Press Releases
Civil War Ending Promises Sri Lanka Tourism Boom
December 8, 2009—New York— Remote Lands, the New York and Bangkok-based ultra-luxury Asia private tour operator, is reintroducing its highly personalized, white-glove service itineraries for Sri Lanka. The country’s tragic civil war, which ended in May 2009 after 26 years, had largely kept western travelers away. After six months of peace, though, the island paradise once again beckons visitors with its rich culture and art, ancient architecture, marvelous beaches and stunning mountains, 5-star hotels, and much more.
"It’s time to return to Sri Lanka, one of the world’s perfect travel destinations," said Catherine Heald, co-founder and CEO of Remote Lands. “From its extreme physical beauty, to its diversity of experiences, to the kindness of its people, Sri Lanka truly has it all."
Sri Lanka is an exquisite gem of an island that Remote Lands highly recommends seeing by private helicopter. Among its many draws: ancient cities and religious sites, superb trekking and safaris, whale watching, a wild elephant preserve, untouched rainforest, delicious cuisine, and exceptional value.
Couples considering a unique honeymoon destination should look no further than the secluded luxury beachfront resort at Amanwella on the island’s southern coast, or Taprobane, a private, romantic two-acre island just off the shore of Weligama.
Sri Lanka boasts no less than seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the must-see ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the rock citadel at Sigiriya, and the Dutch colonial fort of Galle, the site of Amangalla, a perfect complement to its sister Amanresort. Other charming lodging includes colonial bungalows and villas among the island’s many tea plantations.
A favorite experience of Remote Lands’ is a private tour, led by a prominent scholar, of the works of Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s most influential and prolific architect, renowned for his pioneering work melding buildings with their natural environment. The tour includes hotels, private houses and the Lunaganga estate, a laboratory for his ideas over the decades and his most striking achievement.
Sri Lanka’s government is aiming to open up areas in the north and east that have been off-limits for decades. Trincomalee, for example, offers the pristine Nilaveli Beach and, just offshore, excellent snorkeling around Pigeon Island. Nearby are natural hot springs and the fascinating history of Tirukoneswaram Temple, perched on the summit of Swami Rock overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Prices for a Remote Lands luxury bespoke holiday in Sri Lanka start at $1,000 per person per day not including helicopter charter. For further details please visit www.remotelands.com.
Contact: Bruce Lazarus bruce@remotelands.com; +1 (646) 415 8092.
Remote Lands, Inc. creates highly personalized, ultra-luxury bespoke holidays in Asia, optionally by private jet or yacht, for sophisticated, demanding high net worth clients. Based in New York and Bangkok, the company specializes in extraordinary experiences that are difficult to arrange and require privileged access to important people and exclusive events, drawing upon its relationships with remarkable people around Asia. Its white-glove service, creative itineraries and extreme attention to detail define and distinguish it.