Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa envisaged as a location that could be developed to echo the four star tenets of the Chaaya premise went under extensive reconstruction and refurbishment one year ago.

Colombo, Sri Lanka -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/13/2011 -- The myriad colours that adorn the roads down south, symptomatic of the eclectic and energetic vibrancy that form an inherent facet of the sights and sounds of the beach destination of Hikkaduwa; the esoteric lifestyles that fuse age old cultural beliefs with contemporary phenomenons; and into this, blend life on the beach - edgy, exciting and maybe a little wild aka the 'Hikka' feel and you've got Chaaya Tranz – sitting as it does on the beach in Hikkaduwa with a touch of the old (for reminiscing only) and an abundance of the new.

Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa a transcending among Hikkaduwa hotels, is a celebration of the Avant Garde and liberal lifestyle of Hikkaduwa with vibrant interiors and luxurious spaces which both draw inspiration from and showcase the local flavours of Hikkaduwa. A total investment Rs. 1.2 Billion has been utilised for the transformation of Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa.

The 150 room resort will house superior and deluxe rooms and suites; all with direct sea views. The facilities of the resort will ensure a fully refurbished main restaurant, speciality crab restaurant, bars and lounges as well as a roof top spa. Moreover the Group will make Chaaya Tranz its base for Whale Watching in Mirissa. The group is pleased to launch this property on World tourism Day. The Chaaya properties, which come under the umbrella of John Keells Hotels Group have become iconic cornerstones to the diverse locations they are based in.

Chaaya Village for instance embraces the eco-conservationism that's resplendently spread out over 27 acres in Habarana; Chaaya Blu swathes itself in the aquamarine east coast ocean, where sun, sand and sea paint a panorama of sheer bliss; Chaaya Citadel exudes the deep seated history and culture of the last kingdom of Sri Lanka and Chaaya Lagoon Hakura Huraa, Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo and Chaaya Island Dhonveli absorb the spirit of the Maldives in its truest sense. And hence it is no exception that the sights, sounds and spirit of Hikkaduwa is totally imbibed in the newest resort to come under the Chaaya umbrella. "Chaaya Tranz is reflective of our objective of having iconic properties with its own unique style," explains Sector Head Sri Lankan Resorts of the John Keells Hotels Group Jayantissa Kehelpannala. "Based on our vision of being a trendsetter in the tourism industry, I'm confident that each of our resorts is doing just that, with its own inimitable style and design, coupled with our levels of superior service, which all bring in new dimensions not only to the location that the resorts are situated in, but also sets benchmarks for the industry to emulate."Commenting on the new property in Hikkaduwa, Ajit Gunewardene, Deputy Chairman, John Keells Holdings PLC said "Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa will add an additional 150 rooms to our portfolio, further establishing John Keells Hotels Group as the largest chain of hotels in Sri Lanka; Through experience we have devised a formula that enables us significant efficiencies in project speeds and costs, which we believe is not easily replicated. This will be a strong advantage for us in maintaining our dominance in the Sri Lankan tourism sector amidst potential international competition."

Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa envisaged as a location that could be developed to echo the four star tenets of the Chaaya premise went under extensive reconstruction and refurbishment one year ago. Due to open at the end of 2011, Chaaya Tranz has come under the expert eye of master architect Channa Daswatte who says that the makeover constitutes some fundamental changes to the movements pattern and perception of the spaces, making them almost like new buildings. "One of the biggest disadvantages the old hotel had that it never had balconies and in fact, the design of the hotel is meant for an European beach, but to give it an eastern twist, a Kerala style roof was added to its original design. Conceptually, now we have retained the originality of this building on the outside, but there's definitely a revolutionary transformation within."

As Kehelpannala affirms, "This has always been a family location and we want that element to remain. But at the same time, over the years, Hikka has become the cool happening spot for the young and trendy and we have added that dynamic into our Chaaya Tranz look and feel. The feeling, as Channa mentioned, is edgy and energizes you as you walk into the resort but at the same time, it retains the mode of relaxation and chilling out that is inherent in all our Chaaya properties."

According to Channa, the internal spaces including the public areas of this Hikkaduwa beach hotel, have been totally rearranged and an addition of a gazebo like balcony that is not directly attached to the room but a little way forward, has transformed these spaces beyond recognition. "The interior decor is inspired by the general arty atmosphere of "Hikka" with its (sometimes) wild night clubs, bright coloured fabrics for sale on the roads and the slightly edgy style of everything." He also recalls that the name Tranz was conceptualised by one of the younger members of the John Keells team. "We were seeking a name that was new, catchy and also gave that edgy feel we wanted to portray. Tranz has a dual reference to Tranz music and the trances reminiscent of Sri Lankan devil dancing culture, which is very much a folk tradition in this part of the south of Sri Lanka."

