Maalu Maalu, Pasikudah | Sri Lanka Hotels

Introduction

Maalu Maalu is an idyllic mid-range beach escape, the first hotel to emerge on the east coast after end of the Sri Lankan civil war. 'Maalu Maalu' (meaning ‘fish fish’) is a cry regularly heard from the local fisherman when selling their day’s catch. The resort is designed along the lines of a 'wadiya' (fishing village),with eco-friendly timber chalets with thatched roofs positioned in a semi-circle facing the sea, allowing for spectacular views of the Indian Ocean from every angle. An infinity pool with a broad timber deck is the central focus. Maalu Maalu maintains a strict eco-friendly policy and is designed according to the green building guidelines on energy and environment. This resort has an irresistibly laidback atmosphere and is ideal for those wishing for an unhurried and relaxing beach holiday.

Accommodation

There are 40 chalets in total, of which 32 are Deluxe and eight are spacious suites. The chalets are designed along the lines of local village homes with timber clad walls and cadjan roof covers. High sloping roofs makes the rooms bright and airy. Each room has a double or twin beds and the 'Maalu' (fish) theme is carried throughout in the soft furnishings. Rooms are equipped with a/c and an overhead fan, LCD TV with satellite channels, tea/coffee facilities, a mini-bar and a safe. Ensuite bathrooms are contemporary in design with polished cement walls and flooring, h/w rain showers, twin vanities and w/c. The resort welcomes families with children and offers chalets and suites with connecting doorways.

Deluxe Chalets: These are two-storey, with one double room on the ground floor which has a private terrace and a double room on the upper floor which opens out to a balcony. The upstairs bedroom has a separate entrance. Of the 24 Deluxe Chalets, eight have interconnecting doors suitable for families.

Deluxe Chalets with Attic: There are eight chalets that have a double bedroom on the ground floor and an attic room furnished with twin beds that are accessed via a set of steep steps. These chalets are ideal for families with older children or friends travelling together.

Ocean Suites and Panoramic Suites: These eight suites are located at the edge of the sea, built in clusters of four. Additional facilities for the suites include a steam room shared by the cluster, private therapy beds (on request),a Jacuzzi, an exclusive private dining deck and 24 hour butler service.

Facilities

The open-sided main restaurant, Karadiya, overlooks the swimming pool and the sea and serves Sri Lankan and international cuisine. Get even closer to the ocean and dine at the Habala or Ruwala seafood speciality restaurants, which also have a bar. These restaurants are housed in traditional fishing boats and spill out on to the pool deck. There is also an air-conditioned jazz bar and night club that comes alive in the evenings until midnight, where a range of alcoholic beverages including wines are served. Other facilities include the Ayur Vie spa and a gym.

Why we like it

The seafood dishes have gained a high reputation at this well-liked Pasikudah beach hotel.

Sustainability

Previous winners of the ‘Sustainability Rising Star’ award from ACES (Asia’s Corporate Excellence and Sustainability Awards),Theme Resorts are dedicated to sustainability in a variety of ways. Maalu Maalu was the first private sector investment in the east coast after the civil war, helping to transform this area into the tourism hotspot it is today, and Maalu Maalu continue to support the local area by making sure that local employees make up at least 60% of their staff and through providing free computer and English language classes to youth in the region.