Author: Esteem Magazine

An Indescribable Enigma

If someone were to ask me to list my Top 10 favourite places in the world, the Old Dutch Fort in Galle would definitely be among them. There is just something about the heavily fortified UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 1600s that keeps you coming back time and time again. You can’t really put your finger on it and say it’s the archeology, or the culture or the people or even the food…It’s just an indescribable enigma… Natalie Rogers agrees.

Natalie and her husband Liam first took up abode in Sri Lanka in 2001 and lived in Kandy. A few years down the line an opportunity opened up to acquire an old spice warehouse inside the Galle Fort. The owners had converted the property as a colonial home, but decided against living in it. The result was the opening of the Fortaleza restaurant in 2012.

Fortaleza is Spanish means strength. It also happens to be a city in Brazil. But for Natalie and her team it embodies everything that the Galle Fort stands for – history, culture and a home away from home.

Our trip to Fortaleza brought us to Galle quite late at night only to be greeted by Chandana and the staff armed with wet towels and a nice cold welcome drink. The best welcome though came from Trevor, Fortaleza’s resident cat. Well more than a welcome it was a purr, a one-eyed stare and a nose stuck up in the air that told us she was not to be disturbed (Yes, it’s a she despite the name Trevor!). Instead of being offended we were quite happy to leave her majesty to her cat nap (no pun intended!) and be escorted to our room. After all Sri Lanka’s first cat to be featured on the travel directory for cat people, “Hotels with Cats” does need her beauty sleep!

The boutique hotel has four rooms and we were shown to what’s called the “Master Bedroom”. With a view overlooking Lighthouse Street this room is best described as simplistic elegance. Retaining the rustic handmade furniture, the room comes with a large four poster bed, comfortable arm chairs to rest or read in, a semi-open attached bathroom, and my favourite divan sofa cum bed which is ideal for reading or writing about your travels while sipping on a hot cup of tea or coffee that you can make for yourself. Although the rooms are air-conditioned, we preferred the sound and the cool air emanating from the old-fashioned ceiling fan. The room is also dimly lit making it the perfect place to just unwind and relax.

We also love the fact that Fortaleza uses no plastic and is doing their part to be eco friendly. So you will only find disposable brown paper laundry bags and reusable containers in the washroom for toiletries. Even the hair-dryer is stored in a stylish tote bag made by local artisans. If you are one of those travelers looking for modern conveniences be warned that there is no television, Wi-Fi or even a telephone in the rooms. You are in Galle Fort after all so the idea is to get out of your room and explore!

All meals are served in the tastefully decorated restaurant housed on the bottom floor of the building. Seating options are three-fold with traditional dining tables, outdoor seating under garden umbrellas and bar stools overlooking a well-stocked bar are up for grabs. The restaurant itself is a stunning sight at any time of day, mainly we attribute to the right –hand side wall which has retained its original state. We are told that the stones used to build it contain a mixture of coral and “kabok” which gives it the distinct colour that light just bounces off.

The menu at Fortaleza is eclectic in its mix of cuisines from around the world. For breakfast we had a good ol’ English breakfast and were quite satisfied with the large amount of Bacon that comes with it. One of the best recommendations we have off the menu is to have every meal with Fortaleza’s version of King Coconut and Lime. We were just in love! We also highly recommend their Prawn Spaghetti, Teriyaki Chicken and the Seafood in Spicy Coconut Gravy. We must also commend the restaurant for not being shy with their portions. For dessert one must try their “Podi Banoffee Tarts” which are simply melt-in-your-mouth divine.

Service is at its epitome at Fortaleza. From Natalie, down to Ethan and the staff, ensuring that every guest is well taken care of comes naturally. They truly are a living embodiment of hospitality. Placed in the heart of Galle Fort, Fortaleza is also ideal to stay in as you venture out and explore the cobblestone streets, the historic locations, the vivid culture and the simplicity of life. A simple request at the reception (often manned by Trevor!), will provide enough information on walking tours, and whale watching and other attractions in the area.

 

Even if you choose to simply stay indoors and enjoy the tranquility and quietness of this beautiful boutique hotel, there will still be memories that you take back with you. Memories that when revisited makes you want to come back just once more.