Channa affirms that for those who have visited the hotel previously, driving into Chaaya Tranz will evoke a sense of nostalgia and deja vu, as the forecourt has been left unchanged, even down to the plants and the original look of the building from the outside. "But when you step out at the old porte- cochere, that's where Chaaya Tranz begins," he says with a flourish. A low entry area housing the concierge leads into a courtyard reception where upon one wall, Channa has placed an artistic rhap- sody depicting 'Hikka' life. A small tunnel from this courtyard leads into the main space of the property, a dramatic verandah that runs the length of the hotel, overlooking a new free form swimming pool and lush landscape which subsequently takes the eye out to sea. The verandah in parts, becomes the restaurant, lounge bar, coffee shop and The Crab restaurant.

From the reception and these lounges, lifts and spiral staircases lead to the rooms and familiar corridors, but certainly the familiarity yet again, is halted at the entrance door to each of the 150 rooms. "The rooms are completely new and am sure unrecognizable to prior visitors. Recycled wood, polished cement tiled floors and cane furniture are punctuated by chintz fabrics, forming the perfect background to the 12'x6' gazebo styled balcony which add a new perspective of depth to the room and are designed as outdoor living rooms with a day bed, dining table and chairs," says Channa, who strongly believes that every space in a property must reflect the concept and be conducive to the ultimate message, which for Chaaya Tranz is, "Surprised and Energized!"

Chaaya Tranz adds two bars and three restaurants to its offerings. "The main bar opens onto the garden and beach and is intended to be a happening place with a small air-conditioned area, inter- spersed with a larger open section overlooking the beach," Channa says of this exciting location, adding that it will be one of the closest bars to the beach in any of the larger more formal hotels on the south- ern coast. Chaaya Tranz has also added a cigar lounge, wine cellar and a tasting room to this Bar, while the new pool bar, is housed in the original pool bar but sports a raised roof and double levels within. One of the most inventive designs within the resort is the main restaurant which blends seamlessly into its surrounds. Channa enthuses that, "The southern corner of the room which is an open verandah overlooks the reef and sea, with the turtles coming to shore adding a spectacular dimension. Special cane and plastic furniture have been designed here and the interiors are based on polished cement tiles and recycled wood, which were a part of the original resort." The Coffee Shop which is a small intimate affair is built to embrace a Mediterranean atmosphere, overlooking the beach near the bar and he hopes, serving up, "Great hummus, pita bread and delectable salads." While every beachside resort must have its staple seafood, Chaaya Tranz takes it to another realm with a reprise of its successful crab restaurant. "The Crab retains similar design elements almost as though it is a franchise, but with the necessary variations to make it unique to Tranz; so the white washed look of Chaaya Blu will live on in the crab restaurant here."

The resort will open its doors on 1st November 2011.

Room Types

2 Family Suites - 2 bedrooms - 900 sq ft

4 Corner Suites - 1 sitting room and 1 bedroom - 595 sq ft

4 Deluxe Rooms - can be interconnected - 340 sq ft

140 Superior Rooms - 305 sq ft

Hotel Facilities and Services

Restaurants
• Main Restaurant • Coffee Shop • Crab Restaurant • Pool Restaurant

Bars
• Lounge Bar • Pool Bar

Lounges
• Reception Lounge • Courtesy Lounge • Main Lounge

Banquet Hall
350 person capacity banquet style, 700 theatre style and 400 classroom style

Conference Hall
80 person capacity theatre style and 50 classroom style

Fresh Water Swimming Pool

Roof Top Spa Facility

PADI Certified Dive Centre

Whale Watching and other excursions

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Colombo, Sri Lanka -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/11/2011 -- Whether its to espy the elusive Sri Lankan Leopard as it walks regally to the waterhole or has a lazy lie in imbibing the morning sun or to see large herds of the majestic Asian Elephant roaming the wilds as they keep a watchful eye on the their babies or to take note of the abundance of birds and small wildlife that fearlessly claim their territories while you watch in awesome wonder or simply to relax of an evening, enjoying the cool breezes wafting in through the peaceful verandahs of a 'real game lodge' – Chaaya Wild offers it all and more. Billed to open its rustic environs as Chaaya Wild by 1st November 2011 after extensive renovation and refurbishment, the world class hotel in Yala introduces unique creative facets in jungle living, capturing the true spirit of the wild.

Chaaya Wild Yala, is a completely different offering to the well traversed and discerning nature enthusiast. With a Rs. 500 million investment the 66-chalet world class game lodge is placed in what is almost an extension of the Yala National Park with open boundaries to the surrounding wildlife. The resort's offerings stem from responsible tourism practices aimed at conserving and being one with its precious environs. A roof top observation deck and bar would be a key attraction of the property, among other Yala hotels, offering a 360 degree view of the surrounding wilderness.

Commenting on the speed and frequency of their new hotel projects Ajit Gunewardene, Deputy Chairman, John Keells Holdings PLC said "We will continue to invest not only in increasing the size and reach of our hotel portfolio but in adding unique and distinct properties to enhance Sri Lanka's overall tourism offering. Through experience we have devised a formula that enables us significant efficiencies in project speeds and costs, which we believe is not easily replicated. This will be a strong advantage for us in maintaining our dominance in the Sri Lankan tourism sector amidst potential international competition."

