Pigeon Island Beach Resort: a destination worth the journey!

As the golden sun of the tropics rises, he touches the eastern coast of Trincomalee first…. And the Pigeon Islands – named for their colonies of Blue Rock Pigeons, are among the first to receive the sun-god’s blessings.

White sandy beaches sparkle, while miles of blue Indian Ocean stretch to the horizon, jewel-blue waves rippling lazily as the salty winds play on the surface.

Sounds idyllic? That’s because it is! All this and more is what awaits the discerning traveller who makes the journey to discover the white sands and blue seas of Trincomalee, in Pigeon Island Beach Resort style!

The 272km, cross-country trek to the east coast of Sri Lanka is not the first thing you think of when you want to plan a beach holiday… But Pigeon Island Beach Resort gives you many reasons as to why it should be the first location on your mind. Their over-arching theme is a holiday that is beautiful, tranquil and fulfilling.

Drive up to the 11th Mile post in Nilaveli along the coast where the Resort awaits you. As you step in, you’re greeted by tranquil settings in hues of white and blue. The relaxed, art house feel of the  Resort is punctuated with artefacts from the North-East, a sandy pool side bar, and plenty of sunlight and sea breeze rushing through the open hallways of the two and half acre property.

The 30 Deluxe rooms and 8 Suites that open on to the beach are an exercise in understated elegance. The white-washed walls and spacious rooms echo the tranquil, sunny and breezy mood of the resort. The management team believes in being one with the environment, and three water treatment plants and solar heating makes sure that the Resort doesn’t tax the beautiful environment it is nestled in, while beach clean ups by the staff is a routine they follow strictly.

This Boutique property began operations in February 2010 as the brainchild of Nigel Coomaraswamy and his wife. Today Nigel acts as the Managing Director and Dr. Maheshi Wijeratne takes on the role of Chairperson at this charming hotel nestled away on the white beaches of Trincomalee.

Roshi Stronach steps in as the General Manager Sales and Marketing with years of experience in the Confifi Group of hotels. The team, together with gourmet chef MDJ Anthony, and its 50 staff members, will always go the extra mile to make their guests’ stay a pleasant one.

“If you’re in a mood to laze around and enjoy the pristine beaches of Nilaveli, then the hotel’s own beach is the place to be. The Resort’s cocktail-of-the-day, and sumptuous meals that have fresh sea food as a speciality, straight from the Ocean at the Resort’s doorstep are not to be missed. But the more adventurous traveller too will find many places of delight close at hand,” a spokesperson for the Resort said.

Only a stone’s throw away, Trincomalee, (which derives its name from the ancient usage of “Thirukkonamalai” – Lord of the Sacred Hill) is a thriving town waiting to be discovered. Wave upon wave of settlers has washed up many cultures on this Town. Here the “Koneswaram” temple dedicated to the Hindu creator God Siva has stood for close upon a millennium, surrounded by the walls of Fort Frederick since 1676. The herd of spotted deer there are descendants of pets from the years of British Rule, and the architecture of the Fort also carries the insignia of the Dutch and Portuguese colonialists before them.  Dotting the landscape of the Eastern province is a number of historic Buddhist Temples, unique for their mix of ancient Hindu and Buddhist stone architecture.

The Seven Hot spring of Kanniya of varying temperatures are only a few kilometres’ drive into the interior of this rural land. They feature in legends and are legendary for healing powers.

The Indian Ocean harbours its own special treats. Dolphins and whales are known to frequent the seas off Trincomalee, and the Resort will organise an excursion for those nature lovers wishing to catch a glimpse of these magical creatures.

One of the few Marine national parks, the Pigeon Islands themselves rise up before the Resort’s beaches, a quick boat ride ahead. The island is surrounded by coral reefs teeming with colourful marine life, and also offers a chance for snorkelling, diving and other water-sports.

 “As the sun sets on the East coast the stars light up the sky, and the fishing boats’ lights twinkle on the horizon, while you enjoy the cool sea breeze and the sound of the ocean lapping gently at the soft sandy beach.  You may just be part of the bonfire-on-the-beach and music nights the Resort’s staff love putting together for their guests as a special treat,” the spokesperson said. Pigeon Island Beach Resort is opening up for Conferences, Ayurveda Spa Treatment, Water Sports and Wedding packages as well in the near future.