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About Us | Facilities & Services | Policies

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Introduction

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Beginnings

Nature Resort & Spa Concept

A Central, Easily Accessible Location

Resort Facilities & Services

Resort Policies

In the central hills of this beautiful island on the outskirts of Kandy City, overlooking the Knuckles Mountain Range, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, sits Aarunya Nature Resort & Spa. Aarunya, meaning 'first rays of the sun' in the ancient language of Sanskrit, is an award winning collection of luxury private pool villas set high in the central hills and surrounded by spice and tea gardens. In operation since June 2018, it is our special purpose to provide our guests with a truly bespoke hospitality experience that surpasses the expectations of the most discerning traveler, with personalized Butler service and unique experiences on and off the property.

Boasting spectacular views over the Knuckles Mountain and Conservation Forest as you lounge by the pool, Aarunya, a winner of many international hotel awards, also offers a truly spectacular dining experience at Aahaara Restaurant which serves contemporary Sri Lankan cuisine in an authentic traditional village setting. Experience the most memorable sunrise while having an early breakfast in the Central Bungalow, located at the highest point of the estate while listening to the sounds of birds.

For those looking to unplug from the rituals of daily life, bespoke wellness and rejuvenation programs are available with yoga, curated meal plans, and meditation. Unwind and relax your mind and body at Aarogya Luxury Spa & Wellness Centre with both Balinese and local Ayurveda therapeutic rituals. For the adventurous, Aarunya is centrally located with convenient access to the Historical Cultural Triangle, Sigiriya Lion Rock, and the cool climes of the Knuckles Mountains. Step into nature and experience the very heartbeat of Sri Lanka with guided mountain trekking, off the beaten path waterfalls, and cloud forests.

Starting from modest origins with our first property ‘Nisala Villa Kandy’ in 2014, we then embarked on developing this beautiful tea and spice garden estate since 2017, as a family owned and operated business, with a vision to create a world class nature resort and spa experience rooted in legendary Sri Lankan hospitality.

The estate is a special place, the environment is bountiful and pristine, setting the mood to relax the mind, body and spirit

The land provides organic vegetables, fruits and spices for our meals, the fresh mountain air infuses the body when we exercise, the spa draws on luxury products and techniques to revitalise the mind and body, while constantly changing dramatic views and atmospheres encourage relaxation, reflection and contemplation.

Experience a unique, minimalist luxury resort concept and environment, carefully crafted to channel energy for our mind, body and spirit, retreat like no other.

Aarunya is located conveniently in Central Sri Lanka, between Kandy and Dambulla (the gateway to the cultural centre and north of Sri Lanka).

 

We are 2-3 hours drive from the airport, 30-45 minutes from Kandy train station and only 1-2 hours drive to most cultural hotspots such as Sigiriya Rock Fortress or even natural wonders such as the UNESCO Natural World Heritage Listed Knuckles mountains and waterfalls.

 

+ Cold/hot towels and welcome drink on arrival.
+ Outdoor infinity swimming pool (40’ x 20’), with sunbathing chairs and umbrellas.
+ Central Bungalow Verandah Restaurant, Lounge, Games Area, and Cafe/Bar (Open 6:30 AM – 22:00 PM).
+ Aahaara Specialty Restaurant Dining Experiences (Sri Lankan cuisine in an authentic village setting).

+ Library / Meeting Room
+ Aahasa Tea Pavilion for the Aarunya ‘High Altitude’ Tea and private dining experiences.

+ 24 hour Gym.
+ Yoga Pavilion (14 pax + Instructor) (Private yoga sessions attract additional charges).
+ Organic fruit/vegetable/spice/tea gardens/rice field.

+ Guided Village/waterfall/nature (bird watching) walks.
+ 24 hour check-in / check-out service.

+ Complementary wireless internet access in all areas.
+ Complementary bicycle use.

+ Butler service (Our Butlers are also Naturalists).

+ Doctor on call (24 hours).
+ Laundry facilities.

+ Packed meals on request.