"As a country, we are truly blessed when it comes to diverse tourist attractions," states Sector Head Sri Lankan Resorts of John Keells Hotels Jayantissa Kehelpannala, who, together with a very compe- tent team which includes master architect Channa Daswatte set about transforming the old hotel into one that blends with the true concept of the wild. "The Sri Lankan leopard is a symbol our rich bio diversity, and Sri Lanka's home to one of the densest populations of leopard when compared with the natural world. We rank at the top also with elephants thought not at Yala, the Gathering now sits pretty as the 6th greatest animal spectacle in the world. We continue to maintain excellent leopard sightings through the year at Yala which speaks well for our wildlife lovers. So what we have via Chaaya Wild is a unique proposition, a four star 'game lodge' which sits in the center of all this wildlife activity, adding an aspect of luxurious creature comforts which make for a calming and relaxing time in the wild."

When the architect first espied the property, his first inclination was to create a game lodge that would have respect for the environment and its surrounds. "The design approach is in celebrating the wilderness around this property and in make it a part of the property's natural habitat. We have already re-organised the landscape and it's very rewarding to see the rejuvenation of the shrubs, vegetation and undergrowth taking root. Walkways act as barriers to allow rainwater to percolate into the ground and clearly marked driveways for vehicles ensure minimum disturbance to the natural surroundings." He in fact proclaims that while wild elephant roam the grounds, more emphasis is given to make the property visually more appealing. "The simple structures echo the precedent set by the original design. We are using sustainable materials for the decor, while working with local crafts people to procure the accessories and other required items for the interiors as well."

The familiar porte-cochere will no longer have the haphazard presence of vehicles but rather a lusher wilder feel, leading to a new reception area which pushes the eye beyond the pool and onto the beautiful villu, opening up new vistas. The two public areas have seen major change, although replaced on the footprint of the previous building and are united by a large deck around the pool. For checking in, there's an open lounge with its rustic wood trunk furniture combined with cane and canvas to sink into and have drinks and snacks. The batik adorned ceilings infusing the textures of the forest overhead, are artistically designed by Ena de Silva and Aluvihare Crafts Cooperative, introducing added depth. Add the new dining room on the upper level with an unadulterated view of the treetops, the sea in the distance punctuated by cane, wood and unique batik ceilings also by Ena de Silva, a rooftop bar above with its panoramic view of the sea and open sky in anticipation of long starlit nights and The Lounge Bar which is where the denizens of Chaaya Wild will gather after hours, all resonate the feel of a stylish game lodge.

With the rejuvenated landscape edging the raised earthbunds that form the walkways, Channa hopes, "Guests will be more aware of the smaller wildlife that most often are overlooked on jour- neys into the wild and our incessant search for the big five. One hopes the occasional lizard, snake and butterfly will amuse the guest on their way to the rooms." While the bathrooms have under- gone complete transformation, the 66 air-conditioned rooms which are segmented into beach chalets and jungle chalets of eight each and nine interconnected jungle chalets, essentially remain the same with even the floors carefully recycled. "But what we have brought in is a slightly more nostal- gic game lodge style feel with camp style furniture, mosquito net draped beds, woven palmyrah accessories and botanical and animal prints adorning the walls for a slightly more studious edge," explains Channa. DVD players, wi-fi, LCD TVs and other little luxuries have been added into the rustic appeal of Chaaya Wild.

"One of the Chaaya competitive edges is our very professional highly trained group of naturalists who will mingle with guests to discuss their tour options and learn more about Yala," comments Jayantissa. "We will also have films continuously screened in our special projection room to create added awareness. What we intend giving our guest is an epic safari adventure, where by simply stepping into the wild, you are encouraged to explore every little nuance, sight and sound of the wild, right here in this world class game lodge." He adds that the uniqueness of concept and design is a first for Sri Lanka and certainly one that gives potential for wildlife enthusiasts to spot not only the elusive leopard and the majestic elephant, but also sloth bear and 44 other species of mammals, 215 bird species some of them endemic, butterfly species and flora that is truly unique. Chaaya Wild has thus added more excitement to its 'Things to do' list with a mini night safari, turtle watching trails, animal track spotting, camping in the wild, nature trails, bird watching and even a Chena visit.

There has always been a certain uniqueness to each Chaaya property, all of which come under the umbrella of John Keells Hotels Group, given that they embrace the immediate environs of their diverse locations with passion and absolute completeness. "Each of the Chaaya resorts have charac- teristics of their own, although the facilities, services and luxuries introduce the overreaching tenets of the Chaaya brand promise," states Jayantissa. "To us, it is about the uniqueness of the experience, the need to revisit the unique locations we have our resorts in and then, become a feature that transforms those experiences into indelible memories." He adds that with the vision for tourism within the group being, "To become a trendsetter in the tourism industry", offerings like Chaaya Wild have added newer dimensions to the tourism landscape in Sri Lanka, "and it is this that we hope will create new benchmarks and opportunities for the country to meet its tourism agenda by 2016 and beyond."

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm