Jetwing Sea

Jetwing -- one of the biggest hotel companies in Sri Lanka with 22 properties -- began with Jetwing Blue, located just a few minutes south. The company's founder (a former engineer) passed away a few years ago, and today his son and daughter continue to run the company. While Jetwing Blue, with its huge event space, tends to cater to groups and weddings, Jetwing Sea has more of a laid-back feel and draws couples, many from Europe and Russia. The driveway along the main Negombo strip fronts the open-air lobby and seated reception area. The pale yellow and white interiors feel a little retro (by design) and wide stairs lead to both the main buffet and a lounge area that faces the sea. Mature king coconut palms with their bright orange fruits provide shade and divide the two pools from the beaches. Most guests take advantage of the pools or beach during the day; at night, they often come to have a drink at the main bar before dinner at one of two restaurants (or before walking to other options). Live music is common during dinner hour, and the ambience is casual, fun, and slightly romantic. Guests can pick out their own bottle from the wine cellar, and there are also great wines by the glass. Friendly managers are around to meet and greet, and during our visit reception staff went out of their way to provide excellent service, and when we checked out they even bartered with the taxi driver on our behalf for the best price. 

This Jetwing property is located on two acres of land in the heart of Negombo -- a bustling beach town 20 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.Jetwing Sea is five minutes farther north than sister properties Jetwing Blue and Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions, but still lies on the main commercial strip near other hotels and guesthouses, so guests can walk to restaurants, shops, and pharmacies. Free parking is available for those with rental cars, otherwise the front desk can arrange a taxi and barter for the best price. Tuk-tuks -- cheaper (and some would say more fun) than taxis -- can easily be flagged down from the street. 

There are 83 rooms in three categories, and all have been updated with modern amenities, wood furnishings, and fresh white linens. Yellow fabric accents add  a cheery vibe. Every room has a private balcony or patio that faces the ocean and each comes with two chairs, a table, and one sun lounger. Closets come with two pairs of flip-flops, and walk-in showers have rain showerheads and eco-friendly toiletries. Flat-screen TVs are mounted on the wall, and rooms have central air-conditioning. Stocked daily are free tea, coffee (French press), and bottled water; minibars sell large bottles of Lion beer, a few sodas, and snacks.Standard Rooms are located on the bottom level, and their patios have direct access to the pools and beach (though views of the ocean might be slightly obstructed). These rooms are smaller in size and have older, slightly dingy, tile floors. A thick mattress lies atop a concrete base in front of a wooden slats stretching to the ceiling. There is a small desk area, vanity, and two chairs but no seating area as in the other two categories. Deluxe Rooms (the most common room type) have more style and space that the Standard Rooms, with unique lighting systems run by solar power. Floors are wood instead of tile, and black and white artwork adds pizzazz to the spaces. Rooms are on the upper levels for better ocean views. Bathrooms are larger with separate showers and jetted tubs that light up with purple hues -- a large window next to the tub looks into the bedroom. Deluxe Rooms also come with two bathrobes.  There are two Suites on the fourth floor with king-size canopy beds, as well as a separate living area. Bathrooms are larger in size with double vanity sinks. Views from the top floor guarantee the best ocean views.DVD players (and DVDs) can be requested, as well as cots or extra beds for kids. During our visit, check-in was at 2 p.m. and check-out was at noon -- more generous times than some hotels offer.

The two swimming pools on either end of the property are a highlight here. Neither is huge, but both face the beach. The one to the north, an infinity pool, is better for laps, and fronts a grassy beachfront lawn with cushioned loungers; there are also colorful bean bags on a platform. The other pool is next to the main bar and restaurant and has sun loungers that face the pool. Pool towels are provided on the chairs, and no card is needed. Fruit kebabs and cold towels are served to the guests for around an hour in the late morning (from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. during our stay). A spa on the rooftop deck, called Sky Spa, is open daily. There are a range of treatments including massages, reflexology, aromatherapy, facials, body scrubs, wraps, manis and pedis. Guests can come and partake in three to five day programs, such as a detox program. Local products are used when possible from Spa Ceylon and Sothys. Also on the top floor is a bright fitness center with floor-to-ceiling windows, cardio machines, weight training machines. Drinking water and towels are provided. One floor up from the lobby is a bright meeting room with modern facilities and a multimedia system. Lots of excursions are available to book through guest services, including day trips to Colombo and Kandy, as well as scuba diving. Wi-Fi is free throughout.

The hotel is along a wide 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 stretches at 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, but guests can take long walks in either direction. Beach volleyball is available. 

Café C is the spacious main restaurant off the lobby area with wooden tables either under shade or outside. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and serves light snacks throughout the day; most rates include breakfast. International spreads tend to incorporate Asian and European cuisines and change daily; themed nights help stave off boredom. There is an air-conditioned space for salads, fresh fruits, and a range of beautiful desserts made in-house -- typical given Sri Lanka's humidity. The wines by the glass program is a focus at the hotel; guests can also choose their own bottle from the wine cellar next to the dining room.  Lellama is named for the local fish market and modeled after a fisherman's hut. This contemporary outdoor restaurant turns romantic at night with seafood served in a beachside setting. Guests can handpick a catch of the day: fresh crab, prawns, and fish dishes. There is a bar here as well.Jetty Bar is the main hotel bar by the southern pool serving cocktails and mocktails throughout the day. This area has a romantic ambience when candles are lit, as does the pool. Guests can grab a bar stool before dinner and watch the bartenders work their magic while snacking on a bowl of spicy nuts. There are also comfortable lounge seating areasThe hotel provides 24-hour room service. Guests receive a 10 percent discount on food and beverages at any other Jetwing Hotel in Negombo.