVilUyanas Sustainable tourism (Green i.e., eco) credentials: Jetwing Youth Development Project (JYDP) 2006 This

project won the PATA Grand Award 2007 for Training and Education Link to the hotel web site still to be provided.

Riolta Remarks by bunpeiris: The stupendous eco-oriented achievement of a hotel spread over 24 acres, consists of a wetlandsystem of paddy fields, marshes & waterways reintroduced by a developer with tremendous pioneering spirit, imagination &

daring. It is almost a shot at nature man made. JetwingVilUyana experience encapsulates the consummate combination of the

irrigation heritage & natural wonders of the island nation. The poperty in the extensive dry zone flat lands of the tropical island

of Sri Lanka is immediately to the west of UNESCO World Heritage Site Lion Rock Citadel Sigiriya. JetwingVilUyana meaning

garden of ponds in Sinhalese is envisaged as a natural extension of ancient Sinhalese Irrigation by ancient Sinhalese kings who

developed the ancient island of Sri Lanka.

Location : Located 169 km from Colombo &153 km from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Katunayake, with a view of

Lion Rock Citadel Sigiriya, one of the seven UNESCO World heritage Sites of Sri Lanka Holidays.

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Setting: Back to the nature to the hilt.

Luxurious Accommodation at Sri Lanka Holidays JetwingVilUyana is in the form of25 individual dwellings on stilts situated in

three distinct habitats - water, paddy field and forest. These huge, luxurious dwellings, connected by wooden walkways, have

timber flooring, ceilings of rattan and bamboo, and sloping roofs thatched with coconut palm. Furnished with luxurious king

size beds, each dwelling has a private outdoor deck with scenic views and an outdoor dining area. Some have plunge pools on

the deck and even private swimming pools. The bathrooms are spacious and elegantly designed with a large sunken bathtub

and rain showers. Other facilities include a/c, IDD telephone, mini bar, 29 flat screen TV and satellite channels, coffee/tea

making facilities, Bose DVD/CD Home Entertainment system, electronic safe, and even your own sarong, pair of reed slippersand umbrella.

a) Water dwellings: The three water dwellings (each 1,240 sq. ft) are built over a waterway filled with lotuses. Each has a timber

decks that juts out over the water providing a picturesque view of the numerous water birds that inhabits the area. A separate

dining deck over looking the water provides for dining under the stars.

b) Paddy field dwellings: These six dwellings (each 1,240 sq. ft) are built over paddy fields and have small plunge pools on the

deck. The village farmers harvest the paddy fields during the season providing a special insight into paddy cultivation.

c) Marsh dwellings: Six dwellings (each 1,240sq ft.) are situated over the marsh area. Two have plunge pools on the decks.

d) Forest dwellings: Bordering the wilderness at JetwingVilUyana are the ten luxurious Forestdwellings (each 2,110 sq. ft.). Each

of these two story villas has a 22ft x 10 ft. private swimming pool. The ground floor consists of an open cemented lounge area

with plush floor cushions overlooking the swimming pool and the scenic views beyond, an indoor courtyard, and elegant en

suite toilet with bath tub and rain water shower. A large spectacular bedroom with an attached toilet with a w/c, and private

balcony, occupies the second floor.

Facilities: JetwingVilUyana has several dining options including two restaurant areas: Sulang caf, surrounded by water, and

Apsara fine dining restaurant with magnificent views of Lion Rock Citadel Sigiriya. Other dining options include Spa dining at the

Island Spa, Signature dining on the deck within the privacy of your own dwelling, Cellar dining at VilUyanas excellently-stocked

wine cellar, and outdoor dining at the Kamatha by the paddy fields, where a typical village rice and curry meal is offered on a

banana leaf. Sinhalese rice and curries and international cuisine is on offer. A special vegetarian menu is also available.

JetwingVilUyanas tranquil library is filled with numerous titles including books on Sri Lanka and had the most relaxing situation,

with a lotus-filled pond on one side and a waterway on the other.

The Island Spa & Wellness Center consists of a fully-equipped A/C gym surrounded by water, a yoga pavilion, and a wellness

center headed by an Ayurvedic Physician. Aromatherapy and Ayurveda herbal oils are used for the wide array of relaxing during

your stay at Sri Lanka Holidays JetwingVilUyana.

In keeping with tradition handed down through the ages, JetwingVilUyana once again is to host a rare, and yet one of the most

celebrated festivals in the Sri Lankan calendar: The Harvest Festival.The uniqueness of this festival does not lie only in the richhistory and methods used; JetwingVilUyana seeks to create the perfect countryside holiday experience as guests are always

welcome to join the local crew of farmers, sure to leave memories that will last a lifetime, as well as a culinary feast amongst

the golden paddyfields.

If you hear what sounds like screams and gunshots at VIL UYANA, there's no need to panic. The screams are just the local

farmers warning each other of elephants, and the gunshots are in fact firecrackers used to scare them away. But what you

mostly hear at this stunning new eco-resort in Sri Lanka's dry zone is silence, punctuated only by the calling of kingfishers and

the cooing of spotted doves. There are 426 bird species in Sri Lanka, and many of them can be seen here, in this extraordinary

nature reserve that also doubles as a superchic hotel.

VilUyana is the first hotel in Sri Lanka to construct a wetland system with lakes, reed beds and imported forest. Accommodation

is in vast villas the bathroom alone, which boasted its own lily pond, was about the size of my apartment. Designed by

SunelaJayawardene, Sri Lanka's leading environmental architect, the villas combine wood, granite, thatch and concrete in ahaven of elegant simplicity: a haven, in fact, for man and beast.

"Can you see the crocodile?" said the waiter over breakfast. "Can you see the kingfisher?" His notepad, it turned out, held not

only my order for kurrukan roti and chicken curry, but also page upon page of bird species. There's a resident naturalist, too,

who monitors the growing numbers of birds, fish and animals. "We're hoping to attract fishing cats," he confided eagerly, "and

more black bitterns and rusty-spotted cats."

VilUyana is near some of the richest architectural treasures in the world. Just up the road is Sigiriya, the extraordinary rock

fortress built in the 5th century, and widely hailed as the eighth wonder of the world. The ruined capitals of Anuradhapura,

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founded in the 4th century B.C., and 900-year-old Polonnaruwa are a shortish drive away, and so are the cave temples at

Dambulla, which date from the 1st century B.C. They're so amazing and so amazingly well preserved that you could stay in

a hut and be happy. But how much better to return, after a hard day communing with history, to a fabulous Ayurvedic massage,

a herbal bath infused with petals, a delicious meal and the sight of a peacock dancing, alone, in the dusk.

http://www.viluyana.com/