+ Aarogya Luxury Spa and Wellness Centre offering Ayurvedic & International therapeutic rituals, including 3 X single and 1 X couples treatment rooms.+ Wellness Retreat Packages tailored to suit each individual, including doctors consultations, daily spa therapies, meditation, yoga, events, and meal plans/dining experiences (For 4/7/14/21 nights and custom durations).
+ All Inclusive Package Rates.
+ Foreign currency exchange.
+ Transfers by car, seaplane, or helicopter (Scheduled or Charter Flights).
+ Cooking classes (On request. Additional charge).

+ Aarunya is ideal for intimate destination weddings, engagement parties, proposals, anniversaries, honeymoons, renewal of vows, and corporate events/retreats.​ Please enquire for more information.

A COVID-19 Safe Resort:

We wish to pass our heartfelt regards to those affected by the current situation surrounding COVID-19. In times like these we believe that the importance and value of the core tenets of nature, good health, and well-being are reinforced.

Our founding vision and principles are informed by these core tenets. As such we will fearlessly continue to develop and be guided by these as part of our core mission, contribution, and offering to our valued guests, staff, and society.

Your Travel Safety:

In order to ensure the safety of our guests and team members, as well as to comply with strict hygiene protocols to maintain a COVID-19 free environment, Aarunya Nature Resort & Spa is pleased to announce stepped up in-house programs in conjunction with mandatory advice and recommendations from the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka. These procedures will include redefining and extending the existing health protocols applicable to all operations of the hotel, strict ongoing review and monitoring programs, in conjunction with specific training for employees and all other stakeholders of the hotel. These enhanced programs will be implemented to welcome and host our guests in a safe and healthy environment.

Aarunya is located in an ideal setting for social distancing, with private villas on a 9 acre mixed plantation, spice garden, and tea estate. Our guests interact with 270-degree uninterrupted views, fresh mountain air, natural fauna and flora, a place naturally blessed for the perfect hideaway and wellness retreat.

Aarunya Experience:

Aarunya attracts travelers seeking restful holidays in a tranquil setting with maximum privacy. We recommend a minimum stay of 2 nights to truly begin experiencing Aarunya.

Children & Extra Guests:

- The mountain top setting and open architecture does not provide safety for children. Taking into consideration the peace and relaxation of other guests, the resort concept, and safety for children, we are compelled to discourage children below 12 years of age.

- We do ask parents to be mindful of their children especially in public areas in order for us to ensure the comfort and respect of all our valued guests.

‐ Ages 00 to 05 - Free of Charge if sharing existing bedding with parents, or in a baby cot.
‐ Ages 05 to 12 - Will be charged USD 20 on bed and breakfast and USD 50 on All Inclusive basis. An additional charge of USD 30 per night will be levied for an extra bed (If required).

- Above 12 years old will be considered as an adult.

Check In / Out:

- Check-In time from 02:00PM.

- Check-Out time by 11:00AM.

- In-room check in and check out on prior request.

Special requests:
- Upon booking confirmation, guests are requested to inform the reservations team of any special dietary requirements, allergies and special occasions that would be celebration during the stay.

Transport / Tours & Excursions:

- Pick up and drop off transfers to and from Bandaranaike International Airport can be arranged with prior notification.
- Transfers from the hotel to any destination in the country, as well as pick up from any location, is accommodated with ease and a little bit of notice.

- We also have a number of excellent tours and excursions on offer. Please enquire with us for further details.

- Transport to the hotel is possible by private car, or by train/helicopter/seaplane to Kandy with transfer to the hotel via private car.

Anti-Discrimination & Anti-Harassment Policy:

Aarunya is committed to promoting equal employment opportunities and a workplace that is free of all forms of discrimination and harassment. Equal opportunity means that all staff experience fairness, impartiality, and equal access to all career initiatives in the hotel. Commitment to equal opportunity promotes an inclusive work environment that values and accepts the diverse racial, cultural, religious, and social backgrounds of its staff, and this extends to our suppliers, consultants, and even guests. Anti-Discrimination (Act No 45 of 1971) & Anti-Harassment (Act No 22 of 1995) Policy is underpinned by a set of values and key guiding principles in the building of a community for all staff in the hotel environment. 


Sustainability, Environmental & Green Policy:

We at Aarunya Nature Resort are not just a hospitality service provider but a team of dedicated individuals who have a passion for contributing positively to our mother earth and to protect it for our future generations. We always strive to remove and mitigate negative impacts created due to our operations, and positively participate in developing environmentally friendly practices within and outside our premises.

