TV Times

Lately Lake Bolgoda has emerged as a popular destination for both overseas and Sri Lankan holiday makers. Several resorts have mushroomed in and around the waters of Bolgoda in Moratuwa, Piliyandala, Panadura, Kesbewa and far away places like Bandaragama.

Most of the places have come up as bases for water sports. But the rich natural heritage of the Lake offers potential for nature based holidays too. Bird watching, camping, trekking and angling became the top attractions by the banks of Bolgoda.

The latest attraction is the Club Penthouse Island Resort off Dampe Piliyandala. Club Penthouse is on an island located just four kilometers from Piliyandala in the Bolgoda waters off Thuduwa, Dampe. The island can be reached from the Madapatha Road or from Suwarapola and is just 10 minutes by boat from the Thuduwa junction.

This two acre island has main hotel structure, which includes seven rooms, a large hall, dining area, bar area and a modern kitchen. Also an outdoor swimming pool, large garden and boat yard make the Club Penthouse more luxury than rustic.

Club Penthouse is a member of the Penthouse Group of Companies and is owned by Neil Fernando, the proprietor of Neil Marine limited.

'I bought this place a few years ago as a holiday bungalow for me and my family. It is just one hour's drive from Colombo and you are in a totally different world. It is so relaxing and close to nature. I really enjoyed this for a long time and only later thought why shouldn't I let others too enjoy this haven' explained the Mr. Fernando.

Club Penthouse Island Resort offers a series of nature based holiday packages including camping, boat trips for bird watchers and adventure trips.

'Apart from nature packages, we are popular for weddings and even more for honeymoons. Our main hall and the pool area can accommodate up to 750 pax. This is an ideal place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Family outings, too, are popular on Sundays' said Suweeraka Perera, General Manager of the Club Penthouse Island Resort.

Sunday outings are much in demand. Also this is an ideal hideout for company trips and much relaxed private get-togethers.

'We have only seven rooms and only four with A/C and we can't accommodate a large gathering for overnight stay. Company gigs and private parties and family gatherings are very popular on Sundays. Weddings on weekends always keep the place busy with activities' Suweeraka added.

The Club DJ is available for night parties, and the dances under the stars are very popular among young ones.

'We do get overseas travellers too. They are generally nature lovers and always want to be in very quiet surroundings' he said.

Wind surfing is quite popular at the resort, apart from jet scooters and water skiing.

Theme nights too are popular at the Resort. Sri Lankan, Indian, Mongolian, Chinese and English cuisine are much in demand.

'It depends on the tastes of the gathering. Oriental music with Indian and Sri Lankan food is much appreciated by the older generations' he said.