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Housed in a 200-year-old Moorish mansion, originally built by a wealthy Indian trading family, the mansion has been carefully restored back to life following years of neglect at the hands of numerous tenants, including the Governments Department of Census and Statistics. The restoration of this magnificent heritage property is a triumph, a dream come true for its creator and owner, Lalin Jinasena, a lifestyle designer and entrepreneur. Casa is a tribute to his creative talents and local craftsmanship (all items from sanitary wear, lighting, furniture and fabrics have been turned out by local craftsman providing them with much needed employment). The original components of this heritage property - intricate mosaic floors, molded ceilings, elaborate columns and arches, ornate balconies and window awnings - have all been retained and blended successfully with vibrant colours, neon lighting, contemporary furniture using elements of cement hard wood, brushed steel, and copper, black and white photography, and the latest in HiFi and WiFi cutting-edge technology. The end result is a contemporary "retro chic" boutique hotel that prides itself on a highly personalized service. The idea here is for guests to make Casa Colombo their home away from home. There is no reception desk where guests are expected to report to. Instead, from the moment you touch down in Colombos airport, the Casa limousine, a vintage Austin, awaits you with your own personal domo who will from then on attend to your every need, whether it is a fresh glass of juice by the side of the pool or an excursion to the beach.
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Accommodation There are 12 individually designed luxury suites - three Leisure Suites, eight Corporate Suites and one Royal Suite. All suites have similar facilities with added facilities in the Corporate Suites and the luxurious Royal suite. Being in the heart of the city, the views from the suites are limited. These luxurious suites range from 500 to 1,000 sq. ft. and each provide a unique experience. All the suites are airconditioned and follow an open plan consisting of a sleeping area, work space, lounge and ensuite bathroom. No two suites are alike since each of the spaces unfolds within the original structure of this heritage mansion. Furniture consists of a large comfortable bed, desk and lounge chairs. The luxurious soft furnishings - flowing raw silk drapes and locally woven cotton bed linen - is highlighted with soft mood lighting that creates a soothing ambience. All suites comes with a 29-inch LCD TV by Nakamitchi, which can be watched from the bed or the living room, a high-fidelity sound system by Nakamitchi and movies on an Apple ipod. A specially designed music selector is also available which plays 6 genres of music. All rooms are WiFi enabled which is complimentary for guests to use. The individually controlled lighting system within each suite allows you to create your own mood. The ensuite bathroom has twin vanities, a unique waterfall shower with hot and cold water, and w/c. the Corporate Suites have the added features of extra space, super King-size bed, exquisite copper bathtub right within your room, and a laptop within the work area. The luxurious Royal Suite also has a jacuzzi in the balcony and access to a quaint roof top attic for romantic candle-lit dinners.
Facilities Casa Colombo has two restaurants: HVN a stylish fine dining restaurant serving a fusion of fine cuisine with Asian ingredients and flavours is located in the grand hall, complete with a gold ornate ceiling, an antique fan that spans 18 feet, organza glass tables and fresco of Rischis meditating in the clouds. ZAZA, an outdoor Tapas restaurant serves Asian and western cuisine that is surrounded by water and is decorated with egg-shaped chairs and cracked-glass tables. HVN is located in the grand hall, complete with a gold ornate ceiling, an antique fan that spans 18 feet, organza glass tables and fresco of Rischis meditating in the clouds. CHAMPAGNE & SKY provides a special romantic dining experience at the roof top. High tea is served at the T-REPUBLIC located on the front lawn, and cocktails are served at the ICE 3rd, a fun lounge bar created to resemble `chilling within a cube of ice. Casas unique pink swimming pool is inviting by day or night. A choice of uniquely designed cement and glass sun beds and canopied cement lounge beds await you under the shade of a large leafy tree. In-room spa services including a range of massages and beauty therapies are on offer. Casa Colombo is in partnership with the luxurious Angasana Spa located a few blocks away where guests can indulge in a wider range of relaxing treatments.
Excursions The Mahout Club, a sister company is on hand to provide guests with an insight into Colombos historical past. A trading hub of the ancient times, Colombo has a vibrant mix of cultural influences including Malay, Chinese, Arab, Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Visit ancient Buddhist temples, Kovils and Dutch period churches. Guests can spend a day at the beach in Mt. Lavinia at Casas own private location. Colombo has a reputation for excellent value when it comes to shopping for gems and jewelry, clothes, home ware, porcelain and fabrics. A variety of shops are located nearby. Guests are free to use Casas own vintage Austin or the tuk-tuk for excursions. |