Zylan

Introduction

Zylan is a large villa with a tropical-modern feel in one of Colombo’s most upmarket areas. The hotel unfolds within two buildings with the front building consisting of the reception area with comfortable sofas and a piano, and three bedrooms, and the rear building housing the spacious living and dining areas, more bedrooms, a rooftop restaurant and swimming pool. Interiors are light and airy and are comfortably furnished. Although this is a city hotel, much care has been taken by the Chinese owner to create courtyards and verandahs with tropical greenery, coi ponds and flowing water enhancing a tranquil, Zen-like feel. Rooms are decorated with flower paintings done on traditional calligraphy paper by the owner’s mother, Tsui Yan Ting Jennifer, a renowned Hong Kong Chinese artist who returned to Sri Lanka in 2010. Jennifer's paintings, which adorn the guest bedrooms and various key areas throughout the hotel, symbolizing the idea of 'blossoming' or 'blooming’, which is an optimistic note on which to begin or end a tour of Sri Lanka.

Accommodation

There are seven bedrooms, a mix of Deluxe Rooms and Executive Suites. Interiors are well furnished with king-size beds and lounge chairs. In-room facilities include a/c, overhead fans, satellite TV, tea/coffee facility, electronic safe, hair dryer, cotton bath robes and slippers, cribs on request. Three of the bedrooms are located in the front building and are accessed via a flight of steps. The rest of the bedrooms are in the rear building which has an elevator. There are a few interconnecting rooms that are ideal for families.

Deluxe Rooms: These rooms are smaller in size and have all standard facilities including 32-inch plasma TVs with satellite channels. Ensuite bathrooms with h/w showers. Stylish and artistic interiors with city views, high ceilings and polished wood finishing doors They are classified as Deluxe, Deluxe Triple and Deluxe King with balcony.

Executive Suites: The suites consist of a bedroom, separate seating and dining area, and pantry opening on to a spacious balcony. Additional bedding is provided upon request. In addition to the standard facilities, the suites have 40-inch Plasma TVs with satellite channels, DVD player and laptop on request. Ensuite bathrooms have twin vanities, h/w showers and bathtubs.

Facilities

The Zen Japanese restaurant is gradually building a fine reputation and creates a serene and attractive rooftop ambience despite being in the heart of the city. There are also cosy areas at ground level for breakfast or for an evening cocktail. The Zylan café majors in Thai options. Additionally, there's a rooftop bar that's perfect for a relaxing evening and there is also a secluded rooftop swimming pool, ideal for taking in the sun and the views across Colombo’s skyline: sunrises are special here. The bamboo room offers private dining or meetings for up to 10 guests. There is wi-fi throughout.

Why we like it

Boutique villas in central Colombo are in relatively limited supply so Zylan’s Zen-like atmosphere and Japanese restaurant offers a worthwhile option

Location

Zylan is situated in Rosmead Place in one of Colombo’s best residential suburbs. It is very conveniently placed for all central facilities. The journey from the international airport will take about one hour.