Per Aquum’s recently launched luxury boutique hotel, ‘The Fortress’ in Sri Lanka has been named one of the world's hottest new hotels in both the Condé Nast Traveller UK Hot List 2007 and in the Condé Nast Traveler US Hot List 2007. The Lime Spa at The Fortress also entered the Hot Spa List within the US edition.
Per Aquum’s flagship hotel in the Maldives, Huvafen Fushi, was previously recognized for Conde Nast Traveller’s UK and US 2005 Hot List, followed by being chosen for the Best Service award with a remarkable score of 91.47 in the 2007 Gold List. The Fortress further cements Per Aquum’s eye for visionary, imaginative and naturally modern resorts.
The UK and US Hot Lists are compiled independently of each other by an anonymous group of writers who evaluate new hotels and resorts around the world. Being on one Hot List does not automatically guarantee you entry on another, however the criteria for each list follow the same pattern. The Condé Nast Traveller Hot Lists recognize hotels and resorts for design, service and ambience, making them one of the industry’s most coveted designations. With inclusion in both the UK and US lists The Fortress is clearly a market leader within the destination whose style and service surpass industry standards.
Both lists are featured in their respective May editions. This year the UK version comprises of 65 hotels and is the biggest-ever hot list to be featured. ‘The Fortress’ is the one of the only two properties in Sri Lanka to be included, while in the US edition The Fortress is one of only three properties from Sri Lanka and one of only 138 of the hottest properties wordwide. Lime Spa at The Fortress holds centre court on the US Hot Spa List being the only one featured within the region.
Tom McLoughlin, Managing Director of Per Aquum comments; ‘Being featured on both the UK and US Hot Lists is a great honour for the resort and reflects the hard work, dedication and passion of the team to create an unrivalled experience in Sri Lanka. We are proud of this achievement and confident that accolades such as these in two of the world’s most respected travel publications will continue to promote Sri Lanka as a destination and encourage like minded travellers to enjoy this beautiful island’
The resort had the rare privilege of being officially opened by the President of Sri Lanka His Excellency Hon. Mahinda Rajapakse in January this year and has raised the benchmark for luxury accommodation in Sri Lanka. With unprecedented levels of service, extraordinary innovation, attention to detail and a unique blend of Old Ceylon with Modern Asia, The Fortress has definitely made its mark in the global map within a short space of time.
Extract from Conde Nast Traveller UK 2007 Hot List: ‘Sri Lanka regulars expecting shabby-chic decor will be in for a stylish surprise with this classy addition to the southern shores, 30 minutes' drive from Galle Fort, where shag carpets, throw pillows, super king-size beds and plunge pools combine with mood lighting and plasma-screen TVs. The staff are attentive and English speaking, the imported glassware is beautiful, and the hotel's impressive wine selection is well on its way to becoming Sri Lanka's finest.” To view the full extract log on to the magazine's website at www.cntraveller.com
Extract from Conde Nast Traveler US 2007 Hot List, “Within a walled garden and fronting a long beach on the island's southern shore, this 49-room resort is designed to resemble a traditional walauwa, or noble residence. Interiors are, surprisingly, urban cool, with high-ceilinged guest rooms, state-of-the-art lighting, and Bose DVD systems with rock concert acoustics. Even standard rooms are kitted out with seven-by-seven-foot beds, tubs big enough to bathe a baby elephant, and palm-fringed private gardens..” To view the full extract visit the magazine’s website at www.concierge.com/bestof/hotlist/2007
Extract from Conde Nast Traveler US 2007 Hot Spa List, “ Lime - at this six-room Zen gem in The Fortress hotel, unique kneads are customized for individual needs. An English-speaking therapist interviews guests to pinpoint where Swedish, Thai, deep tissue, or Sri Lankan strokes are indicated. Alternatively, the charming in-house physician, Dr. Prabha Weeranayaka, will determine a guest's dosha, or Ayurvedic body type, and then prescribe a diet, exercise, and massage regimen.” To view the full extract visit the magazines website at www.concierge.com/bestof/hotlist/2007
A Universal Enterprise, Per Aquum Resorts • Spas • Residences is a specialist luxury resort, spa and residence management company that offers a different kind of company ethos: one that is passionate, visionary, imaginative and naturally modern. Each property embodies regional tradition and combines luxurious fittings and furnishings in a culturally sensitive way. No two properties are alike. Literally translated, Per Aquum means ‘through water’, and the vision of the company is to develop and manage properties in desirable locations using naturally modern, ecologically responsible design. Per Aquum currently manages properties in Maldives, Sri Lanka, Dubai and Seychelles and is looking at additional locations in the Indian Ocean region, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Morocco and the Middle East.
