Jetwing Hotels dominates Tripadvisor top 25 hotels in Sri Lanka list

In 1973, the destiny of Sri Lankan tourism changed. From humble beginnings in the fishing town of Negombo, a homegrown, family owned company grew to be a pioneering force in the industry. Renowned for its simple values and its promise of traditional Sri Lankan hospitality, Jetwing Hotels is now the largest resort brand in the island, with over 30 properties within the country. As befitting a reputation of excellence and being Sri Lanka’s premier hospitality brand, five Jetwing properties have been listed in the recently published Top 25 Hotels in Sri Lanka by TripAdvisor as part of their 2018 Travelers’ Choice Awards. 

In 3rd place comes Jetwing Vil Uyana, located in Sigiriya renowned for its design and sustainability initiatives. This resort features 36 dwellings set in five distinct habitats taking a form of a private nature reserve is the finest eco-living experience found in the island. Jetwing Yala, a resort experience that combines wildlife and the beach is placed 6th, climbing up from 9th last year; Jetwing Lagoon, Sri Lanka’s first resort and master Geoffrey Bawa’s first resort design comes in at 13th place. Jetwing Lighthouse, Bawa’s finest creation for the hospitality industry, taking the 15th slot, and Jetwing Jaffna, the first ever luxury hospitality project in the North of Sri Lanka comes in at number 22.

Jetwing Vil Uyana has now become the ultimate luxury living experience sought after by travellers in Sri Lanka. Being the first man-made nature reserve ever to be created in the country, Jetwing Vil Uyana is highly praised for its layout of a wetland system with lakes, reed beds and allowing dwellings to be built within a variety of habitats. This property is a haven for lavish living, warm service, exceptional architecture and design, royal history and eco-friendly surroundings. As an enclosure in perfect harmony with natural habitat, the resort paves way for flora and fauna to take precedence at the property. One of the many attractions to date at Jetwing Vil Uyana is the night trail which goes on to spot the elusive Grey Slender Loris, who were naturally attracted to the habitat and also the fishing cat.  

Introducing a beach experience to Yala making it one of the most sought after beach swims is Jetwing Yala. Merging the life in the wilderness and the sunny seaside living, this resort allows guests to embrace the natural wonders of the region while basking in the luxury experience that Jetwing offers. With rooms built to seamlessly blend into the surroundings, two restaurants, three bars, a pool, gym and spa, guests can fully submerge in blissful escapism here.  Much like any other property Jetwing Yala boasts a tremendous commitment to sustainability and the environment – it hosts one of the island’s largest privately owned solar parks and engages in many responsible wildlife tourism practices.

Jetwing Lagoon and Jetwing Lighthouse are treasure troves of Geoffrey Bawa’s architectural masterpieces – one being his first resort designed in the country and the other housing the unique spiral stairway with sculptures depicting the Portuguese war. His love for open spaces allowing the property to blend in with the natural surrounding is plainly seen in the two properties. Overlooking a lagoon and the other in view of the Indian Ocean; Jetwing Lagoon and Jetwing Lighthouse promises unique tropical experiences leaving guests awed by its hospitality.  

The first luxury hotel project in the area, Jetwing Jaffna stands proud – a testament to the splendour of the North. Featuring 55 rooms, the hotel is designed by internationally renowned firm Design Group 5 to be influenced by the rich heritage of the area, complete with the legendary Jetwing brand of hospitality.

The main restaurant which can seat 100 pax features a wide variety of local and international menus. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant provides traditional Jaffna and South Indian food as well as a host of Asian, Western and Mediterranean meals.

“We love it when a guest comes to any of our properties and leaves with a smile, knowing that our service and our product are simple yet superior in every way. Through TripAdvisor, it’s refreshing to hear about different experiences, and our guests also provide us with comments that help us improve. My congratulations go out to all the other hotels that are on the Top 25 list, as it is through our efforts that Sri Lanka grows in stature as a premier tourist destination,” said Jetwing Chairman Hiran Cooray.