Hotels in Sri Lanka
Where You Can See Ena de Silva’s Work
Ena de Silva’s works still adorn Sri Lankan resort hotels today. From the mural-like ceiling of the reception area at Cinnamon Bentota Beach (formerly Bentota Beach Hotel) to the subtly zebra-patterned sofa covers that add organic curves to the modern architecture of Heritance Ahungalla (formerly Triton Hotel).
Cinnamon Bentota Beach
https://www.cinnamonhotels.com/cinnamon-bentota-beach
Opened as the Bentota Beach Hotel in Sri Lanka’s southwest coastal resort area, this five-star hotel was designed by Geoffrey Bawa. To commemorate its 50th anniversary, extensive renovations were carried out from 2017 to 2019. The batik adorning the entrance ceiling, an iconic feature of the hotel created by Ena de Silva, was also refurbished with the cooperation of the Aluvihare Heritage Centre.
Heritance Kandalama
https://www.heritancehotels.com/kandalama/
Located near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya, amidst lush green forests, this resort hotel designed by Geoffrey Bawa is surrounded by the whispers of birds and the shimmering lake, with cool rock surfaces creating a unique atmosphere. The batiks by Ena de Silva displayed in the common areas are now in a collage-like arrangement, having been cut from their original form at the time of the hotel’s opening.
Heritance Ahungalla
https://www.heritancehotels.com/ahungalla/
This hotel, designed by Geoffrey Bawa, has been beloved under the name Triton Hotel, named after the sea god in Greek mythology. Ena de Silva designed batik works known as the Triton Collection, which are primarily in black and white. Her works remain intact, including the zebra-patterned sofa covers in the reception area and the ceiling of the main dining room.
Jetwing Lighthouse
https://www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwinglighthouse/
This five-star hotel, designed by Geoffrey Bawa, offers a rich view of the Indian Ocean and is located near the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the southwestern town that retains remnants of the colonial era. Ena de Silva’s batiks adorn the ceiling of the charming bar. You can also see her colorful geometric batik works on the ceiling of the main dining room.
Lunuganga
https://www.teardrop-hotels.com/lunuganga/
Lunuganga Garden, often called the utopia created by Geoffrey Bawa, has been transformed into a boutique hotel where guests can stay. In the guest room of the Gate House, batik works featuring butterflies and frogs by Ena de Silva remain. In 2019, the Ena de Silva House, a highly regarded piece of Bawa’s architecture originally located in Colombo, was relocated to the garden, and guests can now also stay there.
Number 11
https://geoffreybawa.com/number-11
Geoffrey Bawa’s residence, located in Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo, offers exclusive accommodation for one group per day, as well as house tours. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by Ena de Silva’s “Sunburst,” the first piece designed specifically for this house. The “Tree of Life” is also displayed in the garage.
Trinco Blu by Cinnamon
https://www.cinnamonhotels.com/trinco-blu-by-cinnamon
This historic deluxe hotel opened in the 1970s in the beach resort town of Trincomalee. In 2010, it underwent renovations by Channa Daswatte, a disciple of the renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, and newly incorporated batik designs by Ena de Silva for its decorations. In the lobby and guest rooms, you can see beautiful batik artworks featuring shades of blue that reflect the colors of the sea along the stunning northeastern coast.
Anantara Kalutara
https://www.anantara.com/kalutara/
Just an hour’s drive from Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo, is a resort hotel surrounded by the Kalu Ganga, meaning “Black River,” and the Indian Ocean, where you can enjoy a quiet beach and tropical scenery. The initial design concept was created by Geoffrey Bawa and completed by Channa Daswatte in 2016. The hotel is adorned with large banners designed by Ena de Silva.