Jetwing Lighthouse

Introduction

Jetwing Lighthouse is a stately five-star boutique hotel built tight to the coastline barely a mile from Galle’s 17C Dutch Fort. It is another inspired creation of the late Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka's iconic architect, who was responsible for linking the island’s ancient architecture with modern minimalism. Located on a rocky headland overlooking the Indian Ocean and spread over seven acres of land, this elegant hotel conveys an immediate sense of Galle’s history. The Portuguese landing at Galle is re-enacted in brass and bronze on the impressive main staircase and an ambitious batik of ancient coats of arms fills the ceiling of the restful main bar. The hotel design demonstrates Bawa’s skill at integrating architecture and landscape. Smart terraces sweep down to a small sandy bay and large swimming pools and sun decks have ocean views. Jetwing Lighthouse is owned by the Jetwing group.

Accommodation

There are 85 rooms in four classifications, all with bright designs that blend traditional and modern and using a combination or rich timber, colourful furnishings and eco-friendly fabrics.

All rooms have private balconies, individually-adjusted a/c, IDD phone, bathroom with rain shower, 40” LCD TV, free Wi-fi, tea/coffee facilities with cafetiere, mini bar, electronic safe, hair dryer, bathrobe and slippers, umbrella, iron and ironming board, baby cots (on request),child-minding facilities (on request),butler on call.

Luxury rooms – main wing (60 sq m): Staying true to the signature aesthetic of Geoffrey Bawa, the main wing of Jetwing Lighthouse features 60 luxury rooms that seamlessly blend with the coast and are receptive to the sea breezes. Fitted with a king-sized bed and a private balcony or terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean or the coastal gardens. Sleeps up to three.

Luxury rooms – spa wing (72 sq m): The 20 luxury rooms in the spa wing have a more opulent feel, with lavish furnishings that blend a vibrant coastal chic with the heritage appeal. A plush four-poster king-sized bed has its own pillow menu. Rooms have bathtubs. There are three inter-connecting rooms. All rooms sleep three

Themed suites (114 sq m): The three themed suites draw inspiration from three ancient travellers to Sri Lanka: imperial China, traders from Morocco, and colonial Holland. The Fa-hsien Suite pays tribute to the Chinese Buddhist traveller who explored South Asia on foot, with elegant vases and Mahjong tiles. The Ibn-Battuta Suite bows to the famed Moroccan adventurer with shades of blue and white that embody the spirit of the seas. The Spilbergen Suite is inspired by a legacy of colonial Dutch heritage which characterises the ancient trading city of Galle.

Superior suites (113 sq m): The Maharaja Suite is inspired by the lavish pleasures of a bygone India and is dressed in rich saffron and furnished with bronze and brass fixtures. The John Davy Suite is influenced by grand English townhouses of yore and is dressed in timber and glossy white fittings. Both suites have panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, along with audio system, plunge pool and Jacuzzi and separate living and sitting areas.

Facilities

The Cinnamon Room is an airy fine-dining restaurant with a high reputation and a penchant for seafood. Cardamom Café is the main restaurant and has a more informal atmosphere, as well as offering 24-hour room service. Nihal's is named after world-renowned executive chef Nihal Senanyake and specialises in global dishes with a signature Sri Lankan touch. Lorenzo's Pizza Bar (lounge and poolside terrace) allows you to get your fix of comfort food. There is also the Coat of Arms Bar - a lounge bar with pool table - and the Cinnamon Terrace with panoramic ocean views. Also available is private dining among the rocks; a BBQ for two on the beach with your own private chef; Gazebo dining by the water; a Champaign Breakfast on the restaurant balcony overlooking the ocean; and a romantic Adam & Eve Spa dining experience which includes a floral bath under the stars with Spritzers & Canapés and a three-course dinner by the spa’s plunge pool. Your privacy is assured.

Sports and recreational facilities include two fresh-water swimming pools, children’s pool and sundeck, floodlit tennis court, squash court, table tennis, fully-equipped gymnasium, billiards, indoor games, and DVD library. A tranquil Spa offers a range of treatments that draw inspiration from Ayurveda, Aromatherapy and traditional home remedies found throughout South-East Asia. Jetwing Lighthouse also has a business centre, banquet and conference facilities, shopping arcade in the lower lobby offering clothes, accessories, arts and crafts, books, gems and jewellery, and a homeopathy clinic.

Why We Like It

Two large pools and a great sundowner atmosphere in a prime coastal location a mile or so outside Galle.

Location

Travel time from Colombo’s international airport to Galle is about 2.5 hours via the Southern highway. Consider taking the Air Taxi and fly into Koggala which is about 20 minutes away. If you are then heading from the coast into the hills, we offer competitive rates on a daily sea plane between Koggala and Hatton.