Once known as a governor’s Palace, Mt Lavinia Hotel, Colombo, stands as an iconic landmark and a forerunner in Sri Lanka’s field of hospitality for over 210 years. Despite its breathtakingly beautiful scenery, Mt Lavinia Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in Sri Lanka is known for its rich history and its impeccable hospitality.
With its charm, grandeur and ambience, the hotel boasts numerous distinguished guests, who visit the premises annually.
Historical importance
The focal point of Mt. Lavinia Hotel, amongst other aspects, is its history. Taking a stroll down memory lane, we learn that the the commencement of this hotel was with the arrival of Sir Thomas Maitland, a Military General who assumed duties as the Second British Governor of Ceylon, in 1805. Sir Maitland who was dissatisfied with the accommodation available in Ceylon at the time considered it was not fitting for a person of his rank and stature. He, was driven by the thought of building a grand mansion in the country for himself. He visited the present location of the hotel during his travels in the Galkissa village which was not far from Colombo. It was in 1806 that Sir Thomas Maitland, also known as King Tom at the time built a mansion, fit for a king, rightfully so. The premises were the mark of entertainment, equipped with a pleasure dome which the Governor returned to whenever he wished to escape the pressures of assuming his official duties at the time.
Sir Maitland was swept off his feet by Lovina Aponsuwa, a vibrant Mestizo Dancer whose roots were part Sinhalese and Portuguese. They fell in love, which blossomed into a beautiful yet non-conventional union at the time. The grand country mansion was called ‘Mount Lavinia’ after Lovina Aponsuwa. Their romance was of course considered non-conventional at the time. Sir Maitland was a gallant general from the United Kingdom and she was from the Rodiya community which was often frowned upon by the higher castes at the time. It is said that as an effort to keep the fires burning between the two, an underground tunnel which connected Lovina’s residence and the grand mansion was built. The romance continued for six years, until it was the Governor’s time to leave the island. The curious minds would be elated to learn that the same tunnel Sir Maitland and Lovina met, in secret, exists even today near the Hotel Lobby. If you happen to be around, drop by the Hotel’s museum to catch a glimpse of the its history which will certainly transport you to the yester years.
The hotel today
Mount Lavinia Hotel is all geared to provide their valuable patrons with the absolute best in terms of hospitality. They accommodate practically any need, be it a simple meal at the restaurant, a day out by the pool or beach, weddings, parties and so much more.
Stacaytioner’s paradise
Are you looking to escape for a brief staycation with your loved ones or simply by yourself? The hotel offers a range of options to make your stay spectacular and memorable along with attractive discounts up for grabs. If you are keen to take a stroll or a morning jog during your stay, the shoreline of Mount Lavinia beach is ideal. The hotel offers a salon, tour and pool services, and a shopping arcade.
Let’s talk food…
We all enjoy a good meal and the dining options available at Mount Lavinia Hotel will have you returning for more. Whether you are looking for a nice authentic Sri Lankan meal, a seafood extravaganza, fine dining, themed nights or Sunday brunch with jazz, the hotel has got you covered. The hotel takes the dining experience offered to its patrons seriously, needless to say, they go above and beyond what is required of them.
The venue
Those of us living in and around Colombo have visited Mount Lavinia Hotel at some point. So, we mean it when we say this, the sandy beach and the bright blue waters of the Indian Ocean tied together with the lush greenery make up for some solid clicks. It is the perfect venue for weddings, parties and any other occasion you hold close to your heart. It does not end there, the hotel boasts expertise in conducting and hosting a wide range of non-traditional events such as meetings, seminars, workshops, board meetings and even conferences, all tailor-made to suit your needs and requirements. Mount Lavinia Hotel still has its vintage old-school charm with a touch of luxury. It has come a long way since being Governor’s homestead which housed two lovers’ affair, Mount Lavinia Hotel ages like fine wine and we aren’t wrong to say this.
