Colombo, Sri Lanka -- (SBWire) -- 10/11/2011 --Whether its to espy the elusive Sri Lankan Leopard as it walks regally to the waterhole or has a lazy lie in imbibing the morning sun or to see large herds of the majestic Asian Elephant roaming the wilds as they keep a watchful eye on the their babies or to take note of the abundance of birds and small wildlife that fearlessly claim their territories while you watch in awesome wonder or simply to relax of an evening, enjoying the cool breezes wafting in through the peaceful verandahs of a 'real game lodge' – Chaaya Wild offers it all and more. Billed to open its rustic environs as Chaaya Wild by 1st November 2011 after extensive renovation and refurbishment, the world class hotel in Yala introduces unique creative facets in jungle living, capturing the true spirit of the wild.

Chaaya Wild Yala, is a completely different offering to the well traversed and discerning nature enthusiast. With a Rs. 500 million investment the 66-chalet world class game lodge is placed in what is almost an extension of the Yala National Park with open boundaries to the surrounding wildlife. The resort’s offerings stem from responsible tourism practices aimed at conserving and being one with its precious environs. A roof top observation deck and bar would be a key attraction of the property, among other Yala hotels, offering a 360 degree view of the surrounding wilderness.

Commenting on the speed and frequency of their new hotel projects Ajit Gunewardene, Deputy Chairman, John Keells Holdings PLC said “We will continue to invest not only in increasing the size and reach of our hotel portfolio but in adding unique and distinct properties to enhance Sri Lanka’s overall tourism offering. Through experience we have devised a formula that enables us significant efficiencies in project speeds and costs, which we believe is not easily replicated. This will be a strong advantage for us in maintaining our dominance in the Sri Lankan tourism sector amidst potential international competition.”

“As a country, we are truly blessed when it comes to diverse tourist attractions,” states Sector Head Sri Lankan Resorts of John Keells Hotels Jayantissa Kehelpannala, who, together with a very compe- tent team which includes master architect Channa Daswatte set about transforming the old hotel into one that blends with the true concept of the wild. “The Sri Lankan leopard is a symbol our rich bio diversity, and Sri Lanka’s home to one of the densest populations of leopard when compared with the natural world. We rank at the top also with elephants thought not at Yala, the Gathering now sits pretty as the 6th greatest animal spectacle in the world. We continue to maintain excellent leopard sightings through the year at Yala which speaks well for our wildlife lovers. So what we have via Chaaya Wild is a unique proposition, a four star 'game lodge' which sits in the center of all this wildlife activity, adding an aspect of luxurious creature comforts which make for a calming and relaxing time in the wild.”

When the architect first espied the property, his first inclination was to create a game lodge that would have respect for the environment and its surrounds. “The design approach is in celebrating the wilderness around this property and in make it a part of the property's natural habitat. We have already re-organised the landscape and it's very rewarding to see the rejuvenation of the shrubs, vegetation and undergrowth taking root. Walkways act as barriers to allow rainwater to percolate into the ground and clearly marked driveways for vehicles ensure minimum disturbance to the natural surroundings.” He in fact proclaims that while wild elephant roam the grounds, more emphasis is given to make the property visually more appealing. “The simple structures echo the precedent set by the original design. We are using sustainable materials for the décor, while working with local crafts people to procure the accessories and other required items for the interiors as well.”

The familiar porte-cochere will no longer have the haphazard presence of vehicles but rather a lusher wilder feel, leading to a new reception area which pushes the eye beyond the pool and onto the beautiful villu, opening up new vistas. The two public areas have seen major change, although replaced on the footprint of the previous building and are united by a large deck around the pool. For checking in, there's an open lounge with its rustic wood trunk furniture combined with cane and canvas to sink into and have drinks and snacks. The batik adorned ceilings infusing the textures of the forest overhead, are artistically designed by Ena de Silva and Aluvihare Crafts Cooperative, introducing added depth. Add the new dining room on the upper level with an unadulterated view of the treetops, the sea in the distance punctuated by cane, wood and unique batik ceilings also by Ena de Silva, a rooftop bar above with its panoramic view of the sea and open sky in anticipation of long starlit nights and The Lounge Bar which is where the denizens of Chaaya Wild will gather after hours, all resonate the feel of a stylish game lodge.

With the rejuvenated landscape edging the raised earthbunds that form the walkways, Channa hopes, “Guests will be more aware of the smaller wildlife that most often are overlooked on jour- neys into the wild and our incessant search for the big five. One hopes the occasional lizard, snake and butterfly will amuse the guest on their way to the rooms.” While the bathrooms have under- gone complete transformation, the 66 air-conditioned rooms which are segmented into beach chalets and jungle chalets of eight each and nine interconnected jungle chalets, essentially remain the same with even the floors carefully recycled. “But what we have brought in is a slightly more nostal- gic game lodge style feel with camp style furniture, mosquito net draped beds, woven palmyrah accessories and botanical and animal prints adorning the walls for a slightly more studious edge,” explains Channa. DVD players, wi-fi, LCD TVs and other little luxuries have been added into the rustic appeal of Chaaya Wild.

“One of the Chaaya competitive edges is our very professional highly trained group of naturalists who will mingle with guests to discuss their tour options and learn more about Yala,” comments Jayantissa. “We will also have films continuously screened in our special projection room to create added awareness. What we intend giving our guest is an epic safari adventure, where by simply stepping into the wild, you are encouraged to explore every little nuance, sight and sound of the wild, right here in this world class game lodge.” He adds that the uniqueness of concept and design is a first for Sri Lanka and certainly one that gives potential for wildlife enthusiasts to spot not only the elusive leopard and the majestic elephant, but also sloth bear and 44 other species of mammals, 215 bird species some of them endemic, butterfly species and flora that is truly unique. Chaaya Wild has thus added more excitement to its 'Things to do' list with a mini night safari, turtle watching trails, animal track spotting, camping in the wild, nature trails, bird watching and even a Chena visit.

There has always been a certain uniqueness to each Chaaya property, all of which come under the umbrella of John Keells Hotels Group, given that they embrace the immediate environs of their diverse locations with passion and absolute completeness. “Each of the Chaaya resorts have charac- teristics of their own, although the facilities, services and luxuries introduce the overreaching tenets of the Chaaya brand promise,” states Jayantissa. “To us, it is about the uniqueness of the experience, the need to revisit the unique locations we have our resorts in and then, become a feature that transforms those experiences into indelible memories.” He adds that with the vision for tourism within the group being, “To become a trendsetter in the tourism industry”, offerings like Chaaya Wild have added newer dimensions to the tourism landscape in Sri Lanka, “and it is this that we hope will create new benchmarks and opportunities for the country to meet its tourism agenda by 2016 and beyond."