Experience a Gorgeous Post-Colonial Hotel Built on Foundations of Love.
The storied history of the Mount Lavinia Hotel, Sri Lanka, cannot be told without acknowledging the powerful romance that produced its namesake. The hotel originally served as a summer residence for the former English governor, Thomas Maitland. Whilst residing in Sri Lanka, Maitland found himself enamoured by a local dancer named Lovina Aponsuwa, prompting him to build a summer residence overlooking the town of Galkissa, now named Mount Lavinia after his great love.
As their romance was placed under scrutiny, Maitland had a secret tunnel built between his and Lovina’s residences, allowing them to meet in secret. Now repurposed into a colonial style hotel, the Mount Lavinia Hotel welcomes newlyweds and soon-to-be married couples alike to begin their journeys together in this magnificent building.
Upon entering the hotel, visitors will be immediately astounded by the sheer opulence of its interior. It’s difficult to not be taken aback by the elegance of Mount Lavinia’s hanging chandeliers and glistening marble floors. The allure doesn’t stop at the foyer -the hotel sports a wide selection of rooms with glorious views, where the sight of lapping waves gently caresses both the shoreline and your eyes.
Mount Lavinia offers more than just a feast for the eyes, however. The hotel is home to a number of restaurants, each providing a distinctive atmosphere and culinary experience. Unwind by spending some time lounging on The Terrace, basking in the sun’s glow with your choice of expertly crafted cocktail – an unforgettable al fresco dining experience. If you prefer to dine indoors, why not visit The Governor’s Restaurant? Participate in an astounding gastronomic journey curated by the esteemed Chef Publis, who has dedicated his life to bringing not only the taste of Sri Lanka, but the world, to Mount Lavinia’s guests.
Surrounded by natural beauty, the activities available for couples are almost limitless. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway, the hotel overlooks the Mount Lavinia beach: a mile-long stretch of sand, gentle waves and a myriad of seafront businesses offering a variety of local cuisines and beverages. However, if you’re seeking to immerse yourself even deeper into the local history and culture of Mount Lavinia, there are number of temple tours available locally. The historic Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya temple is situated a mere eleven minutes away from the hotel by car and is a notable attraction in the general area, attracting hundreds of visitors per day. There are several temples available to visit in the surrounding areas, with many offering Tuk-Tuk tours for those looking to engage with local custom, both historic and current.
For those who prefer to live life on the wild side, the hotel is also local to Dehiwala Zoological Gardens. Opened in 1936 and home to over 350 animal species, this local menagerie provides the perfect daytime activity if either yourself or your partner are animal lovers. It doesn’t stop there either – visiting lovebirds can always fly the Mount Lavinia nest and swoop on down to Attidiya Bird Sanctuary. Bordering the aforementioned Bellanwila temple, this stunning 1.4-mile-long stretch of marshland is home to various species of birds, reptiles, mammals and over 166 distinct species of butterfly.
If the idea of only honeymooning at the gorgeous Mount Lavinia Hotel doesn’t feel like enough, the hotel offers three distinct wedding packages, enabling them to accommodate you for the ceremony of your dreams, no matter how large or small. There are number of venues available through booking with the hotel, from the awe-inspiring Empire Ballroom to the serene Paradise Beach, there are no shortage of options provided by Mount Lavinia to make your special day a step above the rest.
If you’d like to visit Mount Lavinia Hotel for either your wedding or honeymoon, please visit their website at www.mountlaviniahotel.com, for more information.
