Jetwing represents Sri Lanka at World Luxury Hotel Awards

Known as the pinnacle of achievement for hotels the world over, the World Luxury Hotel Awards was hosted at the St. Regis Doha last month. In the presence of over 300 attendees, two of Sri Lanka’s foremost properties were awarded the title of Luxury Wildlife Resort (Jetwing Yala) and Luxury Forest Hotel (Jetwing Vil Uyana).

A recognised global organisation providing luxury hotels with recognition for their world class facilities and service excellence provided to guests, the Awards are presented to luxury hotels in different categories. 

With the aim of encouraging and raising service standards within the luxury hotel industry, the 10th Annual World Luxury Hotel Awards saw over 300 attendees at a red carpet, black tie event. The Awards are exclusive to Luxury Hotels, Lodges, Resorts, Hotel Groups and do not include any other areas of the travel industry. The final outcome is based upon votes per category on a country and global basis, and a victory regarded as the highest accolade that a property can receive within the global luxury hotel industry.

Jetwing Yala was launched in January 2014, and has quickly established itself as the beacon of the Deep South of Sri Lanka. Featuring 80 rooms, Jetwing Yala brings world class luxury and hospitality to the wilderness of Yala, in a stunning location overlooking massive sand dunes and the vibrant hues of the Indian Ocean. The entire property was designed from ground up to be as sustainable as possible, to match the local ecosystem by maximising natural ventilation and lighting, along with muted colours to complement the surroundings. 

The property rests on undisturbed terrain with animals wandering freely in the site.  From wild boar, monkeys to unique bird life and even elephants and leopards roving over the dunes can be seen here. Jetwing Yala provides a holistic experience to its guests; from traveller comforts, engaging in excursions to being a part of responsible tourism, this property is in perfect unison with the natural world. Winning the title for Sri Lanka’s Wildlife Resort is perfectly in-line with the property’s positioning, as a truly unique combination between a safari, beach, and wellness stay.

Set over an expanse of 28 acres, Jetwing Vil Uyana represents the rich potential in sustainable and eco-friendly destinations. Jetwing transformed an abandoned land into a man-made wetland featuring two lakes and 36 individual dwellings over distinct habitats such as Water, Forest, Paddy, Marsh and Garden. 

Jetwing Vil Uyana’s distinctive habitats paved the way for the protection of endangered species. Over the years, the resort went on to be home to a variety of flora and fauna, such as the elusive Loris, and also counts 20 species of mammals, 112 species of birds, 36 species of butterflies, and 35 species of amphibians and reptiles. 

Nature is highly respected and provided ample space to flourish – with three acres being designated as a Loris Conservation Site, the first in the country. Among the many faunal varieties that were naturally attracted to the eco-system created at Jetwing Vil Uyana, the Fishing Cat is another animal that was deemed endangered but was spotted within the compound.  

“Jetwing Vil Uyana and Jetwing Yala are two properties that we consider to be amongst our finest achievements,” said Hiran Cooray, Chairman of Jetwing Hotels. “We believe that the experiences and spaces that these resorts personify are completely unique, and winning two of the most prestigious country awards show that all over the world, our visitors believe the same. I’d like to thank our associates at Jetwing Vil Uyana and Jetwing Yala for their commitment to excellence, and on behalf of the Jetwing family, to win more awards next year.”

Family owned and in the tourism industry for the past 43 years, Jetwing Hotels has surpassed expectation at every aspect. Building on their foundation of being passionate, as well as the experience of true, traditional Sri Lankan hospitality, constantly pioneering discoveries captures the essence of the brand. Such a strong statement and direction have enabled Jetwing Hotels to imagine, create and manage marvels and masterpieces, where distinctive design and elegant comfort complement each other and the environment. In line with the Jetwing Hotels Sustainable Strategy, across all properties sustainable and responsible practices are given precedence with resource efficiency, community upliftment and education, and awareness being some of its key focus areas.