Emerging like an oasis in the tranquil oceanfront haven of Passekudah bay, Maalu Maalu Resorts & Spa appeared and made its mark on 30th May 2011 as the first resort of its kind on this pristine coastal village. With its beautiful dried coconut frond covered chalets, standing tall row by row akin to the waves of the subtle ocean, it depicts a typical fishing village colloquially termed in Sri Lanka as “Waadiya”.

By Ayesha Inoon | Photography Avijja Fonseka

Inspired by authentic Sri Lankan traditions and eco-friendly architecture and spreading over three acres, this 40-roomed resort was created to seamlessly blend in with its surroundings. All of its elements and dimensions have been conceptualized to reflect a traditional fishing village.

Much thought was given to the overall layout that would incorporate the desired features in particular creating the vistas for each of the chalets which proved to be a challenge. To recreate this traditional fishing village within a restricted area, Archt Sunil Ariyaratne devised the layout so that each of the chalets lies close to each other while maintaining their individuality and privacy.
The layout of the hotel is also such that the chalets flank the common area in the middle so that the views on either side did not affect the resort although other buildings were constructed in these areas later on. Thus the layout overall serves to merge the Resort with the beach and the ocean front. The pool designed at the common area is also flanked by the chalets and consequently each of the buildings is afforded a contiguous view of the pool and the ocean.

In order that guests may have as much experience of the pristine Passekudah beach front, two fishing huts on the beach accommodate a bar and restaurant to enjoy special meals and occasions. These are in addition to the main restaurant and bar indoors. Each chalet consists of two separate apartments; one on the ground floor and the other on the upper level reachable by an outer external stairway. The ground floor units are equipped with a terrace whilst the upper level consists of a balcony. Every room has a fabulous view of the Passekudah Bay. On the left side of the resort, are the family rooms that incorporate four beds in a room.  As accommodation facilities vary, between the chalets on the left from those on the right, maintaining ocean vistas for each of the chalets proved a challenge as they were all housed within near identical structures.

The material selection has been delicate with the “Waadiya” theme in mind. At a glance, thatched roofs and timber cladding are the primary elements that meet the eye. “The thatched roofs and cladded block walls of timber were put in place to give an authentic air and create cool interiors, although they are costly and require regular maintenance,” explained the Architect.

The resort has been designed to provide a novel experience to the guests. This is conveyed at the entrance itself as the two restaurants of the resort appear to float on the infinity pool. By evening the specially placed lighting, in particular the fibre optic lighting of the pool creates a bejeweled appearance. Coupled with the dimly lit porches of the huts, dusk at Maalu Maalu Resort transform into an arresting sight for the guests.

 

Architectural Firm: Arch International

Project Architect: Archt Sunil Ariyaratne

Designer: Romesh Fonseka

Square Area of the Site: 127208.0 sqft

Square Area of the Project: 32510.0 sqft

Date of Completion: May 30, 2011

Project Period: 12 Months

Contractor: Rohan Construction & Stephan Construction

Client: Maalu Maalu, Resort & Spa

Chandra Wickramasinghe

Chairman/Managing Director

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