 

Box Information

Fortaleza Restaurant and Boutique Hotel

Church Cross Street, Galle

Tel: 0773 393397

Email: reservations@fortaleza.lk

Website: www.fortaleza.lk

 

By Nishu Hassim

Photo Credit: Sanura Gunawardana

There’s Something About Kumar…

Sooriya Village was the perfect setting to wine and dine Kumar De Silva, but then again maybe not. I failed Math during my O’Levels, and maybe that’s why I lost count of the number of times we were politely interrupted by every Tom, Dick, and Harry who patted Kumar on the back, and jabbered on amiably for a few minutes or so. But this is Kumar De Silva, and this level of attention from the public is to be expected. Generation X’ers (think me) would recognize this genteel and friendly face from the Bonsoir days. What is there to write about Kumar? His face has been plastered on virtually every newspaper in the country and also on the television screen.

 

Tell me something about you that no one knows, I asked. That is how this interview started as Kumar took me down Memory Lane while gently parting the mists of nostalgia. Deprivation was a running theme in Kumar’s childhood. With two siblings in the family, his parents who were both teachers tried their level best to offer them the necessities of life. But judging by the standards of today, life in Sri Lanka a few decades ago was quite a difficult affair. How much we take for granted, I thought, as Kumar mentioned that when it came to the food they ate, eggs and chicken was a once-a-month luxury.

 

He mentioned with a smile how his mother stitched a shirt out of a batik cushion cover. Yet his voice didn’t feature any bitter nuances since he divulged that he appreciated the whole aspect of ‘not having’ in his childhood. As he says: We didn’t know what it was to have, so not having was normal. Deprivation may have been the status quo in Kumar’s life, but one thing his parents didn’t scrounge on was his education. He goes onto say that it was this investment that’s paying its dividends now.

Yet it was one story out of so many that really did grab my attention; it was one where he had to borrow watches from his neighbors when it came to his A’ Levels to time his answers; this is because his parents just didn’t have the money to buy themselves a watch. Once he finally got his first job, the first salary went to buying both his father and mother a watch each. It’s now an obsession where he has collected hundreds of watches to date, all of which are harmoniously ticking away in his closet forever reminding him of his roots, and also how long he has come in a life that started out with the bare minimum.

 

Deprivation can bring out the best in us or the worst in us, yet what was truly appreciable about Kumar was his level of empathy. I suppose it’s a case of not wanting someone to go through the same level of suffering that you have gone through that brings out kindness. This was the rationale that was warmly spreading through my neurons as he spoke of how he helped a Bonsoir office peon’s son get a decent education.

 

It was investing in education that elevated his life, and he speaks of how proud he is of his children who were cultivated to appreciate education and be lifelong learners. No one can take away your education, Kumar says. This is largely true. You may lose your house, car or belongings through various tragic circumstances, but what you have learned will always reside within you helping you offer value to society and the world. Believing in an ethos that is governed by Karma, he firmly believes that the good you do will come back to you. He speaks of how he fed a starving tuk tuk driver, and received two lucrative compering jobs within a matter of half an hour. As he dug into his pol roti and dhal, and I into my black pork curry, he spoke of his yearning for the simplicity of yesteryear where Wellawatta in the 1960s bears a vast difference from what it is today. People were certainly friendlier then, but they also had more time for each other.

I remember Kumar projecting his versatile flair through my family’s second-hand Sony television, but this was a part of him I never saw. Neither did I expect him to have the experiences that he actually had. This is real life for you: the personalities we see in media with the perfectly chosen filters on Instagram and Facebook are humans just like us. They too have struggled, and felt pain, and hurt, and joy, and sadness like all of us. This I suppose is the most endearing thing: we all are alike, enticing with our strengths and weaknesses, traversing a journey that’s filled with expectations and dreams, all with the hope of extending some warmth and compassion to our fellow human beings.

DIMO Felicitated for Best Sustainability Report; HNB First Runner Up

ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards present fourteen awards across seven industry categories

 

Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC (DIMO) proudly accepted the overall award as Sri Lanka’s most transparent company at the ACCA Sri Lanka Sustainability Reporting Awards, which has for over 14 years felicitated Sri Lanka’s best sustainability reports. Adjudged Overall Runner Up was Hatton National Bank PLC, the overall awards formed the climax to a total of fourteen awards being presented at a gala awards ceremony presided by the High Commissioner for South Africa Her Excellency Robina P Marks as Chief Guest.  Adjudged across seven industry categories, corporate stewardship was well evidenced among a collective of nearly sixty reports submitted for the awards, led by a panel of judges headed by Franklyn Amerasinghe.

