Goldi Sands Hotel FIFA Party on Negombo beach

By Sanath Weerasuriya

Negombo, popularly known as ‘Little Rome’ is a famous beachside retreat, now transformed into a 'FIFA village,' organized by Sri Lanka Tourism with Negombo Hoteliers' Association.  Keeping the heat of World Cup alive, Negombo, located just minutes away from the BIA, Katunayaka, recreated the typical South American carnival atmosphere for all football fans  to enjoy. Negombo’s world famous golden beach stretch is one of  the most sought after tourist destinations in South Asia.

Located in Ethukala, the ‘Golden Coast’ of Negombo, Goldi Sands Hotel, one of the participating  resorts, is a popular destination for FIFA World Cup fans, being in close proximity to the BIA.

‘With easy access to the vibrant and most happening beach with FIFA mania and within close proximity to the city and the BIA, Goldi Sands Hotel is one of the best places for football fans  and overseas visitors to enjoy a FIFA carnival atmosphere in Lanka. It is an ideal family holiday and business destination for Sri Lankans too’ said Lal Dissanayake, the veteran General Manager of the hotel.

The hotel boasts of one hundred and thirty one air-conditioned luxury double rooms, which consists of Five Junior Suites and sixty five deluxe rooms in the recently opened new wing, fifty three deluxe Sea View rooms and eight Economy Rooms. All sea view rooms having its own private balcony / terrace offering excellent views of the Indian Ocean and the beautiful landscaped garden.

The new wing of the Goldie Sand opened to the public in January this year after the pandemic lockdown. Apart from luxury rooms and suites, the new wing consists of a brand new pool, a-la-carte restaurant, pool bar and a Balinese Spa.

Started in 1974, one of the pioneering hotels in Negombo, now offers comfortable rooms that are adequately furnished and adorned with modern amenities. All rooms elegantly decorated in keeping with the theme of the hotel are equipped with telephone, piped music, mini refrigerator, electronic safe, hair dryer, tea and coffee making facilities and en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold water.

Dining at Goldi Sands is a specialty by itself. The hotel is renowned for excellent seafood bought straight from the fishing boats in the vicinity of the hotel.

‘Guest can choose from a wide list of mouthwatering sea food delicacies prepared by our team of experienced chefs; the freshness and flavour of the sea food cuisine is certainly going to make you ask for more’ said GM Lal.

The property houses three restaurants serving a delectable selection of local and international dishes. Sea food plays a major role in the menu while ‘global cuisine’, ‘action stations’ and flambé are the attraction at the main Restaurant.

‘Mouthwatering dishes made to perfection with fresh, local ingredients, the main restaurant serves the best of Sri Lankan and continental culinary delights, at a tastefully furnished and aesthetically styled setting’ said Kamal Alagiyawanna, the Executive Chef of the Hotel.

‘Guest can also tuck into a wide and varied A la Carte menu featuring both international and local cuisine prepared to suite the discerning taste of guests. Still more if there is a special dish you wish to have made, just request it and I am ready and will be more than happy to prepare it for you. We are specialized in sea food and our guests are always getting attracted to authentic preparation of Negombo Special Sea food dishes. Apart from Seafood, we are famous for our black pork curry and traditional Negombo style pork preparations’ added Chef Alagiyawanna.

Adding spice to the dining experience are theme night buffets such as Sri Lankan Night, Mongolian Night, Chinese Night, International Buffet, Italian Night and Seafood Extravaganza held at the main restaurant and the ‘Beach Hut’ restaurant along with the exciting Beach BBQ held under the stars with the music of the sea in the backdrop.

The hotel can also arrange Private Dining on a secluded spot on the beach or by the pool. If it’s your romantic getaway, dine in the glowing candlelight, under the stars with your loved one is a must’ said Pastry Chef Chandana Ranasinghe.

Other facilities available include conference and MICE facilities as well as wedding packages at the 350 pax banquet hall.  

‘Goldi Sands Hotel is an ideal weddings destination for Sri Lankans and foreigners.

‘The hotel ensures that your special day is executed perfectly to radiate the true romantic ambience that you’ve always wanted’ said the GM.

Water sports including wind surfing, deep sea diving and other water sports activities in the lagoon are popular with foreign travellers.   Negombo offers visitors a variety of attractions such as the mangrove swamps with its large bird population, the Lellama fish market, tours to religious interest places in and around Waikkala and Negombo including Angurukaramulla Temple and St. Mary’s Church- Negombo, Munneswaram, Anawilludawa wetland and Sri Lanka`s first wetland reserve the Muthurajawela Marsh and Wilpattu National Park are popular attractions.

‘Tours can be organized through the management of Goldi Sands Hotel in Negombo. A scenic boat ride around the Muthurajawela Marshland will leave you spellbound with a variety of birds, trees and flowers spread across’ explained Ninesh Suriyasena, the Director Operations of the Hotel.

Goldi Sands Hotel is owned and managed by renowned entrepreneur Eric Suriyasena as the Chairman and MD Suresh Weerasuriya.

For more details log on to www.goldisands.com