On top of the world – Jetwing Vil Uyana listed among Best Ecolodges in the world by National Geographic Traveler
Almasalla Travel News – Ashraf El gedawy – COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – The world s most read and renowned travel magazine, National Geographic Traveler, has taken Jetwing Vil Uyana, Sigiriya, to new heights – granting the novel property world-class status by being featured in their recent issue (June) of The World’s Best Ecolodges. The inclusion of Jetwing Vil Uyana is historic, to say the least, as the property is the only Sri Lankan resort to be listed.
Launched in 2006, Jetwing Vil Uyana was considered a fool’s dream – situated far from the traditional tourist destinations, a massive investment, which involved a complete reimagining of an abandoned dry land previously used for slash-and-burn agriculture, and created during a time of unrest and conflict. Over the years, the property which has oft been referred to as “Sri Lanka’s best eco-resort” has grown in reputation, and has been a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World for since its inception.
With 25 dwellings situated over 4 distinct habitats: Water, Forest, Paddy and Marsh originally, recently 5 Garden dwellings were added to cater to constantly increasing demand. Located close to the famous Rock Fortress of Sigiriya, Jetwing Vil Uyana has become a haven for nature, with a staggering amount of flora and fauna adopting the property as their very own. A unique feature of the resort is the frequent appearance of a rare primate, the grey slender loris – now a family, with the first-ever reported sighting of a mother and twin babies coming from the hotel.
“From its very beginning, Jetwing Vil Uyana was a property close to my heart,” said Hiran Cooray, Chairman of Jetwing. “We put in a lot of ideas, hard work, and effort; which to be quite honest we had our doubts about at times. Over the past few years, the property has been a shining star, and is talked about all over the world – what more could you ask for? This achievement of being listed as the only Sri Lankan hotel on National Geographic Traveler’s World’s Best Ecolodges is one that will be remembered as a testament of the property’s success and concept,” he continued.
Jetwing Vil Uyana joins other innovative lodges from the world over, from countries such as South Africa, Greece, China, Poland, and Indonesia. “This year marks the 125th anniversary of the National Geographic Society. The lodges we selected capture the Society’s spirit of exploration and commitment to the environment,” says Associate Editor Amy Alipio. The June/July issue of National Geographic Traveler is now available, and an online gallery of the properties can be viewed at http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/best-ecolodges-photos-traveler/ .
National Geographic Traveler is the world’s most widely read travel magazine. It championed sustainable travel before it was cool and, eight times annually, celebrates journeys that are about place, experience, culture, authenticity, living like the locals, and great photography. It makes a distinction between tourism and travel, and stresses inquisitive not acquisitive trips. It employs storytelling and you-are-there photography to inspire readers to pick up and go. And, with the theme of “Nobody Knows This World Better," it eschews fashion and fluff in favor of articles that offer a strong sense of place, inspiring narratives that make readers take trips, and solid service information to help them plan those trips.
Family owned and in the tourism industry for the past 40 years, Jetwing Hotels has surpassed expectation at every aspect. Building on their foundation of being passionate, as well as the experience of true, traditional Sri Lankan hospitality, constantly pioneering discoveries captures the essence of the brand. Such a strong statement and direction have enabled Jetwing Hotels to imagine, create and manage marvels and masterpieces, where distinctive design and elegant comfort complement each other and the environment. Considered a priority, sustainable and responsible practice is implemented through the award winning Jetwing Eternal Earth Program, with energy efficiency, community upliftment, and education of Earth-saving measures to schoolchildren being a few tenets of the program.
