‘Maalu Maalu’ Celebrates First Year With Great Achievements
31 May 2012 05:43 am
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Popular ' Maalu Maalu Resort' in Passikudah celebrated its first anniversary with successful operations all round. For decades,
Passikudah in Eastern Province has been flag marked as one of the best beaches in Asia. But with the begining of the 'Maalu Maalu' era in May 2011 in Passikudah, the two names became synonymous for travellers around the world.
‘Maalu Maalu' was the first luxury boutique hotel to open on the East Coast and is the brain child of veteran tourism industry professional Chandra Wickramasinghe. A forward thinking visionary, Wickramasinghe embarked on this project in Passikudah at a time when the East coast was not so conducive for tourism.
‘We are delighted with the success of Maalu Maalu's operation in the newly developed area of Passikudah. Being one of the first properties to open under the 'Negenahira Nawodaya' has given us the opportunity to showcase our island to the world,' said Chandra Wickramasinghe - Chairman 'Maalu Maalu Resort'.
Today, the property has not only been voted as one of the Top 100 hotels in the world by UK based Sunday Times Traveller, but is among the finest resorts in the country; offering true Sri Lankan hospitality combined with exceptional service standards.
‘Maalu Maalu Resorts & Spa' located in the beautiful Passikudah Bay, has 20 chalets with 40 luxury rooms on three acre land overlooking the ocean in the East coast. The Resort is a combination of refined elegance set amidst a rustic local setting. These elegant chalets have been designed in a traditional Sri Lankan style, blending in with the environment in the most natural and picturesque way. Inspired by Sri Lankan authentic traditions and eco friendly architecture, Maalu Maalu reinterprets the ethnic style of a Sri Lankan fishing village – Wadiya.
'Maalu Maalu' currently has over 100 employees, of which 70% are recruited from the area under the initiative of providing employment for the youth in the local community. The task of training people who have no experience or exposure in the hospitality industry has been undertaken by the Resort. Within the past year Maalu Maalu has become a huge attraction among both the local and foreign travellers raking in high ratings as being a high quality product. Enjoying above average occupancy all year round, the property has achieved its financial targets and the ROI has been more than anticipated.
As part of its community service initiatives, 'Maalu Maalu Resort' funded in building and operating a Computer and Language Training Centre to educate the youth and Children of the area making it possible for them to find employment and developing their skills. The hotel contributes $1 from each room occupied, towards the maintenance and development of this computer centre on an on-going basis.
Yet another accolade to the list is the Certificate of Excellence 2012 awarded by TripAdvisor.
This award is earned by a mere 10% of the hotels globally based on the outstanding customer service extended to customers.
'Resort living would not be complete without a selection of tantalizing and scrumptious cuisine. We offer guests an authentic Sri Lankan experience every step of the way. This is not limited to the cuisine, but we give our guests the option of excursions, activities and the opportunity to indulge in some therapeutic spa treatments at the resort,” added Wickramasinghe.