We are dedicated to create awareness among our staff, guests and visitors while meeting statutory, regulatory, and other requirements all the time and continually improve our environmental practices. We consider the wider global impact of all our activities including those of our suppliers, customers and other stakeholders. We continuously invest in green initiatives that enhance and protect the health and well-being of the environment, including flora, fauna and human resources.

To educate, train and motivate employees to carry out tasks in an environmentally responsible manner and ensure that a continuous professional development strategy is implemented, is core to our business goals. 


Energy, Water, & Waste Policy:

Energy and water are key resources in our day to day activities. Globally energy production has significant impacts on the environment, and can contribute to global warming and climate change. Water scarcity and access are key issues and water sources need to be secured and protected. Waste needs to be managed effectively, especially to avoid damaging the environment including water sources.

We at Aarunya Nature Resort believe energy and water conservation is a key to survival of our future generations. Hence we take all precautionary measures to ensure energy and water is used effectively and efficiently in our day to day activities.

 

We always believe our future depends on focusing more on renewable energy than non-renewable energy, and actively invest in technology and practices focused on renewable energy and energy conservation. Due to our location in terms of water and electrical infrastructure, we seek to maximize use of renewable, local water and energy sources, and protect the health and access to these sources. Waste is also a critical consideration and we always seek to reduce, reuse, and recycle. At all times we seek to reduce the use of plastics.

We also take every measure to make our staff, guests, visitors and stakeholders understand the importance of energy, water and waste in our operational set up while attempting to provide the highest standards in comfort and service.


Child Labor Policy:

We maintain a policy that all the candidates who are recruited should submit age verification documents such as birth certificate and National Identity Card. In the instance if the candidate is unable to provide the above two mentioned documents, photo copy of passport and or drivers license can be accepted.

 

It is strictly adhered that no candidate would be hired unless he/she has reached the stipulated age and by chance if an employee has produced incorrect age verification documents we will ensure that he/she would be sent through a medical check-up and the result of the medical, management would be the deciding factor whether to continue employment with the company. 


Guest Services Policy:

In operation since June 2018, our special purpose is to provide guests with a truly bespoke hospitality experience that surpasses the expectations of the most discerning traveler.

We believe that our professional and attentive staff, always available to assist our guests is our greatest asset.

We are committed to providing immediate and efficient assistance and to meeting your requirements in a helpful and courteous manner, both before and during your stay.

Quality and Transparency are the values that guide our choices. Quality of standards, of products, and of relations with our guests; transparency of our online offers and policies, always clear and authentic.

Listening is the best tool to continuously improve ourselves and satisfy our guests’ needs.


Guest comments and feedback are listened to carefully, in order to understand what needs to improve, and then take appropriate action.

Our ultimate goal is to create the experience of a lifetime.


Every guest is special to us…that’s why our mission is to fill your stay at Aarunya Nature Resort & Spa with unforgettable memories, achieved through truly anticipatory and world class service.

Aarunya Gold Standards

Our Vision:

Aarunya Nature Resort is a place that embodies the meaning of Excellence. A guest stay with us is based on the highest standards of service, comfort and vocational reward where anything short of EXCELLENT is unacceptable.

 

We promise to provide personalized and anticipatory service that is non-intrusive, yet attentive, ensuring our guests have a memorable and experiential stay.

 

A stay at Aarunya should leave a guest with fulfilled service standards, amazing memories of not just the location and its surrounding, but most importantly the people that assisted in making a truly memorable holiday possible.

 

Motto:

We are an exceptional team of unique, warm hearted, enthusiastic, creative, and skilled individuals, willing to continually learn and develop, ultimately striving to make an exceptional experience and long lasting impression on our guests and fellow colleagues.

 

Service Goals:

- A thorough understanding of our guest’s background prior to arrival that ensures a personalized service during their stay.

- Embody true Sri Lankan hospitality when welcoming a guest.

- Anticipate guest needs, and go above and beyond the nature of position, to ensure an EXCELLENT experience at all times.

- Be more than just a number but rather a name in our guests memory, with our hospitality reaching beyond departure.

The Three Steps of Service:

- A warm and sincere greeting, using the guest’s name.

- Anticipation and fulfillment of each guest’s needs.

