Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa, the latest addition to the Chaaya Hotels and Resorts was launched last Saturday, the 19th of November in a grand opening ceremony. Economic Development Minister, Basil Rajapaksa, opened the newly refurbished Chaaya Tranz on Saturday, together with Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardhana, John Keells Group Chairman and CEO Susantha Ratnayake, John Keells Group Deputy Chairman Ajit Gunewardene, CEO and Sector Head of Sri Lankan Resorts Jayantissa Kehelpannala, MP Mohan Silva, Chairman Sri Lanka Tourist Development Authority Dr Nalaka Godahewa and General Manager of Chaaya Tranz Mario Stanic.

This avant-garde property is a celebration of the 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 of US$ 12 million 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, Mediterranean 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 event began with the resort being declared open by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, with the pointing of a laser to a cubed structure which digitally unveiled the property logo and presented the features and facilities of the resort. Which was then followed by the launch of the Chaaya Tranz theme music composed by Chris Dhason. The invitees and the gathering were thereafter escorted on a tour of the hotel with the master architect Channa Daswatte. The unique features of the hotel were highlighted laying emphasis on the art wall, which promotes local talent and carries the colourful illustrations of amateur artist Vajira Gunawardana.

The event was a gastronomic adventure with food stations being spread out throughout the property and the invitees were spoilt for choice with the selection of seafood BBQ, Mediterranean, Sushi and Sashimi corner, Indian and Thai corners and a room dedicated to desserts and a variety of chocolates was a definite point of attraction. The entertainment for the night was specially flown in from Norway, ‘Kohinoor’ the six member band played music, which is a mix between world music and dance hall with a touch of the Rasta philosophy.