 

John Keells Holdings topped the Conglomerates and Diversified category once again and DIMO repeated this feat as well in the Retail and Trading Category, where Alumex took the Runner Up position.  HNB won the Banking Sector too, while Commercial Bank came in as Runner Up.  Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings was the winner in the Leisure & Connected Services Category, which saw John Keells Hotels emerge as Runner Up.  There were Joint Winners in the Finance & Insurance category – Union Assurance and Citizens Development Business Finance, while the Runner Up award was presented to Mercantile Investments & Finance.  Nawaloka Hospitals gained the winning laurel in the General Services (Utilities) category, with the Runner Up being MTD Walkers.  The Awards also felicitated the SME category presenting Vallibel Power Erathna with the winning award and Resus Energy with the Runner Up Award.

 

Stating that the demands of the 21st century means that companies can no longer operate in the same way as before, the South African High Commissioner said, “New tools are required if companies are to be responsive in a world that is changing. The sustainability issue is a critical consideration for boards of companies and has to be embedded in its long-term strategy. The chartered accountancy industry therefore has a valuable and indispensable role to play in Sri Lanka. ACCA’S Sustainability Reporting Awards is therefore an indispensable tool that can assist companies with its on-going relationship between the company and its stakeholders in developing strategy. In this regard, best practices from South African companies are instructive in demonstrating how companies can achieve long term sustainability, responsive to the needs of companies and society as a whole.”

 

Sri Lanka is among 25 countries globally where 3,000 entities worldwide use a predetermined methodology in sustainability reporting which falls within the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) blueprint.  Congratulating all winners who have conformed to the criteria indicators of completeness, credibility and communication, President of the Member Network Panel of ACCA Sri Lanka Adrian Perera stated that each of the winning reports had clearly acknowledged and demonstrated economic, environmental and social impacts on internal and external stakeholders.  “We at ACCA believe that if Sri Lanka is to develop itself to become the true pearl of the Indian Ocean, businesses must come up with strategies that are not only viable but also sustainable in the long run.”

 

Having observed an increasing number of integrated reports being entered into the fray, Franklyn Amerasinghe said the judges noted more strategic thinking in relation to sustainability, encouraging all organizations to move towards this approach. “A robust sustainability reporting process is ensured when an organization produces an integrated report,” he said.  “With participants adopting the methodology approved by GRI, most reports check their’s against the GRI G4 which calls for reporting on the material aspects of the business.  A new trend is to translate the performance into metrics associated with identified types of capital, falling in line with an integrated approach.  We hope there will be a movement in this direction which is a universal trend.”

 

The Panel of Judges comprised Consultant to the Panel of Judges Franklyn Amarasinghe and Prema Cooray, Sriyani Hulugalle, Dr. Kennedy D Gunawardana, Srilal Mittapala, Dinesh Weerakkody and Ramani Gunatilaka.

 

Rovini’s Secret…

One of the most interesting facets of my job as a lifestyle journalist is that I get to meet a wide array of interesting individuals from all walks of life. It’s true that I get to meet a diverse array of smart and intellectual people who are part and parcel of the millennial generation. As a member of Generation X, it’s truly exciting to see how this generation is shaking things up and disrupting everything – all in a good way, of course. Let this introduction lead the way to presenting Rovini Illukkumbura.

Scouring through her LinkedIn profile was tantamount to feasting my eyes on a mosaic of success. Starting out her career at MAS and Unilever, it was certainly inspiring to see her plot her way up the corporate ladder to thrive in the zenith of her capabilities. From Intern to Assistant Brand Manager to Brand Manager to Marketing Manager to a fully-fledged Entrepreneur in less than ten years spoke volumes of her dedication to the art of success.

All one has to do is to just tap away on YouTube to hear Simon Sinek talk about the lack of discipline that afflicts millennials, and I found that this was largely true. However, there are a great number of millennials who are very hardworking and determined. Instead of resting on her laurels and feasting on the entitlement of being part of her family business, Rovini strived to plot her own course in life.

This is something she has done quite successfully. Chatting to her at Hilton while she sipped her Pina colada, it was inspiring to listen to her talk of the tough love her father preached, and how that set the foundation for her to settle in a career that she treasured. It was hard work and perseverance that led her to become Samsung Sri Lanka’s Marketing Manager where she was again thrown into the deep-end of life.

