Aitken Spence Rejuvenates Neptune Resort

Ayurveda ashrams and yoga meditation are now part of Aitken Spence Hotels’ refurbishment program for Neptune Hotel in Beruwala.

When the property opens its doors as ‘Heritance Mahagedera’, it will be the latest 40 to 60 room wellness resort in the groups’ prestigious Heritance portfolio. The Heritance brand mission is aimed at travelers experiencing, connecting with, and learning from Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

Malin Hapugoda, Managing Director, Aitken Spence Hotels, says ayurveda, yoga, and meditation will be the priorities of the refurbishment that is scheduled to commence shortly. “Ayurveda is a science of life that has been practiced in Sri Lanka for thousands of years. It is central to our cultural inheritance. ‘Heritance Mahagedera’ will specialize in providing the inner and outer rejuvenation that ayurveda, yoga and meditation, combined with Heritance Cuisine, can provide.”

Heritance Cuisine is unique to the Heritance brand and is based on a threefold foundation of taste, medicinal value, and presentation adapted to an “ayurveda way of life” at ‘Heritance Mahagedera’.

But rejuvenation is only one, if not the most substantial, part of the refurbishment of the hotel. The project will also see the rooms redecorated with new soft furnishings, bathrooms, and superior bedding configurations. Executive specifications will include luxury of space and a choice of air-conditioning or otherwise.

A complete overhaul of all public areas is planned, which will include a refreshed and welcoming porte cochere. Elsewhere, the restaurant will have a total makeover with a special Heritance Cuisine menu and new lighting, furniture, and fittings. The upgrade has further prompted the hotel to widen its sustainable practices relating to recycling both back and front of house.

“Neptune Hotel was the first resort of Aitken Spence, but its age and mixed background had started to show,” says Hapugoda.

“This planned refurbishment will allow us to bring the hotel into the Twenty First century, offering the same high standards of quality and comfort to satisfy today’s traveler, while being aesthetically and spiritually Sri Lankan. We also believe the time is opportune for the refurbishment and as the new property opens its doors as a Heritance, it will be to an economy in upswing”.

A special effort has been made to respect and retain the historical ambience of the property. Neptune Hotel was Aitken Spence Hotels’ first property, designed by prominent Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa and built during 1973-1976.

Neptune Hotel is one of 26 three- to five star hotels and resorts owned and operated by the group in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, India, and Oman.