Asia Leisure, Japan’s Belluna open latest property Le Grand in Galle

In keeping with its vision to offer exclusive leisure properties at key selected destinations, Asia Leisure, in partnership with Belluna Co. Ltd., Japan opened its sixth leisure property ‘Le Grand’ in Galle on 31 July. With its attractive setting and offerings, the urban resort and lifestyle destination will cater to a variety of travellers.

“Asia Leisure is one of the most widely recognised resort brands in the country and together with Belluna Co. Ltd., Japan we are pleased to add this hotel to our family,” said Asia Leisure Chief Executive Officer Reyhan Morris. “We will continue to expand our presence, delivering a unique sense of hospitality that makes guests feel at ease the moment they walk through the door. Le Grand, Galle exemplifies this unique service in terms of locality, the exceptional view of the Galle Fort and the modern amenities and services that we offer.”

Le Grand is a synonymous leisure/hospitality name in Japan and with properties developed by Belluna such as Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort and Le Grand Kyu Karuizawa and based on the success of these properties, this latest property by Asia Leisure and Belluna will Co. Ltd. will bring forth the same brand legacy.

Many of the hotel’s guestrooms and suites have spellbinding views of the Indian Ocean and UNESCO World Heritage site Galle Fort, with the suites that include the plunge pool even being named after the Bastions of the Fort – ranging from the 45-square-metre Deluxe Sea View Room to the elegantly styled Plunge pool Suite offering 146 square metres of luxurious living space. The Sitting Room offers the greatest views of the entire hotel with a spacious open-air poolside terrace that provides a tranquil retreat from the urban lifestyle. 

The hotel’s one-of-a-kind poolside bar, DIP offers delightful cocktail concoctions to complete the satiation of senses as guests relax on oversized sunbeds under the shade of giant umbrellas.

Le Grand, Galle takes a fresh approach to dining experiences with its use of rustic and ruggedly tropical décor. TASTE, an all-day dining restaurant offers the ambiance and simplicity of a modern bistro with food that is delightful and brings back memories of home. BLUE, the speciality seafood restaurant boasts an open kitchen, an enviable wine list and sprawling views of the deep blue ocean. The exquisite meals are prepared using seafood delivered daily by local fisherman.

Commenting on the architectural design of Le Grand, Galle, principal architect of the property, Philip Weeraratne from PWA Architects said, “Two extremely distinct and exclusive characteristics of this property were the stunning view of the world heritage monument, the Galle fort and its ramparts across the azure blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Absorbing all this, it was only natural that our creation and its form should be respectful in proportion, form and texture. We also wanted to position the spaces and unravel the hotel as an exciting maze of discoveries of long vistas and framed views of both the fort and ocean which were an ever changing mural and scape to feast your eyes on.”

The property offers a state-of-the-art gym, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, as well as beauty and massage treatments in the spa area where Balinese therapists combine traditional rituals with precious oils and salves to nurture, balance and restore a guest’s peace of body and mind.

Asia Leisure operates a number of luxury leisure properties including Shingawa Beach in Balapitiya, Tamarind Hill in Galle, Taprobana in Wadduwa, The River House in Balapitiya and its latest addition The Habitat in Kosgoda. Asia Leisure is currently engaged in an expansion drive to establish multiple properties in Galle, city hotels in Colombo and the Maldives.