Jetwing Blue

Jetwing -- one of the biggest hotel companies in Sri Lanka -- owns 22 hotels, and it all began with Jetwing Blue, which originally had just six rooms. The company's founder -- a former engineer -- passed away a few years ago, and today his son and daughter continue to run the company. In 2011, the hotel received a major makeover from Geoffrey Bawa’s protegé (Bawa was Sri Lanka's most distinguished architect known for "Tropical Modernism") and the building incorporates a strong mission of sustainability; the hotel is nearly 40% solar powered. Guest diversity is also present, and the ballroom -- one of the biggest event spaces on the west coast -- attracts a mix of business and wedding guests from Europe, India, China, and the Middle East. The hotel's central location is a key factor for these events, and also for families and couples who are en route to the airport or need a stopover before heading further north. The turnaround entrance is lined with palms but there is traffic on the adjacent main street; the upside to this is that guests are able to walk to nearby shops and restaurants. Once entered, however, the modern white palatial lobby is bright and serene, much like that of a spa. Staff who speak excellent English sit guests down in the lounge and continue the check-in process with cooling towels and a welcome drink. This lobby area leads to the main restaurant -- The Kitchen -- and the main infinity pool area where a stray dog may wander up (they are harmless). The large beach area has plenty of space to spread out and to play games. Vendors may approach to sell catamaran boat trips or beach buggy rentals. It can feel a little gimmicky -- this is a touristy part of the country, after all -- but an early morning walk along the shore will reveal dozens of these wooden catamaran boats in the water looking for the seafood catch of the day -- a neat dose of local Sri Lankan authenticity that is not found in other parts of the island. 

This Jetwing property is in the heart of Negombo -- a beach area 15 minutes north of Colombo’s Bandaranaike International airport. This is a convenient spot for travelers who want to skip the big city but who still want to be close to the airport. The area used to be a major cinnamon source during European rule, and today, Negombo is more famous for tourists and fishing; every morning, guests can look out over the ocean and see traditional wooden catamaran boats bobbing in the water. The beach is not white sand like beaches to the south, and there is more pollution here, but on a sunny days, views are pretty and there is plenty of space for strolls in either direction. Sunsets are not to be missed. The hotel sits on a main commercial strip near other hotels and guesthouses, so guests can walk to restaurants, shops, and pharmacy stores for toiletries and essentials. Free parking is available for those with rental cars, otherwise the front desk can arrange a taxi. Tuk-tuks -- cheaper (and more fun) than taxis -- can easily be flagged down from the street. 

Jetwing Blue has 112 rooms spread out over three or four floors depending on the section of the building, and all were renovated in 2011. Rooms (except Annex) face the ocean and have furnished balconies. Decor is chic but minimalistic with bold blue-green tiles, white bedding, and distinct beige and black murals above the beds. They have flat-screen TVs, central air-conditioning, flip flops, and bathrobes for two adults. Wooden (but narrow) desks provide a place to work, and minibars come stocked with free water, coffee and tea, and chargeable soda, beer, snacks, and liquor. Spacious bathrooms have glass walls that can be made private, counter space, and separate jetted tubs and walk-in showers with rain showerheads. Toiletries are in eco-friendly containers, and there is a note by the door that lets guests know that energy is partially used from solar panels on the roof. Most rooms are Deluxe (80 of these), with two twin beds or one king, and adjacent seating areas. 21 Super Deluxe rooms are more spacious than the Deluxe category. The six top-floor Suites (fourth floor) have a partially separated lounge and dining area, a huge bathroom, and generous patio with a daybed and an outdoor whirlpool. Suites also come with personal butler service. Annex rooms are a budget-friendly option, and do not face the ocean. DVD players (and DVDs) can be requested, as well as cots or extra beds for kids.

There are two pools on either side of the property. The main pool -- with an infinity edge -- is next to the entrance with several lounge areas and in-water seats for enjoying a drink in the shade. There is a smaller pool with big stripes next to the Central Point restaurant that is family-friendly and might have more kids splashing around. This is also set further back from the beach, so vendors cannot approach guests here. The modern spa has six massage treatment rooms for either couples and singles (including one Thai-style), and a mani/pedi area. The space has lockers, showers, steam rooms, bathrobes, tea and water. One the second floor is one of the largest ballrooms in Sri Lanka that can fit up to 800 theater-style (600 cluster style). This space can be divided into two for separate events. A tour desk is available for excursions. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. 

Two restaurants on the property include the main one near the lobby for breakfast, lunch and dinner, called The Kitchen. Each morning there is an ample breakfast buffet. This turns to lunch and dinner which are both served a la carte with the option to order impressive tasting course menus. There is an open kitchen layout where guests can watch the kitchen action (hence the name), and each day has a different theme so guests will not get bored. Next to the beach on the other side is Center Point Grill and Bar for light meals, snacks, and drinks in a more casual environment. Room service and private dining is available on the beach. For pre- and post-dinner drinks, the Float is a the main bar that is open until midnight next to the lobby with a neat nautical theme. This spot is air-conditioned. 

The location of the hotel is along a huge public beach with dark beige sand. Negombo's sand and Indian Ocean water show subtle signs of pollution -- this is a busy part of the country, close to Colombo -- but this particular area of beach is cleaner than some surrounding hotels. Stray dogs and vendors are harmless but might be a nuisance for those looking for true peace and quiet. Swimming in the ocean is considered safe unless the red flags are up, which indicate the current is too strong for most swimmers.