Looking at her diminutiveness and ever-ready smile, it was hard to imagine her as a live wire. It was even harder to imagine someone this genteel could achieve so much, but that’s just a stereotypical assumption courtesy of a Generation X’er. Having been extremely persistent even in her academic endeavors, Rovini decided to study in the field of Economics at the University of Colombo. Yet what really matters in this day and age are your achievements. As a lawyer friend of mine once said: It’s never about your academic achievements, it’s all about your track record.  I believe that it really is your upbringing that leads you to be who you are, and just like her affection for hard work, and her star-class coordinated guidance of the Visakha Synchro Team, the launch of Islander was a well-orchestrated affair.

Islander happens to be another milestone in that impressive track record of Rovini Illukkumbura. The brand launch of Islander was held at Honey Beach Club at Kingsbury Hotel at the beginning of this year; the event was attended by a veritable list of celebrities and VIPs including Minister Sujeewa Senasinghe and Jalani Premadasa. Using her extensive experience in the art of marketing, Rovini conceptualized the brand identity and marketing ethos of her brand, and launched it successfully while leveraging on the power of social media.

Crafted under the tagline – ‘Inspired By You’, the Islander brand seeks to promote and cherish the authentic island experience and portrays itself as a tribute to all things Sri Lankan with a focus on Sri Lanka’s strong appreciation of community. With a list of academic achievements, and a focus on marketing and product creation under her belt, Rovini spent an arduous two years researching, developing and designing Islander. With a successful launch already out of the way, Rovini is now busy working on a varied series of independent product lines that adhere to the brand promise portrayed by Islander.

 

The Islander range of flavoured water-based beverages was created to be a potent replacement for carbonated soft drinks. Consider that age-old proverb: health is wealth plus today’s excessive consumption of sugar, and then you’ll see how sugar has got the not-so-sweet reputation of being a promoter of heart disease, cancer and diabetes. What is more worrisome is that carbonated sugary drinks have contributed drastically to global obesity levels; and, it is this insidious trend that needs to be duly combated. The Islander range offers an organic blend of natural fruit flavouring, zero sugar and no colouring; appealing to all tastebuds, the Islander range of beverages are available in four tantalizing variations – Peach, Watermelon, Mint and Lemon and Lime.

 

Besides the desire to offer a health-conscious product while delivering value to a segment that believes health truly is wealth, Rovini says that this endeavor is also an effort at inspiring the younger generation that success is something anyone can get a shot at. So what, you may ask, is Rovini’s secret to achieving success? It’s quite simple really. If you set your mind towards something, you can achieve it.

 

Written by Rohitha Perera

Howard Martenstyn – An Invaluable Treasure

Mahoora Tented Safari Camp Wilpattu: The Wild Is Calling

The best thing about camping are the wide open spaces, the views, the hiking, the wildlife and so much more! If you truly want to get away from it all and experience nature in its purest glory, there is a place that will make your camping experience a wild/not-so-wild one, whichever way you prefer!

Mahoora Tented Safari Camps give you the chance to see camping at its best. Choose from numerous locations and enjoy your stay with a team of individuals who set the benchmark for safari camping in Sri Lanka with ethical and environmentally-friendly accommodation options. The staff are warm and welcoming, the food delicious and staying overnight in a tent is an experience not easily forgotten. Situated in several strategic and advantageous locations alongside the boundaries of various national parks, Mahoora, with their unique ‘pack in-pack out’ private tented safari camp concept, is the best way to experience the call of the wild.

“Mahoora carbon neutral tented safaris have been providing the best wildlife camping experience in Sri Lanka since 1998 and we are fully equipped to cater to every need of our guests. We are the only safari camp that offers a high-end sit down meal service, serving a five-course lunch and a seven-course dinner. Every meal is an experience on its own, with food being cooked in the presence of our guests. Our customised menu is based on clients’ preferences along with our own signature dishes,” said Channa Jayasundara, a consultant with Eco Team Sri Lanka which is the managing company of Mahoora Tented Safari Camps

Accommodation

If you’re expecting to be jammed into a tent with hardly enough space to move around in, you will be pleasantly surprised. The tented accommodation is very spacious and is divided into two categories called Mahoora Elite and Mahoora Explorer. The former is set with a touch of luxury, providing more space for guests who prefer comfort during their stay. The latter, which lives up to its name, is chosen by the more adventurous guests; travelling light if possible is advised.

