TV Times

'Dickwella Resort & Spa' is most probably the only resort hotel in Sri Lanka, which has access to the beach around the hotel as it lies on a small peninsula off Batheegama in Dickwella embraced by the Indian Ocean.

'Dickwella Resort & Spa', is the only star class hotel situated between Matara and Tangalle, enjoying the privilege of having two beaches and reefs offering a variety of colourful marine life.

Though it was badly hit by 2004 tsunami, 'Dickwella Resort & Spa' came back to business very quickly. This year the hotel celebrates its 25th year in the hospitality business.

A place to come to rest and to be at one with nature, to be romantic or enjoy a holiday filled with activities, Dicwella Resort offers them all. The resort is managed by an Italian/Dutch husband and wife duo.

According to Chairman / Managing Director Enzo Azola,'Dickwella Resort & Spa' is the very first Italian investment in Sri Lanka.

'I started this 120 million Rupee project in 1986 on this nine acre land, after travelling extensively around Sri Lanka for more than three years. I visited almost every spot around the coastal belt of Sri Lanka and settled for this small peninsula. I think this is the best place in Sri Lanka' he explained.

'The atmosphere is very intimate. It is a magical place. I found my happiness here and I wanted anyone, who visits this place to feel the same'.
Located on a nine acre plot,'Dickwella Resort & Spa' has tastefully appointed 66 rooms in a form four apartments, eight suites, eight duplex, 28 deluxe and 18 standard rooms.

All rooms are sea view with a private balcony/veranda and hot and cold water with shower. IDD facility, mini bar complimentary coffee and tea making facilities are other attractions.
The main dining area 'The Reef' on elevated floor and pizzeria are the popular dining places. Italian food stands a major place in themenu along with continental cuisine.

'We got lot of Italian guests. It was through personal contacts. But after tsunami now the market is British, but still they love Italian dishes' added Mr. Azola .

'Milky Way' Bar and the Discotheque are popular with the young generation.

The latest addition to the hotel is 'The Tower Café'. Beautifully located by the beach, 'The Tower Café' caters to specialized groups up to 75 pax for dinner.

'It has a show kitchen, B-B-Q Corner and a bar. We have Sri Lankan music during dinner time as this is designed to function only in the night. Our guests both Sri Lankans and foreigners love the atmosphere' said Bhathiya Gunasekera, the General Manager of the Hotel.

Sea water swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Tennis, Table Tennis and indoor games are popular in this Resort.
The biggest attraction in 'Dickwella Resort' is the water sports section. Scuba Diving, Snorkeling are the most popular amongst foreigners

'We get clients specially coming down for Water sports only. 'Dickwella Resort' is very popular among European market for Scuba Diving' Bhathiya said.
''Dickwella Resort" is the place for excursions' added Bhathiya.
The most popular places that guests prefer to visit are Galle Dutch Fort, Wevurukannala Buddhist Temple, Rumassala, Hikkaduwa Coral Reefs, Kataragama, Mulkirigala Caves and Temple of Second Century B.C., Yala Wildlife Sanctuary, Rakawa Turtle Hatchery, Udawalawa Wildlife Sancturary, Kalamatiya Bird Sanctuary, Singharaja Rain Forest and Blow Hole (Hummanaya).

'We arrange excursions on request to various places and areas.' He said.
The latest addition to the Resort is the Spa.
The Sanctuary Spa offers various body massages, body wraps and polishes and total Spa packages from Rs.2300/ to Rs. 22,750/-

The room rates range from US$ 128 to US$ 250 per double on F/B basis.