The Blue Water, one of the Jetwing group of deluxe hotels, is a short 45-minute journey south from Colombo in the seaside town of Wadduwa. Away from the busy main road, it is built on a stretch of once uninspiring coconut land between the railway line and the glittering Indian Ocean. Encompassing 23 acres covered in palms, it was transformed by Geoffrey Bawa, a legendary Sri Lankan architect, into a haven of long, cool corridors, pristine gardens, and simply luxurious rooms, all protected by a long wall keeping from view the passing trains, whilst opening at the front onto the coastline.
In keeping with its name, water is a big feature here and the theme and interior design are definitely nautical. On the ground level around the lobby, shopping arcade and entrance areas there are shallow translucent ponds, or pools. Running from the Sunset Lounge right into the swimming pool over the pebbles and stepping-stones is another darker pool fringed by cascading water.
The facilities for sport are first-class. Activities include tennis, squash, badminton, volleyball and even water polo, or you can visit the mini-gym. There is even a small sports bar, Sea Board Deck, where you could refresh yourself after an energy-zapping game. The Blue Water is mainly about relaxation and rejuvenation, so the hotel’s new Spa is the perfect place to receive first-class pampering through the many treatments offered.
Rooms The hotel has 96 rooms and four suites all with sea-facing private balconies or terraces, naturally toned in shades of black, cream and white complimenting the nutty-brown wood furniture, containing all the amenities you would expect such as a mini bar, satellite TV, safe and large en-suite bathroom with tub. The comfortable beds are covered with a patterned bedspread atop crunchy cream sheets facing out to sea with a small living area at the foot, while heavy curtains drape to the floor preventing any early morning rays from disturbing you.
Dining The food at The Blue Water, like the service and hospitality you receive throughout the hotel, is first class. A buffet is prepared at all meals, though you can also choose from a large a la carte menu featuring fresh seafood. The main restaurant is named the Admiral’s Room, where musical entertainment plays softly in the background. Salads, soups, starters and sumptuous selections of western and eastern food are displayed, along with fresh fruit and calorie-inducing desserts that will tantalize your taste buds.
There is a large selection of wines from all continents at the entrance to the Admiral’s Room as well as an open wine cellar connected to the Porthole Bar, from where you can order after-dinner drinks, more cocktails or play a game of billiards in its coolness. There are also seats outside in the balmy night air under the starry sky. At weekends you could loose yourself amidst the fabulous music of the Blue Wave nightclub.
(Content Source: Travel Sri Lanka Magazine)
Address 131 King Street Melbourne Vic 3000
Location In the CBD, convenient to Telstra Dome, Crown Casino, New Quay Docklands and Queen Victoria Market.
Important information Please note the pool is closed for refurbishment in August