Both types of tents are very comfortable, have an en-suite bathroom, carpeted flooring, hot water and mosquito netting. The décor is very much in keeping with the forest theme which blends perfectly with its surroundings. Electricity is provided round the clock for both tent options, but the lighting is dimmed to prevent mosquitoes and insects entering and it also advisable to keep the tent zipper closed for the same reason.

Meals

In keeping with a Sri Lankan jungle experience, local dishes including fresh juices are available and you are recommended to try out the millet porridge. However, a Continental breakfast is also served. Eat up as the jungle air does increase your appetite, especially after an early morning safari! Tea/coffee, fresh fruits, snacks, juices, soft drinks and water will be provided on request during the day, but save space for the freshly-prepared Sri Lankan lunch and the mouth-watering local desserts that await you.

Dinner is truly exciting as a 7-course menu with a BBQ is served around the campfire. However, the real highlight of the evening is after dinner; the night walk through the jungle is one of the most interesting things you can experience, as you get to see and appreciate the nocturnal wildlife. Do remember to keep your head low to avoid branches getting in your eyes; it is also a good idea to wear sneakers or any other protective footwear and the use of a mosquito/insect repellent is advised.

 

Wildlife

All Mahoora safari adventures are conducted in special custom-made jeeps exclusive to them, and you will always be accompanied by a professional naturalist. We got Saranga Mendis and he is amazing! Saranga’s earliest and fondest memories of his childhood revolve around wildlife, having developed a love for nature at a very young age, which is evident when he speaks about the flora and fauna during the safari. The rest of the staff is also very courteous, going out of their way to personalise your stay and make you feel at home.

 

Wilpattu National Park is located in the Northwest dry zone of Sri Lanka and is named after the existence of ‘willus’ (natural lakes) and is a unique feature in the park. The park is home to several species of mammals, endemic birds and reptiles; it is among the oldest and most important protected areas in Sri Lanka. There are spotted deer in abundance which totally gives you Bambi vibes, Muntjac or barking deer, the nocturnal mouse-deer and the sambur deer, which is the largest of the four species of deer in the country. The enigmatic and elusive leopards are the highlight of any safari in Wilpattu and count yourself lucky if you catch a glimpse of one. We didn’t, but we did see a sloth bear and her cub. The little one was curious and came forward to investigate, but its mum called it back. We were informed by Saranga that bears use a series of tongue clicks and grunts to communicate amongst their kind.

Seeing the changeable hawk-eagle or crested hawk-eagle in a tree was magnificent, but we had to practically beg the peacock to open up its feathers which it did for just a few seconds. Saranga provided a feathery fact about these birds: the peacocks fake their ‘copulatory call’, pretending to mate even when they are not. This is in order to convince females they are more sexually active and therefore genetically fitter than their rivals!

All too soon, your visit will draw to a close, but the memories will travel with you and Mahoora Tented Safari Camps wait to welcome you back to the wild once again.

For more information, log on to www.mahoora.lk

Written by Michelle Alles

SigiriyaJungles celebrates first anniversary of a journey in adventure and luxury

Conveniently and centrally located within the Cultural Triangle and in close proximity to the magnificent Sigirya Rock, SigiriyaJungles opened its doors to the public one year ago with the intention of offering typical Sri Lankan experiences to holiday goers from around the world. It has since then, become a journey of discovery and the epitomy of luxury.

Chairman of SigiriyaJungles and former President of SLAITO Devindre Senaratne said, “It brings us great joy and a sense of fulfillment to have reached this wonderful milestone. During this one year SigiriyaJungles was busy with multiple tasks, among which were marketing it to a rapidly growing international clientele, increasing awareness and creating a distinct demand for the brand.”

“SigiriyaJungles is proud to offer guests a true and a real feeling of living in Sri Lanka with our smiling faces and hospitality, mouth-watering Sri Lankan dishes and international cuisine, natural surroundings, our creative undisturbed architecture and luxurious living. We’re also committed to the region and over 60% of our staff is from the region,” he added.

