Maalu Maalu celebrates first year with great achievements

Maalu Maalu Resort and Spa which opened in May 2011 has successfully completed one year in operation. “We are delighted with the success of Maalu Maalu’s operation in the newly developed area of Passikudha. Being one of the first properties to open under the ‘Negenahira Nawodaya’ has given us the opportunity to showcase our beautiful island to the world,” said Maalu Maalu Resort Chairman Chandra Wickramasinghe.

Maalu Maalu was the first luxury boutique hotel to open on the East Coast of Sri Lanka and is the brain child of veteran tourism industry professional Chandra Wickramasinghe. A forward thinking visionary, Wickramasinghe embarked on this project in Passikudha at a time when the East coast of the country was not so conducive for tourism. Today, the property has not only been voted as one of the Top 100 hotels in the world by UK based Sunday Times Traveller but is among the finest resorts in the country; offering true Sri Lankan hospitality combined with exceptional service standards.    

Maalu Maalu currently has over 100 employees, of which 70% are recruited from the area under the initiative of providing employment for the youth in the local community. The task of training people who have no experience or exposure in the hospitality industry has been undertaken by the Resort. This initiative will no doubt contribute in a significant way towards up grading the living standards of the local community.  

Within the past year Maalu Maalu has become a huge attraction among both the local and foreign travellers raking in high ratings as being a high quality product. Enjoying above average occupancy all year round, the property has achieved its financial targets and the ROI has been more than anticipated.   

As part of its community service initiatives, Maalu Maalu Resort funded in building and operating a computer and language training centre, to educate the Youth and Children of the area making it possible for them to find employment and developing their skills.

The hotel contributes $1 from each room occupied, towards the maintenance and development of this computer centre on an on-going basis.  The resort recently hosted the first foreign visitors wedding on the East Coast for a Russian couple and their family. This was a historical event as it was the first foreign wedding held in the area after 30 years.

Yet another accolade to the list is the Certificate of Excellence 2012 awarded by TripAdvisor. This award is earned by a mere 10% of the hotels globally based on the outstanding customer service extended to customers.  

The resort which reinterprets the ethnic style of a typical Sri Lankan fishing village (also known as a ‘Wadiya) has 40 chalets designed in a tropical setting in order to blend with the natural environment amidst elegance and luxury.

With a total of 40 chalets, it is the first Eco and Family Friendly Beach Resort exclusively designed according to the green building guidelines on energy and environment.

“Resort living would not be complete without a selection of tantalising and scrumptious cuisine. At Maalu Maalu, we offer guests an authentic Sri Lankan experience every step of the way. This is not limited to the cuisine, but we give our guests the option of excursions, activities and the opportunity to indulge in some therapeutic spa treatments at the resort,” added Wickramasinghe.  

A family oriented property, Maalu Maalu adheres to all the green guidelines and is one of the finest properties in the island which offers a warm and inviting ambiance combined with resort luxuries to the discerning traveller.