Viva Vivanta!

By Neeta Lal

THE Star.com: An elephant ride on a star-lit beach? A champagne-soaked dinner under a star-spangled sky? Or a river cruise to view one of the world’s most magical garden retreats? Why not?

Nothing, it seems, is impossible to organise at the Vivanta by Taj Resort in Bentota. A stunning, ocean-fronted property located on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, the hotel is situated over a sinuous hill. It offers 162 modern rooms with private sit-outs that overlook lush gardens and a glutinous Indian Ocean.

And if that’s not enough, the resort’s colonial architecture — marked with red tiled roofs and a terraced infinity pool with a sunken bar — ups its glam quotient further. We check in and are immediately taken in by Vivanta’s gleaming lobby, the centrepiece of which is a chunky high ceiling that makes us crane our necks like giraffes!

After a pleasant greeting of “Ayubowan” (welcome) by the front desk, we’re offered a choice of welcome drinks — the ambrosial nelli (gooseberry nectar), passion fruit juice and Ceylon iced tea.

All this at 4 a.m.!

Since we’re still bleary-eyed from overnight travel, check-in is arranged for us in our suite.

Much to our delight, the hotel is located smack dab on a powdery blue coastline, punctuated by golden beaches. Ergo, you may loll on the dun-coloured sand all day, sunbathing and listening to the oceanic symphony with nary a soul to bother you.

For the adrenaline-charged, there’s an eclectic menu of activities to choose from — windsurfing, water-skiing, snorkeling, water-tubing, bodysurfing and diving in translucent waters.

The hotel can organise all these activities upon request. In other words, Vivanta — or bon vivant – has acquired a reputation for what is termed “experiential” holiday.

As its affable General Manager V.K. Prasad, puts it, “In today’s competitive world, most star-rated resorts offer similar infrastructure, fine dining and business facilities. So to make our guests feel special, we offer them unforgettable ‘experiences’ through our service.”

And that they do indeed.

The “experiences” may range from the delightful to the spectacular. For us, the resort organise a breakfast on the beach, among other things. On a fine morning — as the sun’s rays filter through the hazy clouds and the oceanic breeze ruffles our hair — we feast on oven-fresh breads, freshly-squeezed juices and coconut water from nuts plucked off a tree. Sizzling bacon, omelettes and chicken sausages are brought in hot from the kitchen.

The hotel can also organise customised excursions. We take one to the enchanting 15-acre estate of Lunuganga, an exquisite piece of property that is a tropical rendition of an Italian garden. Fringing Deduwa Lake, it is one of the world’s most magical garden retreats complete with statues, courtyards and lily ponds that flank secret pathways.

This is followed by a boat safari on the River Madhu. As our boat glides on the shimmering water, we course through thick mangroves and rich flora and fauna.

We also get to view from up close the primitive style of fishing and prawn trapping still practised by the island’s inhabitants.The hotel also provides a perfect backdrop to host exclusive events and business meets. I have a look at the resort’s Wi-Fi- enabled and largest pillar-less conference hall along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The plush ballroom — the Orchid Hall — can host up to 275 people, the manager informs us.

Adjacent to the beach is Vivanta’s lawn. Sunset provides the perfect setting for a cocktail evening here. The hotel also has a beautiful Sea View Terrace that can host up to 300 people, elaborates Prasad.

We make the most of the resort’s rich offerings of indoor and outdoor games. After a frenzied round of table tennis, we head for the hotel’s outdoorsy chessboard complete with life-size pawns. Next, it’s time for a splash in the pool which is designed amidst swaying palm trees and overlooks the ocean. After a few laps, I swim up to the bar and snack counter to slake my thirst with a lip-smacking mocktail. However, it is Vivanta’s Jiva Spa that takes my breath away. Lying on a secluded stretch that is removed from the main property, the spa enables me to surrender to complete bliss in pristine surroundings. A rejuvenating massage and scrub later, I feel reborn. “Our therapies are rooted in ancient Indian healing systems and enhance physical, mental and spiritual equilibrium,” says the Spa Manager.

Deadline pressures seem far away from my mind as I pad about at the spa in a fluffy white gown and slippers, sipping chamomile tea and listening to the birdsong amidst glorious Frangipani trees. The blue lotus — Sri Lanka’s national flower — floats in attractive ceramic water bodies and works like a balm for my pollution-fatigued eyes.

For the health-conscious, the hotel offers a state-of-the-art Fitness Center outfitted with with cardio machines, mountain bikes, cross-trainers and even a sauna steam and Jacuzzi. But what’s a great holiday without delicious food? We get to taste the most delicious, spice-infused curries and stews Sri Lanka is famous for. All this and more is showcased at the resort’s three fine dining restaurants. Lunch at Sea View on Day One is a profusion of seafood with fine wines. Balsamic Red Snapper with shrimps in a saffron broth, red rice risotto, garlic-speckled bread and more make for a great gourmet experience.

On Day Two, after a hectic sightseeing whirl, we unwind at Sea Lounge which offers us a raft of innovative cocktails and finger-licking canapés.

The live band performing at the lounge, meanwhile, keeps us in a foot-tapping mood. Drinks in hand, we move to The Shack for dinner. A group of local musicians are serenading the diners here under a star-spangled sky. The eatery offers no menu. Instead, we have to amble across to the interactive grill to pick our choice of seafood which is then grilled and brought to our table. We soak in the music, listen to the oceanic roar and watch our lobster crackling over fire. Needless, to say the meal tastes like manna from heaven.

Perfect for the bon vivant and the global traveller, Vivanta is indeed the next generation of contemporary hospitality.

“We believe in serving up the ordinary with a twist,” sums up the hotel’s GM. Indeed, after an unforgettable stay at the resort, I can vouch for it that they do.