Aditya: Southern luxury at its best

The combination of fragrances that surrounded me as we entered the veranda was sweet and piquant. The soothing scent of Frangipani flowers and sandalwood were clearly discernible and perhaps cinnamon making a less distinct presence.

The sight of a water fountain with a Mangrove Tree and the sound of sky-high Palmyrah trees swaying to the soft southern breeze amplified the experience. The sights and sounds is enough to transport one from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to the quaint, slow and luxury living that Aditya is.

In appearance, it’s unpretentious. If you didn’t know it existed, you might easily drive by. Aditya tucked away in Rathgama in Galle comprises of twelve luxurious suites on a hidden stretch of the coast. So much that the only sound ashore is that of the waves and the only sight is that of the mists.

Suite temptations

They say, nowhere is the stage better set for romance than at Aditya. Each suite is individually designed and well appointed with exquisite art, antiques and a private plunge pool.

Aditya is an all suite exclusive boutique hotel that boasts of being the largest and most lavishly appointed on the island. The hotel which is small and intimate prides itself on the personalised service, total privacy and luxury it offers the guests. The décor accents are highlighted with Balinese feel.

The Shanthi suites boasts of spacious verandas that have garden views, the Sagara Suites have expansive balconies with magnificent ocean vistas and the Surya Suite which is the biggest is a two-storey penthouse has a vast open air terrace with sun beds overlooking the southern sea. Rooms with the sea view give guests the impression that they are on the beach the whole day while the outdoor bathrooms are usually a surprise for any guests who can bathe facing the sea or in a garden of their own.

Exclusive luxury

Open since 2006, the name of the boutique hotel – Aditya loosely translates to ‘Belonging to the Sun’ in Sanskrit. Hence each of the 12 rooms at Aditya are named after the solar deities of Hindu Mythology with Surya being the Crowing glory of Aditya

The idea behind Aditya is to feel like being at home. Usually guests at a hotel would have to show up for a breakfast or lunch buffet whether they feel like it or not. If they miss it, they miss out. But at Aditya, you can have anything, anywhere at anytime. A champagne breakfast is prepared at 12noon if you desire and you can have it served to you on the beach if you wish.  

Wellness and relaxation

Guests can also avail themselves to an Eastern Spa treatment at the Nirvana Spa located within the hotel or in the comfort of their own room. The menu of spa treatments includes couples treatments, sunburn, massages, and many more.  The Spa also boasts of hydrotherapy facilities. Aditya is the first Hotel in Sri Lanka to have this technology.

The hotel also has an expansive swimming pool along this long stretch of beach. They also have a library which stocks an extensive collection of books, movies and music from all over the world.

Memorable affairs

Aditya is a popular place for intimate weddings. The hotel undertakes to arrange and organise. The service includes the complete planning of the wedding and even arranging for an elephant and traditional Sri Lankan dancers and drummers for the ceremony.

Aditya was awarded with a highly commended certificate at the Asia Pacific Hotel Awards for the 2012-2013 under the category small hotel – Sri Lanka. It has also been awarded as one of the five best honeymoon destinations in the world this year by Beach Tomato. Aditya was voted one of the best for its spa/relaxation treatments for this year by Trip advisor and again awarded a certificate of excellence for maintaining a consistent flow of excellent reviews for the year 2012.