Committed to protecting nature, the hotel has implemented environmentally-friendly practices throughout its operations – from recycling overflow water, to harnessing natural sunlight, to cutting down on electricity consumption, re-using of waste and using of electronic buggy carts with zero-carbon emissions. In fact only environmentally friendly products are used to preserve and scrub the floors and walls. “This is our commitment towards positive hospitality. The hotel is committed to delivering memorable holidays, exceptional standards of service and journeys that keep the conservation of the planet in mind”, Senaratne elaborated.

A few months ago, the Management of SigiriyaJungles initiated a program showing its commitment towards positive hospitality and sustainable development among the hotel staff. The program was aimed at developing home-grown produce and eliminating waste management. This effort was recognised when SigiriyaJungles was awarded the 2nd Prize in the category of ‘Classified Hotels’ in the Home Garden Competition in the Central Province jointly organised by the Governor’s Office and the Agricultural Department Kandy. This has further motivated the staff to improve on this venture and take it to greater heights.

The nearby Audangawa temple is the main focal point where most of the villagers congregate to fulfill their religious obligations and discuss the progress of the village. During the past one year, SigiriyaJungles built a Sangavasaya for the 250 year old temple and thus nurtured and fostered its bond with the village.

Through its sister company JourneyScapes, it also maintains the Moragaswewa Maha Vidyalaya which is about five kilometres from the hotel and consists of 240 students. The hotel continually supports the development of the school in an effort to raise its standards and this includes focusing on the health and well-being of the children.

SigiriyaJungles continuously offers guests indulgent getaways and remains committed to delivering memorable holidays and exceptional standards of service and hospitality. The hotel features 60 lavishly furnished rooms overlooking the Sigiriya rock fortress, a stunning and unique swimming pool, vibrant outdoor spaces, locally-inspired dining and a 100ft bridge that offers breath-taking views of the Sigirya Rock.

All About the Number IV

All About IV is a clothing brand that evolved out of the nooks and crannies of a colorful and brilliant mind. Each of the pieces in the collection reflects and personifies the personality of their maker. It also embodies the bubbly nature of the brand’s designer, Thilini De Silva quite vividly through the bright colors and daring textures incorporated in to her designs.

Even though Sri Lankan by nationality, Thilini spent a large portion of her life in the Middle East after her parents moved the family to Bahrain when she was very young. Although living in the Middle East meant dealing with many social and cultural restrictions, Thilini’s spirit of a wanderer wanted to explore new cities and travel the world. She was also adamant on studying abroad and finally spreading her wings. “Growing up there was so much that I wanted to do and achieve and my heart’s desire was to travel and see the world. The first step to a great journey began when my parents allowed me to move overseas for my studies.”

Her move was to the land down under and Thilini spent most of her twenties travelling the outback of Australia whenever she had a day off from college. A graduate accountant by qualification, Thilini however emphasizes on following your heart rather than going with the flow. “Accounting was the thing to do at the time and since I was young and had so much energy to sit through classes and exams it all worked out. But later I realized that keeping books may not be for me.”

During one of her holidays in Sri Lanka, Thilini met her Prince Charming, and it paved way for the start of a new chapter in her life. After spending a few years in the UK for work purposes, the young couple made plans to move to where he grew up in Italy. However destiny had other plans when an opportunity to open a restaurant in Colombo surfaced.

With many hopes and plans for the restaurant, the couple moved back to their island home and commenced operations. In between all of the chaos of running a restaurant, Thilini learned that she was pregnant and the turn of events presented her with a lot of free time. “I never planned for being a mom but mommyhood has been interesting so far. When life gives you opportunities like this, you need to take it. It’s about embracing all that life offers you”, states a woman who clearly enjoys her status as a mother.

“During the time I stayed at home because of the pregnancy, I started to create my own clothes as none of my old clothes fit me or was suitable for the weather in Sri Lanka. What started off as being something I did for myself soon turned into something family and friends wanted me to do for them.”

With time on her hands creative juices began to flow and with it evolved Thilini’s first collection. Since the brand was given birth to in the month of April this was the inspiration behind the name of the brand. “I wanted the brand name to make sense to me and be easy to remember but I thought IV as in the number would be too generic. Four signifies the fourth month which is April, it was when I conceived my child and it is also the time for change in our culture. So it embodies a lot of things.”

“Once I had done about 30 pieces, I decided to give this designing thing a shot. It all started with an online store and I was like if anything doesn’t sell I’ll at least have a new wardrobe!” Forget about leftovers, as Thilini’s first collection created so much interest that she was overwhelmed with the response.The doors that have opened up since then have been endless and one of them was at Design Collective.