- A fond farewell, giving a warm goodbye, and using the guest’s name.

 

Employee Standards and Values:

- We are always engaged.

- We project professionalism at all times.

- We are anticipatory in our service.

- We work together as a team towards achieving the founders’ vision.

- We pride ourselves in creating exceptional individual and group experiences for our guest.

- We pledge to actively enhance and develop our skills and capabilities.

- We maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness at all times, for both guests and team members.

- Impeccable personal grooming and hygiene standards are maintained at all times.

- We will find solutions for any and all guest problems within our scope of responsibility, in collaboration with our fellow colleagues.

Employee understanding:

- We value, respect and tolerate diversity. We create a space of equal opportunity for all employees to succeed.

- We value employee’s contribution by constantly preparing and training to reach our goals of EXCELLENCE.

- We value honesty and hard work through recognition and reward. 

- We foster an inclusive, mindful and progressive culture that contributes towards memorable guest stays and career experiences.

Founders & Directors

Aarunya was founded, owned, and independently managed by a group of distinguished professionals and business people with roots in Sri Lanka and internationally, leaders in their respective fields:

Mr. K.R.G. Wijesundara

One of Sri Lanka's most respected, awarded, and internationally acclaimed businesspersons, with over 3000 employees in multiple business sectors.

- Chairman. Wijaya Group (Pvt) Ltd. & CIB Shopping Centres (Pvt) Ltd.

- Chairman. Aarunya Nature Resort & Spa.

- Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing, (SLIM) Nielsen People's Award 2018 winner.

- Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka, Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 (National Gold Award, Extra Large Category).

Dr. Lal Rankothge (BSc, MSc, PhD Environmental Management - UNSW)

A high profile professional with extensive experience over 25yrs in environmental protection/sustainability and commercial agriculture in the Asia-Pacific region.

- Managing Director. Aarunya Nature Resort & Spa.

- Freelance Lead Technical Consultant. Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS), ISO14000 certification, and environmental auditing.

- Senior Consultant/Team Leader (ESMS). International Institute of Development Training (IIDT), and EML Consultants (Sri Lanka).

- Director. Vidusetha Higher Education Foundation in Sri Lanka. 

- Consultant. World Environment Program, Africa.

- Former Senior Professional. Department of Environment, Climate Change & Water (Environment Protection Authority) of NSW, Australia.

Mr. Nath Rankothge (BDESARCH, MARCH - USYD)

Nath is an Australian Registered Architect & Property Developer. He is the Founder of International Property Development & Architectural Design Firm Nath Rankothge & Associates (NRA). Nath is the Architect & Property Developer for Aarunya.

- Former Senior/Project Architect. SOM (New York), UNStudio (Shanghai), Aukette Swanke (London), & Balmond Studio (Colombo/London).

- Director. NRA (Nath Rankothge & Associates).

- Director. Aarunya Nature Resort & Spa.

Mrs. N.G. Wasantha Premarathne

Directress of multiple companies in Sri Lanka.

- Director. Aarunya Nature Resort & Spa.

- Director. Wijaya Group (Pvt) Ltd. & CIB Shopping Centres (Pvt) Ltd.

- Director. Claire's Closet (Pvt) Ltd.

Mr. V.K. Jayawardane

With over 28 years of experience in Operations and Human Resource Management across highly diverse business sectors in Sri Lanka. His expertise includes work for apparel giants such as MAS Holdings, LEL Group (Currently under Brandix) & ORIT Apparel & Trading. He also headed HR at Richard Pieris Group (ARPICO) with a workforce of over 38,000.

- Non-Executive Director. Aarunya Nature Resort & Spa.

- Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director. Orayan Human Capital. 

- Management Consultant, Business & Organizational Development. Wijaya Group (Pvt) Ltd.

- Management Trainer. Overseas Reality, Linea Intimo (MAS Holdings), Trelleborg Lanka, T&FG, Sumathi Group, and Imperial Lanka.

Dr. Mallika Rankothge (BSc, PhD Chemistry - UNSW)

Directress of multiple companies based in Sri Lanka and Sydney, Australia.

- Non-Executive Director. Aarunya Nature Resort & Spa.

- Director. Sarees n Things in Sydney, Australia.

- Independent Associate. Usana Health Sciences in Sydney, Australia.

