Make an escape and enjoy a relaxing sojoun at JETWING SURF in Pottuvil
Words: Tina Edward Gunawardhana
Hugging a strip of pristine palm fringed beach with powdery golden sand on Sri Lanka’s exciting eastern coastline is Jetwing Surf, a small cabana resort with nuances of luxury. The east coast from Arugam Bay south to Panama is billed as the island’s very own surfers’ paradise. Awash with plenty of guest houses and small villas, the mergence of Jetwing Surf in Pottuvil, which is a stone’s throw from Arugam Bay is a welcome addition of luxury living in the east.
Filling a void for luxury accommodation in that popular stretch of the east, Jetwing Surf is a testament to a unique eastern eco luxury lifestyle. Designed by architect John Balmond, son of the visionary Cecil Balmond, Jetwing Surf comprises 20 rustic cabanas which are strategically dotted around the property. In keeping with John Balmond’s penchant for building with natural and sustainable materials, the cabanas which resemble Polynesian houses are circular in shape with a conical roof and have been inspired by abstract seashells.
Each cabana is designed with intricate rope and woodwork, thatched roofs, woven coconut palm leaves and dried iluk grass to create an environmentally responsible resort with a minimum carbon footprint. One of the key features of these minimalistic cabanas is that it advocates natural cooling over artificial which contributes greatly to its eco-friendly credentials. The design and build of Jetwing Surf combined with its eco friendly attributes also received the Best Hotel Architectural Design Award at the Asia Property Awards 2017.
The twenty cabanas which provide the accommodation, comprise four rooms and 16 double rooms. The layout of the room is very simple with the large king size bed occupying centre stage with breathtaking sea views. The interiors are tastefully decorated in keeping with its minimalistic brief.
Two large sofas on either side of the room along with free Wi-Fi, a safe and a telephone are standard with each room. Each cabana has three wall-mounted fans to complement the balmy breeze which aids natural ventilation. However they also have large air coolers in the room should you require the use of them.
The bathroom which is tastefully designed also has the added use of an outdoor shower along with a more conventional indoor shower offering hot and cold water. Each cabana also features a spacious outdoor deck, furnished with two summer beds and chairs underneath a large canopy, providing shade from the equatorial sun.
In keeping with its eco-friendly design, Jetwing Surf which has been inspired by the waves and seashells of its coastal home, features a unique open architectural design across the rooms, reception and restaurant which reduces the need for artificial illumination and ventilation. The restaurant in particular which boasts a large thatched roof is located just by the beach and offers an ideal scenic setting to imbibe in sundowner cocktails and gourmet cuisine.
The resident chefs create eastern and western cuisine with equal aplomb. Given its coastal location, sea food features heavily on the menu. Prawns, crabs, fish and lobster are popular with diners. The menus are carefully curated in order to offer guests the best of local produce. Not only do the team of chefs take pride in their culinary preparations but also in the innovative way in which they present their cuisine which makes for the most divine Instagram photos.
They excel in creating a sumptuous feast of Sri Lankan cuisine which includes a spread of nine curries. Keen to showcase the beauty of their property, Jetwing Surf also offers four signature dining experiences at various locations ranging from the poolside to beach side or in the privacy of your cabana.
Given its location, Jetwing Surf is an ideal base to explore the east coast further. A few miles away from the hotel are the scenic surfing points of Whiskey Farm, Crocodile Rock, Peanut Farm and Elephant Rock where surfers, both beginners and seniors gather to catch the waves.
The hotel also offers a tuk safari to Urani which includes a boat safari down the Urani River where you see elephants quenching their thirst while crocodiles sun themselves on the banks of the picturesque Urani River
For those interested in culture, the Muhudu and Magul Maha Viharayas boast shared histories of royalty who have worshipped at these temples.
Further afield, the ancient monastery of Kudumbigala with its cylindrical dagoba, the only one of its kind in the island is another attraction to visit.
The resident naturalist at the hotel is on hand to accompany you to the lakes in Panama, Rotakulam and Semanikulam which are teeming with bird-life and exotic flora and fauna. The national reserves of Gal Oya, Kumana and Lahugala are within reasonable commuting distance and offer opportunities to see elephants, leopards and sloth bears.
The hotel also offers visits to the bustling local markets where you can pick up a selection of organic produce and later partake in a cookery demonstration which will help you get more acquainted with Sri Lankan cuisine. If adventure beckons, you can accompany a local fisherman who will help you search for the freshest catch of the day.
The east coast of Sri Lanka has an inimitable character and landscape which is now further complemented with Jetwing Surf which offers an exceptional experience in luxury eco living.
Reservations
resv.surf@jetwinghotels.com
This article first appeared in the Hi!! Magazine June 2019 issue (88th issue)
