JA Resorts & Hotels unveils first look of Sri Lankan project

UAE-based JA Resorts & Hotels has revealed the first look of the designs of its latest venture, JA Eclipse Beach Resort, in Sri Lanka, which is set to open in 2018.

The group announced the development of a premium tropical beach resort in Kathiraveli on the East Coast of Sri Lanka in partnership with the Gravity Resort Group (GRG) last year – strengthening JA Resorts & Hotels’ international expansion plans in the Indian Ocean. It is scheduled to break ground on the site this summer.

GRG is funding the $30 million development while JA Resorts & Hotels is responsible for consultation, and ultimately management of the completed resort.

The resort’s architecture and interiors reflect the award-winning style of JA Resorts & Hotels and also imbibe aesthetic inspiration from elements indigenous to Sri Lanka. Local design features such as laterite stone walls, teak wood ceiling, veneer teak walls, split granite and rich vibrant Sri Lankan textiles have been incorporated in to the design. The natural elements add a sense of warmth and exotic appeal to the tropical beach property.

The designs were revealed amidst much anticipation at Arabian Travel Market 2016, being held in Dubai. The development marks the first five-star luxury tourist destination to be developed on the East Coast of Sri Lanka. According to statistics revealed by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Sri Lanka received a record-breaking 1.8 million tourist arrivals in the island in 2015, an increase of 17.8% from the previous year.

“We are extremely proud to be the first UAE-based hospitality company to develop and manage the first ever luxury resort development on the Sri Lankan East Coast,” said David Thomson, JA Resorts & Hotels chief operating officer. 

“We are pleased to be able to reveal our development plans and thrilled at the enthusiastic response that the property’s design has received.” He added, “At JA Resorts & Hotels, we take great care to ensure that we surpass our guests’ expectations and we believe we’re on the path to creating a luxury destination that will deliver both an enchanting experience and our signature brand of heartfelt hospitality.”

Deepal Ahangama, Gravity Resort Group’s director, said: “We are excited to reveal the resort’s conceptual look and exceptionally pleased with our partnership with JA Resorts & Hotels on this project. We place great trust in their management capabilities and are proud to be associated with a partner that embodies our values for excellence in customer service and design.”

Highlights of JA Eclipse Beach Resort include:

n33 acres of unspoilt greenery with a beach front of 450 metres;

nEasy access, with direct road access along the Trincomalee Highway it is well positioned between the key cities of Trincomalee and Batticaloa, which are 60 and 70 km away, respectively – in addition, seaplane and other modes of transfer will be offered to guests to ensure their arrival to the resort is part of the experience;

nInitial capacity of 105 luxurious suites and villas nestled within lush landscape;

nSix-key room categories, ranging from the more conventional resort suites and villas to luxurious tree-top suites and a royal island suite, all designed to be in keeping with the beauty of Sri Lanka;

nWaterways around the resort, consisting of featured free-form swimming pools, private villa pools, water features and an eclipse pier over the Indian Ocean featuring a relaxed lounge bar with stunning views of sunset over the resort;

nEight food and beverage outlets, from casual daytime venues to speciality restaurants for evening meals – in addition, a host of private venues will also be on offer from tree-top, beach and poolside dining;

nFully-equipped watersports centre and PADI dive centre, offering nitrox diving;

nVarious kids clubs will ensure all children from four months to 16 years of age are fully catered to;

nA spa and wellness centre, including a spa retail area, hair salon, hydro pools, steam rooms, sauna and a herbal infused relaxation garden;

William Harley–Fleming – Group Development Director, JA Resorts & Hotels added: “We are extremely excited to have completed the design and development of this landmark resort and plan to have a technical service team in the region for this project and to initiate discussions on other potential management opportunities in the area within the next few months.”