Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa, gets ready to be transformed

Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa, a celebration of the avant-garde and liberal lifestyle of Hikkaduwa with vibrant interiors and luxurious spaces which both draw inspiration from and showcase the local flavours of Hikkaduwa opened its doors on 12 November 2011. A total investment Rs.1.2 billion 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, bars and lounges as well as a roof top spa. Moreover the John Keells Hotels Group will make Chaaya Tranz its base for whale watching in Mirissa.

The resort was declared open by Jayantissa Kehelpannala, CEO, and Sector Head of Sri Lankan Resorts, in the presence of the General Manager of Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa, Mario Stanic and other distinguished guests  Nalinda Liyanage the Resident Manager of the resort unveiled the name board. The Sri Lankan flag and the hotel flag were hoisted and the pledge declared by the staff members; an all night religious ceremony took place at the lobby area of the resort.

The resort is a tribute to the vibrant lifestyle of Hikkaduwa and is decorated with interiors that resemble colourful scarves and beach wraps. The 150 rooms that opens out to spectacular ocean views, each room is decorated with recycled wood, polished cement tiled floors and cane furniture are punctuated by chintz fabrics, forming the perfect background to the gazebo styled balcony which add a new perspective of depth to the room and are designed as outdoor living rooms with a day bed, dining table and chairs.

Chaaya Tranz adds two bars and three restaurants to its offerings. The main bar opens onto the garden and beach and is intended to be a happening place with a small air conditioned area, interspersed with a larger open section overlooking the beach. Chaaya Tranz has also added a cigar lounge, wine cellar and a tasting room to this bar. The resorts’ latest addition the ‘art wall’, a gallery for aspiring amateur artists with liberal and contemporary style.

The CEO and Sector Head of John Keells Hotels Group Jayantissa Kehelpannala affirms, “This has always been a family location and we want that element to remain. But at the same time, over the years, Hikka has become the cool happening spot for the young and trendy and we have added that dynamic into our Chaaya Tranz look and feel. The feeling, as Channa mentioned, is edgy and energises you as you walk into the resort but at the same time, it retains the mode of relaxation and chilling out that is inherent in all our Chaaya properties.”