LF Review: ★★★★★
Ayubowan (meaning ‘May you live long’ in Sinhala, the local language of Sri Lanka) is a term that you will get used to at Jetwing Lighthouse in Galle. It is not just a greeting but a reflection of the warmth of the people of Sri Lanka, which has recently been deservedly voted as the best island in the world.
My journey from Colombo’s Bandaranayike International Airport to Jetwing Lighthouse Galle felt like a breeze courtesy of the immaculate highway and lush green landscapes that kept me company. As I entered Galle, the first sight of the ocean with waves crashing against black laterite rocks gave me an indication that this would be a memorable trip.
As my car pulled into the driveway that also has a semi-open reception, I was led to the upper floor for my check-in formalities. The stairway, however, is anything but ordinary. After all this property has been designed by architect Geoffrey Bawa, as, interestingly, one of his last projects.
The staircase has a large copper and brass metal structure depicting the arrival of the Portuguese to Sri Lanka in 1505, and the fighting between them. While the Sinhalese king is playing the flute, the Portuguese general is watching through a telescope. Naturally this is not just an art fixture, but also a favorite spot with guests for pictures.
The specifics
The property has 85 rooms, including five suites, where each suite has been designed with a specific theme. I stayed at the expansive Fa-Hsien Suite, a space that is a nod to imperial China, with a large living area with a balcony, a bedroom with a balcony, a dressing area, a shower area and a bathtub. The suite had distinct influences of the Far East with blue porcelain pottery and red-hued furnishings.
The 114.15 sq.m. room also has a personal butler attached, so there is never a moment when you need something that you cannot get. The best part is the fantastic views of the ocean that you can see from the room.
The dining options here are eclectic, as the retreat takes its food quite seriously and offers six dining spaces that are spread across the property. The Cinnamon Room, a dinner-only restaurant, offers local seafood fare, while the Cardamom Café – an all-day diner – serves an excellent spread for the breakfast buffet. Executive chef Nihal Senanayake’s food at Nihal’s is a good mix of global cuisine with a signature local touch.
For a quick bite of wood-fired oven pizzas, the Lorenzo’s Pizza Bar is the place to head to. The watering hole, Coats of Arms Bar, is where you can wind down for the evening. The retreat also offers Signature Dining experiences that are curated to your needs and will make sure you have a memorable time.
Outside The Cinnamon Room, black and white images show projects completed by Geoffrey Bawa. “This property is a living heritage in a sense, and we are a luxury reserve property by Jetwing. We have an architectural story and history that is appealing to all our guests,” says Indika Gamage, Head of Galle Hotels, Jetwing Lighthouse, Jetwing Kurulubedda, Hotel J Unawatuna, and Hotel J Ambalangoda.
Sustainability cues
The retreat takes sustainability very seriously and, in fact, also offers a sustainability tour for guests. With a no-plastic policy in place, all the water is bottled at a plant in-house. The water goes through a multiple-level filtering process; RO and minerals are added and checked before it is sealed with an expiry date of 30 days.
They also have a sewage treatment plant, and all the recycled water is used for landscaping. Food waste is kept to a minimum, and whatever is left is composted. Make time to read the book in the room called The Butterfly Effect, where you can understand the work the group does on sustainability.
Do more
The retreat has an excellent Balinese-inspired spa where you can experience rejuvenating treatments—the Balinese massage is recommended. With two swimming pools and a gym, this property is excellent for health watchers.
There is much to do outside as well. One of the most iconic places to visit is the Galle Fort, which needs to be explored on foot. Walking here will take a couple of hours, so a sturdy pair of footwear will come in handy. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has several structures that are worth seeing.
You can even spot the famed Galle International Cricket Stadium, where all international matches happen. Incidentally, all the cricket teams stay at Jetwing Lighthouse. With the ocean being a constant, you can find several great beaches here, and Unawatuna, a stunning beach, is also in Galle.
If you are a nature lover, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a tropical rainforest, is located about 40 kilometers away. There are several turtle hatcheries in the area, and it is a nice way to spend some time looking at how the locals are working on conservation of the turtles. Still, fishing is a specialty of the region, and if you are in time, you can see how the fishermen perch themselves on stilts when they go about fishing.
Stop by at the Tsunami museum, which is a sombre reminder of the tragedy, while showcasing resilience in how the entire place has been rebuilt. In all, a visit to Jetwing Lighthouse is not just a getaway, but also an experience that is bound to make sure you leave with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
LF Review: ★★★★★
Coordinates: 433 A, Dadella, Galle, Sri Lanka
