Deals of the day
Kudadoo Private Island
Kudadoo’s renowned eco-consciousness and sleek design extend to the Maldives island’s 15 over-water residences where your uninterrupted enjoyment of the private island charm and the splendid natural surrounds are the norm….
Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery
In search for unique places, sometimes you need to get off the main roads. However, let them lead you to Bale, Istria. Then slow down and follow the road that gets narrower with every mile, as nature draws closer. Slow down even more, and then make a turn into the white road. As the iron gates of the Meneghetti estate open up in front of you, stop for just one moment – and realize that the magic actually appears off the…
Bawah Reserve
A gorgeous tropical paradise surrounded by a blue ocean, Bawah Reserve sits in sheltered seclusion 160 nautical miles (300km) northeast of Singapore in the remote Anambas Archipelago, Indonesia. This pristine and previously uninhabited marine conservation area is surrounded by turquoise lagoons and coral reefs, which cater to outdoor adventurers looking to indulge as well as those looking to relax in paradise…
Villa Principe Leopoldo Lugano
Live in a fairy tale, surrounded by prestige and nature. Imagine contemplating Lugano’s beauty in a princely residence. The former private home of German Emperor Wilhelm’s brother in law, the Villa is located on a picturesque promontory called the Collina d’Oro (Golden Hill), whose views and location are the best kept secret in town. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live in a legendary home, a stay…
Boutique Hotel Die Alpbacherin
The history of DER ALPBACHERIN began in the former Angelika house. Some time ago, in the middle of Alpbach, at house number 405, stood the small bed and breakfast “Haus Angelika”. Georg and Lisa ran them with a lot of love. The success proved you right and so the desire for a new place for more guests was born. A dream came true. Together with daughter Valentina and her boyfriend Thomas, plans, dreams and…
Il Sereno Como
Il Sereno brings a new era of luxury to the banks of Italy’s iconic Lake Como. Awarded the title of “Most Anticipated New Luxury Hotel Opening in 2016” by Luxury Travel Advisor magazine, Il Sereno’s ethos of understated elegance presents a freshness to this well-established destination. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Wallpaper* Magazine Designer of The Year 2015, the all-suite hotel promises modern style and an authentic…
Relais Borgo Santo Pietro
Situated in the heart of Tuscany, Relais Borgo Santo Pietro was once a healing stopover for medieval pilgrims. Today it continues to provide a sanctuary for modern souls, merging a 5 star luxury hotel and spa concept with a ‘farm to plate’ philosophy on a 300-acre estate. A sumptuous feeling of home pervades the 800-year-old luxury farmhouse hotel, with its worn leather armchairs pulled up around open fires, fresh flower…
Juma Amazon Lodge
With its prime location in one of the most remote and preserved regions of the Amazon Rainforest, Juma Amazon Lodge is an intimate and inviting property harmoniously nestled into the forest environment which defines it. Juma Amazon Lodge features 19 intimate bungalows seamlessly nestled into the lush surroundings of the Amazon Rainforest. In order to accommodate the water levels of the wet season…
Cavo Tagoo Santorini
The exclusive Cavo Tagoo Santorini, twin of Cavo Tagoo Mykonos is located within walking distance from Fira and just a few kilometers from Oia, the resort offers luxurious suites, spectacular sunsets over the sea and a personalized service exceptional. All Suites are modern and feature a hot tub or private pool on the terrace style, design details, 43-inch LCD satellite TV, patio or terrace with stunning panoramic view…
Villa Belvedere Taormina
Hotel Villa Belvedere is a delightful and charming boutique hotel, located at just a few minutes from Taormina’s lively town centre and from the world-famous Greek-Roman Theatre, which are both reachable by walking through the inspiring and panoramic Duca di Cesarò Botanic Gardens. The hotel benefits of wonderful views over the sea, the bay of Naxos and Mount Etna. The hotel has always been…
Aria Hotel Budapest
The Aria Hotel Budapest is a luxury boutique hotel with an exquisite design inspired by music. To compliment the musical concept, master designer Zoltan Varro’s vision was to simultaneously recreate the rich, lavish atmosphere of a historic Hungarian palace while also embracing visitors in the warmth and comfort of a private residence…
Palazzo Navona Rome
The innovative Palazzo Navona Hotel fully deserved of its role as being amongst one of the most qualified 4 star Hotels within the city “centro”, capable of fulfilling its own lifestyle qualities to satisfy even the most demanding guest. The intimate and charming ambience emits a feeling of almost magic by creating a special atmosphere which pervades this residence surrounded by its historical-art and ancient Roman…
Gecko Hotel & Beach Club Formentera
In the beautiful and protected island of Formentera, Gecko Hotel & Beach Club was set out for like-minded individuals to unwind, connect with oneself and nature and above all celebrate life. Gecko brings to Formentera a new form of hospitality that unites our love for the island, the beach life and the elegance of a time in the past that continues to inspire us. Our clublike restaurant, in front of the Migjorn beach, offers a…