“I knew Shahili through a mutual friend and he wanted us to meet. I met the girls and they had such an amazing vision and concept for the space and once the space came to life, I knew I had made the right decision”, she said reminiscing on the time when she first met the two masterminds behind Design Collective, Shahili and Binu.

“Everything I design for Design Collective is only for them so I try to think of ideas that are in line with their brand, something that would blend in perfectly but reflect my personality as well. The current collection at Design Collective is called All Checked Out. It’s all with plaid; it has blues and especially reds and greens to hold you up for the holiday season.”

The Design Collective aims to promote designers from Sri Lanka and South East Asia by providing a conceptually unique space in which designers can showcase their designs and interact with their clientele. It is located at what is becoming Colombo’s favourite “art street” at Stratford Avenue.

Written by Nishu Hassim

The Elephant Stables: Colonial Living at Its Finest

They say travel broadens the mind, but if you can’t take a long trip, that’s fine. A weekend at this luxury boutique hotel might be all you need for that mind-broadening travel experience. Placed among the Top 3 on the TripAdvisor list, the surroundings make for a peaceful and relaxing time away from the bustle of the city, if a break is what you’ve been craving.

Just 10 minutes away from the town of Kandy, lies the lap of luxury with staff to pamper your every need, delicious cuisine, breath-taking views and much more. This luxury boutique hotel, known as The Elephant Stables is nestled on a little hill, and provides the perfect weekend getaway destination for tourists and even local travellers seeking the ultimate luxurious experience.

The colonial bungalow was previously the home of Sir Cudah Ratwatte, the patriarch of the island’s leading aristocratic family. Many elephants were once housed in the gardens of his old plantation, hence the name ‘The Elephant Stables’. It is said that the stones making up the wall surrounding the property had been carried and set in place by the pachyderms.

The rooms are classy and tastefully furnished in a lovely blend of Colonial and modern styles, featuring the cream of interior design in the country. The room categories consist of Pepper, Lemongrass, Saffron, Citronella and Vanilla which are located on the upper floor of the property and provide delightful views of the garden, pool and the misty Knuckles Mountains in the distance. The Cottage Suite is nothing short of delightful; standing in the garden overlooking the back lawn and the pool, this is the perfect choice for a family of 4 that require a substantial amount of space.

You will feel like a queen that’s just alighted from her palanquin when you are escorted into the Luxury Tent, a 915 sq. ft. tented suite which is the largest permanent tented structure in Sri Lanka and one of the largest tented bedrooms in the entire world. The fully air conditioned tent is partitioned with curtains that separate the living and dining areas from the master bedroom with a large 4 poster bed as well as a second bedroom with two single 4 poster beds. A beautiful bathroom with polished cement walls has been built inside the tent.

Sir David Lean Bungalow is the jewel in the crown of The Elephant Stables with a 7 star rating. Located about 4 km away from the main hotel on top of a ridge at Anniewatte with a magnificent view, it is hard not to feel like you’re being taken back in time as you step into one of the most important colonial bungalows in Kandy. The bungalow is steeped in history, being the location for the filming of major scenes of Sir David Lean’s epic wartime masterpiece ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ in 1957. The interior of the bungalow is full of extremely rare and beautiful antique furniture including collections that were made especially for Queen Elizabeth’s state visit in 1954 to Ceylon, as it was known back then. Avail yourself of the exclusive private chef to provide delicious meals for you, or feel free to sample the variety of cuisines on offer at the main hotel with complimentary transport provided.

Prepare yourself for a journey of gastronomic delights as the chef at The Elephant Stables more than excels in delivering mouth-watering fare. English, Continental or the traditional Sri Lankan breakfast is served to start your day. Sightseeing in Kandy can get pretty busy, so the hotel staff keeps that in mind and aims to serve a quick, yet appetizing lunch that includes pastas, sandwiches and salads. If you happen to order the Thai Red Curry with noodles, I suggest you choose beef as the meat is really tender and cooked to perfection. Their dessert menu includes a scrumptious Chocolate Lava Cake and a selection of homemade ice cream which is quite tempting, even if you’re feeling stuffed.