- Director. Vidusetha Higher Education Foundation in Sri Lanka. 

Architect & Developer Founder

Nath Rankothge & Associates (NRA) - Mr Nath Rankothge:

Nath Rankothge is an Australian Registered Architect & Property Developer with over a decade of experience, involved with over 30 high profile projects in 8 countries including Aarunya. He is the Founder of international Design Consulting & Development Management Firm Nath Rankothge & Associates (NRA), based in Colombo and Sydney. Visit www.nra-a.com and www.linkedin.com/in/nathrankothge/ for more information.

Key Experiences

at Aarunya

Aarunya Nature Resort & Spa offers immersive experiences including nature walks through tea estates and spice gardens, village temple visits, culinary classes, dining experiences and wellness retreats amidst its serene 9-acre property.

The following are some of the key experiences we currently offer (and also some upcoming experiences we just can't wait to share):

+ Nature/Village Walk - Our Butlers can take you around the splendid 9 acre property on a nature walk. We can cover the tea estate, vegetable farm, spice gardens, and even our own rice/paddy field. We are in the process of adding new exciting paths through the naturally forested area of the property, and developing the walk as a 'Forest Bathing' experience - Forest bathing is the practice of immersing yourself in nature in a mindful way, using your senses to derive a whole range of benefits for your physical, mental, emotional, and social health.

+ Cycling - We have bicycles that can be used on the property roads or taken into the local village. A butler can join you or he can pick you up in the buggy (if you run out of steam climbing the hill back to Aarunya)!

+ Village Buddhist Temple Experience - We can organise a visit to the modest local Buddhist temple. The chief monk is a very nice and hospitable person who is quite famous on the island for his blessings and healing power.

+ Rice/Paddy Field Experience - Let us know if you would like to visit our own rice/paddy field.

+ Floating Breakfast - Speak to your Butler if you wish to have breakfast in your own private pool. 

+ Culinary Cooking Classes - Elevate your stay at Aarunya Nature Resort & Spa with an exclusive Sri Lankan Cuisine Cooking Class. Nestled within the lush embrace of our verdant haven, this hands-on culinary experience is designed for guests seeking to immerse themselves in the rich flavors of Sri Lankan gastronomy.

+ High Tea Experience - Experience the talk of the town at Aarunya - our renowned high tea! We’ve dedicated immense effort to craft a delightful afternoon tea platter that caters to both savory and sweet palates, perfectly complemented by our delicious locally sourced teas. Enjoy stunning views from the Aahaasa Tea Pavilion located in our tea estate, or even poolside!

+ Aahaara Specialty Restaurant - Aahaara is a specialty destination dining restaurant meant to replicate the setting of rural village life, while offering you an unadulterated take on contemporary Sri Lankan cuisine. Aahaara offers our guests a curated dinner that varies on a nightly basis from a Rice & Curry feast consisting of over 12 curries and vegetables, to a 9 course contemporary dinner and a meat and seafood spread guaranteed to inspire your taste buds.

+ Aarogya Luxury Spa & Wellness Centre - Rejuvenate your mind and body at Aarogya, where both Balinese and Ayurveda therapeutic rituals await. Derived from Sanskrit, 'Aarogya' translates to "overall well-being" and encompasses the health of mind, body and spirit.

+ Wellness Retreats - Immerse yourself in our tailor-made Wellness Retreats that intricately weave together the time-honored practices of Ayurveda and/or Balinese therapeutic rituals, yoga, & meditation in a luxurious mountain setting. Tailored to suit each individual, our programs provide a holistic approach to beauty, detox, relaxation, & weight loss, with a minimum duration of 4 nights.

+ Spices Experience Centre - We are in the process of developing a special space for demonstration, collecting, and drying spices from the property. Expected completion is mid-2024.

+ Tea Plucking and Hand Rolling at Aarunya Tea Estate - Immerse yourself in the plucking and preparation of hand crafted tea. This experience is coming soon!

+ Bird Trails - Our In-House Naturalist can take you on a walk in search of over 50 bird species that visit the property! This experience is coming soon!

+ Chocolate Making - This region famous for its spice gardens is also a hidden gem for cocoa production. Join us on a special journey as we transform the cocoa into hand-made chocolates. This experience is coming soon!

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