Casa Casuarina Miami
Casa Casuarina was built in 1930 by Alden Freeman. Alden Freeman’s father, Joel Freeman was Treasurer of The Standard Oil Trust (also known as Rockefeller’s Company) and left Alden a fabulous wealth when he passed away. That gave the young and wealthy Alden the opportunity to retire at the age of 27 from being an architect and travel all over the world. Alden was also a descendent of the Mayflower on his mother’s side…
La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris
La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris, a 5-star hotel in the centre of Paris, offers you a unique stay in a typically Parisian atmosphere. The building was built in 1907 by the Hennessy family, during the enchanting interlude offered by the Paris of the “Belle Époque”. Reflecting this magical era, our luxury hotel in Paris embodies a certain French art de vivre. La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris enjoys an idyllic setting and immerses you in the…
Château de La Chèvre d’Or
Nature is everywhere at Château de la Chèvre d’Or. There are lots of different gardens filled with sculptures, fountains, waterfalls, flowers, herbs, trees and shrubs. The area is perfumed with the scents of jasmine, bougainvillea and roses. The magnificent colors create a framework that blends into the horizon and the sea…
Royal Mansour Marrakech
The Royal Mansour can be counted amongst the few establishments in the world that defy hotel excellence. Just a few steps away from the famous Jemaa El Fna square beats the heart of the Marrakesh Palace, offering travellers the unique concept of a medina within a medina.
Each area has been designed to intuitively take guests on a sensory journey. Take a step into the secret and sumptuous history of one of the…
Azulik Tulum
In the heart of the Mayan jungle, a revolutionary project is about to redefine human evolution. A new vision of the future that is guided by ancestral knowledge and creates community is beginning to shape up.The VILLAS of AZULIK Tulum are built in harmony with the Mayan jungle and the Caribbean Sea. With no electric light, A/C, or television, we present nature as our main amenity, setting the perfect mood for a…
Mnemba Island Lodge
Steeped in culture and history, Zanzibar enticed adventurers, seafarers and traders from far and wide. Known as the spice island, from the centuries old trade of cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon, today the Zanzibar Archipelago is still bathed in the heady scents of spices and traditional dhows still drift across the horizon. A romantic hideaway, Mnemba Island is an exclusive paradise featuring twelve rustically chic beachside…
Cliveden House
Cliveden House is a privately owned 5 Red Star award-winning hotel, and sister to the world-renowned Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa in Hampshire. Our story is one of over 350 years of powerful personalities, iconic parties and scandalous affairs. Built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, as a gift to his mistress, Cliveden House has remained a pinnacle of…
Laucala Island Fiji
A private island refuge in the South Pacific, Laucala unites dramatic rainforest-laced landscapes and white sandy beaches with unparalleled levels of luxury and privacy. No expense has been spared at the exclusive tropical hideaway, where 25 Fijian-styled villas are set amid coconut plantations, beside deserted beaches and atop the island’s volcanic mountains, overlooking fertile coral reefs and endless jungle. Style and…
Piccolo Hotel Portofino
Hotel Piccolo Portofino, surrounded by the typical luxuriant vegetation of the Liguria Riviera, among the crystal clear water of Portofino and the blue sky, is a piece of art of the reception, unique of its kind. A hidden jewel, that has to be searched end discovered. Obtained from a refined period villa, today it is a boutique hotel, and from its generous terraces, a breathtaking view onto this exclusive stretch of coast…
Il San Pietro Di Positano
The San Pietro di Positano is more than a hotel. It is a journey within a journey, where memories are created and never forgotten. A haven of peace, immersed in nature, this elegant home harmonises old-world traditions of hospitality with contemporary, understated luxury. Escape to this small slice of paradise suspended between the sea and sky. Carved into the cliff overlooking the mediterranean Sea, our rooms are a…
Cocos Hotel Antigua
Perched on a lush green hillside, encircled by miles of heavenly blue sea and sandwiched between two gorgeous white sand beaches is COCOS Hotel, an all inclusive Antigua resort for couples and adults only. This rustic yet romantic and cozy boutique resort is located on the sunset side of the beautiful Caribbean Island of Antigua and comprises of a collection of 35 quaint wooden Cottages positioned on a pictoresque…
Built in 1870 as a circuit bungalow for British Government Agents, the Old Polonnaruwa Rest House and once the Queen of England’s holiday destination in the 1960’s, has now been restored and renamed as EKHO Lake House, Polonnaruwa.
EKHO Lake House overlooks the panoramic Sea of Parakrama Samudraya and offers magnificent views of the historic centre of Polonnaruwa’s UNESCO World Heritage site of Kingdoms past.
