The Experience

In the year 1805, Sir Thomas Maitland, a gallant military General, sailed to the island of Ceylon (as Sri Lanka was known at that time) to assume duties as the second British Governor. He was better known by the sobriquet ‘King Tom’.

King Tom had the desire to build a grand country mansion for himself, as he was very dissatisfied with the accommodation provided to him on arrival, which he regarded as hardly fitting for a man of his rank and stature. On his travels around the island he discovered the perfect location for a stately house, on a promontory overlooking the sea in the village of Galkissa, not too far from the capital, Colombo.

It was in the year 1806 that King Tom built his new residence, a symbol of the power and authority vested in him, as His Majesty’s Governor of the island of Ceylon. Indeed King Tom built a house fit for a king, wherein he fulfilled his greatest desire of creating a pleasure-dome filled with excitement and entertainment to escape the inevitable pressures upon his freedom as Governor, within a rigidly circumscribed colonial English society.

Accommodation

Walk the halls of a Governor’s Palace that was once the centre of power and intrigue; stay in rooms that have witnessed the secrets of courtly love and adventure. One of the last enclaves of the old orient, Mount Lavinia Hotel offers a selection of 210 rooms inclusive of suites; each offering a unique experience in comfort and sophistication.

The graceful elegance of a bygone era is still retained in the highly appointed rooms and suites of the Governor’s Wing, constructed in the 1930’s as an addition to the original colonial building dating back to the 1800’s. Enhanced with the natural warm glow of solid wood and the calming embrace of natural shades, the Governor’s Wing provides a regal and secluded haven of splendid quietude for the discerning traveller.

Majestically overlooking the shimmering turquoise waters of the vast Indian Ocean, embroidered with white ribbons of waves stretching far into the distance and with breathtaking views of the sweeping bay of golden sands and tall exotic palms of Mount Lavinia’s celebrated paradise beach, the Governor’s Wing is an idyll of hushed and mellowed luxury.

Our Colonial Rooms with antique period furniture and wooden floors immerse you in the hotel’s rich history. The Direct Ocean View and Ocean View Rooms are the ideal refuge for the modern traveller, with a view of golden beaches and aquamarine ocean hues.

Our Colonial Suites offer you the very best in colonial luxury, with period furniture and decor, and a breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean. Bay View Suites provide a panoramic ocean view. If you desire a secluded hideaway, you can stay at our charming and captivating Ocean View Suites. Smoking and non-smoking suites are available in the suites which provide the guest a choice of king or queen-size beds. All suites come with separate sitting areas and with sofa settees.

Destination Weddings

Mount Lavinia hotel is a  luxury beach hotel famous for the many traditional weddings it has organized for couples who have arrived from around the world for their nuptials. Traditional attire for the bride and groom, Kandyan dancers and drummers to accompany them to the poruwa (a decorated ceremonial stage where the wedding rituals are conducted), an elephant to greet the couple at the start of the ceremony, a translation of the marriage certificate from Sinhala to English, champagne to celebrate the event and other luxuries are provided so that you have the paradise wedding you have always dreamed about.

Mount Lavinia Hotel offers civil, non-denominational and religious wedding ceremonies. Applicants must present the following documents and information to registrar at least two working days prior to the intended wedding date. All documents (including divorce decrees) must be originals (or certified copies) in English.

Dining

Governor’s Restaurant
The premier restaurant of the hotel provides an ambiance of old world charm. Enjoy the ambiance of a colonial era Ceylonese style restaurant, with a creative blend of regional and continental specialties. The Governor’s Restaurant can comfortably seat up to 200 people. A La Carte is served at lunch and dinner. Dress up and go to the Governor’s for an evening of elegance and sophistication.

The Terrace
Designated by Newsweek magazine as one of the “World’s best gathering places”, this is one of the most sought after dining locations for both national and international clients in Colombo. Enjoy the enchanting experience of dining under the stars, seduced by a soft tropical breeze, while lounging by the pool. The bright pinks, oranges and purples of the sky as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean will mesmerise you while you enjoy your meal or sip a tropical cocktail. You can dine to the soothing sounds of live music over a gourmet dinner; on Sunday a live jazz band plays while you enjoy our brunch. The Terrace features daily international lunch buffets and a world of themed nightly buffets that takes you on a gastronomical journey, while A La Carte is served daily from 9.00am to 1.00am. Walk in for breakfast and lunch in casual wear, or take out an elegant dress for dinner.

Seafood Cove
Enjoy the magic and romance of the Seafood Cove, with a table set right on the beach, candle light, the warm ocean breeze and the surf breaking softly just a few feet away. Watch the flickering illumination of hurricane lamps throw shadows of history on the soft sand underfoot. It is designed to make your heart skip a beat: a rustic island style Cadjan-thatched gazebo that shades you from the sun and shelters you from the rain, perched on the pristine sands of the paradise beach overlooking the Indian Ocean. It is a quaint yet stylish venue with the ambiance signifying the natural aesthetic beauty with a setting that is nothing short of picture perfect. The cool night breeze will caress you while waiters in ethnic island style attire cosset you. Freshly caught seafood straight from the Indian Ocean is on display on a massive ice filled basket, to be cooked just the way you want it, grilled, sautéed, devilled, poached, fried or in any other style that you prefer. Enjoy the rustic setting and live calypso band that plays during dinner while you tuck into your lobster, jumbo prawns, cuttlefish, squid or fish. So pay us a visit on a starry night to the superlative Seafood Cove. You don’t even need to dress up to dine on the finest cuisine at the Seafood Cove – come as you are.

Things To Do

The Mount Lavinia Hotel offers you a range of leisure activities. Our unique swimming pool and the pool terrace are a popular spot for both Sri Lankans and our guests from overseas. Do a few laps, cool off in the pool and enjoy a tropical cocktail, or enjoy the sun and order some snacks and tea on the terrace. We offer a range of outdoor and indoor sports including beach volleyball, table tennis and other indoor games. Our world class gymnasium offers you the option of a refreshing workout. You can also enjoy a boat trip at the inland Bolgoda Lake, an elephant ride on the beach, or one of the many excursions we offer to different parts of the country. If you’re feeling lazy you can always stroll through our shopping arcade and pick out a few items to take back home, or pamper yourself at the internationally renowned COCOSPA.

COCOSPA

CocoSpa @ Mount Lavinia Hotel is located on the beach. Set amidst the view of the Indian Ocean, the mangroves and palms.The spa has two rooms for couples who wish to indulge in a treatment together; two single rooms, one room for manicure/ pedicure and hair treatment, complete the space with a lounge for relaxation and an open-air Jacuzzi above the beach.

CocoSpa is committed to giving you an exceptional spa experience to surpass your expectations

CocoSpa has developed a comprehensive selection of spa treatments using nature’s gifts only: exotic essential oils, fragrances, spices, herbs, flowers, and fruits.

We use our own line of blended pure massage oils and genuine herbal cosmetics made from the finest natural ingredients found in Sri Lanka.

CocoSpa offers a complete range of spa services: massage therapies, body treatments, facials and nail care.

Our honest and professional therapists from Bali have all the attributes of a highly successful team: enthusiasm, expertise and the passion to make a difference.

“We assure you a relaxing, rejuvenating, enjoyable and memorable experience”