Tea is served with a selection of scones, cakes and pastries along with a pot of freshly brewed Ceylon tea. Sunsets on the property are glorious and just sitting on the lawn and taking in all the natural beauty around you brings a feeling of tranquillity like no other. Ranil Samarasooriya, CEO of The Elephant Stables, definitely knows guests’ deluxe holiday requirements. The hotel has been running for the past 6 years and has won the TripAdvisor Excellence Award consecutively for the past 3 years.

The lobby is a lovely place to relax in before dinner if the weather is rainy, but if the sky is clear, seat yourself under the stars and enjoy a 3 course dinner menu, which always includes a Sri Lankan rice and curry option. Another set menu offers an optional Asian Fusion or Western dining selection and special meals (Halal, gluten-free or vegetarian, etc.) are available on request.

The Elephant Stables offer day excursions from Kandy to places of interest, such as the Cultural Triangle and the tea estates of the Hill Country. The more adventurous guests can try White Water Rafting at Kithulgala or trekking in the Knuckles mountains. Unlike many luxury boutique hotels in Sri Lanka, The Elephant Stables welcomes families and promises a fantastic vacation experience for travellers of all ages.

For more details, contact them on +94 112 821515 or email reservations@elephantstables.com or visit http://elephantstables.com/

By Michelle Alles

Island Lush: Comfort and Sophistication for the Sole

They are the shoes you’ve always dreamed about and will make you want to forever break up with high-heels. De-Lushiously designed with your well-being in mind, Irushi Ratnaweera Perera who is a big fan of flats herself, brings you various types of sandals which will make you marvel that such sophistication and elegance can be so expertly combined with comfort.

Her range of footwear consists of Thong and Two Strap sandals, Sliders and Toe Ring chappals in various colours and styles that will leave you spoilt for choice and craving them all. This extremely sweet and beautiful lady spoke to us on why she chose footwear (Thank goodness she did!) and how it became her best decision ever.

Irushi, what made you start out in the field of design and why did you pick footwear?

I have always been a fan of shoes myself and back in the day, I would recreate and do designs on pairs I’d bought for myself. In due course, when I wanted to start a venture on my own, footwear was something that topped the list and the rest fell into place.

What do you feel makes a good shoe?

A perfect sole is vital for the comfort and finish of the design and makes feet look their best.

Why did you choose the name ‘Island Lush’ for your brand?

Imanthi Perera, a close friend of mine, chose this name for me. I wanted to convey that these designs been made in an ‘Island’ (Sri Lanka) and ‘Lush’ aptly describes the island life we live in. Plus, ‘IL’ is also the first letters of mine and my husband’s names (Irushi and Lanthra).

Of all the shoes that you’ve designed, which has given you the most satisfaction?

Each piece I design gives me extreme pleasure, given the amount of time and care that we put into the design, sketch, source material and sample in building each pair. Seeing the final output just the way it was in my imagination gives me satisfaction that just keeps sparking my creativity and makes me want to do this every day.

What criteria do you use when designing new shoes?

Comfort to the feet, colours of the season, international trends – all of these are mixed in with my imagination when designing a new pair of shoes.

How do you decide on the colours for your shoes?

It’s mainly the colours and the prints of the season that we use, and sometimes some prints I find are extremely irresistible when I go fabric hunting. Inspiration also comes from our fabulous clients because we treasure the ideas that we receive from them.

What has been your career highlight?

Starting my own business with the corporate sector was the highlight of my career and this has led me to meet amazing people and get some fabulous opportunities.

What fascinates you right now and how does it feed into your work?

I am completely fascinated by the spirit of this Island. All it takes is one look at our designs to know that they have all been inspired by the luscious prints, vibrant island colours and the nudes which represent our sandy beaches…we’ve got it all covered!

What is the best moment of your day?

Every time a sample comes out the way I imagined it in my mind is the best moment of any of my work days.

Who would you like to see wearing your shoes?

Victoria Beckham: You should literally aim for the stars!

Any tips for aspiring shoe designers?

I believe in making designs that I myself would love to own, and as new entrepreneurs, we also need to nurture and build the local skills available, focusing on local production to contribute to our economy while making the best of the outpouring of local talent.

Where would you like to see Island Lush in 10 years’ time?

We see ourselves as a proud Sri Lankan fashion footwear label, supplying to international retailers and clients under the brand name of ‘Island Lush designed and manufactured in Sri Lanka’.

If you’re done with high heels, log on to www.islandlushlk.com

Written by Michelle Alles