EKHO Lake House consists of 9 Superior Rooms, 4 Deluxe rooms and the tastefully dressed Royal’s Suite that offer you the rich experience of staying at the original honeymoon suite of the Queen of England in 1954. Stay engulfed in royalty, with contemporary authentic furniture synonymous to Sri Lanka.
The Royal Suite
The Royal Suite named in honor of Queen Elizabeth’s visit to the resort in 1954. Stay engulfed in royalty, with contemporary Sri Lankan design mixed with tudor style authentic Sri Lankan furniture.
This air-conditioned suite is with an outdoor Jacuzzi, a private terrace and private dining facilities all with a panoramic view of the great lake. Personalized butler service is a special service feature of the suite.
Deluxe
04 spacious rooms with a panoramic view of one the largest man made lakes in the world and beyond the borders of the Minneriya National park are specially designed for the discerning traveler. All rooms are air-conditioned with four-poster queen size beds and large toilets etc, designed in aesthetic colors.
Superior
Lake View – With a view of the great lake Parakrama Samudraya, these 5 rooms are located with a veranda and garden terrace in front of the rooms to revel on the stunning vistas and the life on the lake all day.
Designed in aesthetic colors, with large queen size beds these air-conditioned rooms are a perfect blend with the location. Ancient View – With a view of the Ancient Ruins of kingdoms past, air-conditioned and designed in aesthetic colors perfectly blending with the location.
Dining
The overall Food and Beverage experience has been conceptualized keeping in mind that all guests will expect a varied and eclectic dining experience. A team of food and beverage specialists have taken care to plan for menus offering simplicity, creative infusions and universal flavours in all the areas be it at our dining hall or be it during a private dining experience.
Service is warm, personalized and attentive. The restaurant enjoys uninterrupted panoramic views of the lake. Guests have an option to stay indoors or sit out in the open deck, here the time of the day and weather play an important role.
Since Polonnaruwa enjoys a tropical and dry weather most of the year, with June to August being a period of rainfall and high humidity, the restaurants and bars have a centre space to relax and enjoy.
The all day dining restaurant opens early to offer breakfast for the early risers but also awaits the later risers. Time stands still here and guests dine at times when they choose to dine.
This restaurant offers guests a choice to dine inside the restaurant or choose amongst the seating outside on the deck with a panoramic view of the Lake if you are inhouse. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner it offers a variety of pan Asian to continental flavors.
Experiences
Sri Lanka is a nation rich in culture and history. EKHO Lake House lies at the center of two of the nation’s historic capital cities: Polonnaruwa & Anuradhapura. Step out of your hotel room and explore the awe-inspiring architecture of ancient Sri Lanka.
Gal Viharaya
Gal Vihara (rock temple), is where hard rock softens and amazes one’s mind! No wonder an acclaimed UNESCO world heritage site. This bears testimony to excellent rock carving out of solid granite in Sri Lanka. The four images carved out of a single massive slab bring to life the serene and subtle expressions of the Buddha and graceful flow of the robes.
The carvings exemplify the marvelous use of the natural marbling in the rock emphasizing its natural hues. The 7m tall standing Buddha and the 14m long reclining Buddha statues depict entering of parinirvana (nirvana-after-death).
Ruins Of Polonnaruwa
Located approx. 230 km from Colombo in the North Central, Polonnaruwa is second only to historic Anuradhapura served as the island’s capital from the 11th to 13th centuries.
This contentious capital resembles a cosmopolitan blend of South Indian Hindu and Sinhalese Buddhist cultures; was the throne of the Parakramabahu I the Great (1153-1186 AC) who captured Polonnaruwa and ruled the entire island, then a flourishing commercial and religious center. He and King Nissanka Malla constructed many architecture marvels including temples and palaces.
View the manmade mini ocean-like giant lake, the Parakrama Samudraya named after the great king who built it in an endeavour to fuel an agriculture-based economy ; The statue of King Parakramabahu I gazing the lake, and the ruins of the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu which are said initially to have 7 stories and 1000 chambers, walls thick up to 30 feet /9 meters.
Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum with miniature models of the King’s palace, rooms dedicated to the fortress, the outer city, the monastery area, replicas of a local hospital for monks and medical instruments and Hindu monuments etc – a live link to the past!
Sacred City Of Anuradhapura
Your stay here is worth a visit to once the sacred city of Anuradhapura with historical and archaeological values – quite distinctive to those of Polonnaruwa.
Some must-sees are the Sri Maha Bodhi (Sacred Bo-Tree) under which Prince Siddhartha attained to enlightenment over 2,500 years ago and is the oldest historically documented tree in the world, the perfect ‘bubble shape’ Ruwanweli Seya (2nd century BC), the ‘Samadhi’ Buddha statue (4th century AD) encapsulating the deep meditation posture and the Isurumuniya rock temple (3rd century BC) legendary for its rock carvings.
