DoubleTree by Hilton is a new three-story resort that was recently opened in Weerawila. The resort is owned by KDU Adventures (Private) Limited and managed by Hilton. It is not only the first DoubleTree property in Sri Lanka but also the first Hilton product in 23 years after the opening of the Hilton properties in Colombo. The DoubleTree brand of properties is one of the 18 portfolios of Hilton Worldwide and expands to 47 countries with 600+ hotels to its name. 

DoubleTree by Hilton Rajawarna Resorts is nestled in the heart of the idyllic bird sanctuary of Weerawila and faces the calming waters of the Weerawila lake to give guests a secluded and serene experience. What was initially an idle property owned by KDU Adventures, was converted into a resort when Hilton was awarded a management contract back in 2017. The resort was in the works for 3 years in order to curate the space to meet the DoubleTree standards. The interior today reflects its location as the property remains secluded and surrounded by lush greenery and the buildings camouflaged by Thunbergia creepers. 

One of the most significant DoubleTree standards is the Signature Warm DoubleTree Cookie that is given to guests upon check-in – a practice that is followed at DoubleTree Weerawila. The signature cookie reflects the three pillars of DoubleTree - as the cookie is real, warm and caring. 

LOCATION 
Located within the Weerawila Bird Sanctuary which is home to 400 species of birds, the DoubleTree resort is at the epicentre of many locations; a 20-minute drive to the Mattala Rajapakse International Airport, a 30-minute drive from the Hambantota Port district, en route to the sacred city of Kataragama and minutes away from several national parks such as Bundala and Yala. 

Whilst Yala might be the more popular and well-known national park of Sri Lanka, we found ourselves in its lesser-known counterpart – the Bundala National Park which is an internationally important wintering ground for migratory waterbirds such as greater flamingos and openbills as well as crocodiles, peacocks, buffaloes and monkeys. It may not have all the excitement of the Yala National Park but it is certainly less crowded and more peaceful. On our visit, we had the park to ourself and enjoyed the guided tour at leisure.  

DoubleTree Weerawila’s unique location, being so close to both popular tourist attractions as well as the upcoming commercial zone in the south of the country, makes it a natural choice for business and leisure travellers alike. 

ACCOMMODATION
DoubleTree is a 78 -room property with three room categories; 74 Deluxe Rooms, 3 Deluxe Suites and an impressive Presidential Suite. The Deluxe Room offers 55 square feet of space while the Deluxe Suites offer 108 square feet with an additional private lounge and dining area. It is the Presidential Suite however that boasts the most luxuries with 5000 square feet to itself; 3 floors, 4 bedrooms, a plunge pool, a rooftop whirlpool, a private gym, a steam room, a deck, a fully equipped kitchen, a private elevator and a panoramic view of the hotel and the Weerawila lake. 

We occupied a Deluxe room for the night and enjoyed the little luxuries of the room. The deluxe, available with either a garden or a lake view, is fully equipped with all the amenities necessary; a 49” HDTV with an entertainment hub, Wi-Fi, rain shower, toiletries, a tea and coffee maker along with a decked-out balcony offering an unhindered view of the lush greenery of the property.  

DINING 
Double Tree offers a variety of dining experiences with two restaurants and three bars all creatively named after the migratory birds found within the Weerawila bird sanctuary; Spoonbill, Redshank, Turnstone, Nightjar and Hornbill. 

The Spoonbill is their all-day dining restaurant offering buffet-style dining for all meals; breakfast, lunch, dinner.  It also operates as a tea lounge and barbeque grill. The buffet combines both international and continental cuisine with a diverse selection of Indian, Western, Chinese and Sri Lankan dishes to choose from. Their Signature Seafood rooftop restaurant Redshank will soon be open to guests offering a fresh selection of seafood in various preparations. 

The Nightjar is the hotel’s rooftop bar ideal for sipping on a cocktail while gazing upon the blanket of stars the Weerawila night sky has to offer while Hornbill is perfect for a day time drink while lounging by the pool. The Turnstone is an indoor and outdoor bar with an entertainment hub sporting a large pool table and a big screen live casting the match of the day. We personally loved the elegant and sophisticated vibe of Turnstone and found it the perfect location for pre-dinner cocktails and canapes. 

FACILITIES 
Wellness Spa: Located on the rooftop, DoubleTree sports a state-of-the-art Spa with 5 treatment rooms. While the Spa remains closed currently due to government regulations on the pandemic, once open – it will offer Balinese treatments to guests. 

Fitness Centre: Adjacent to the spa, the fitness centre boasts a fantastic view of the lake and mountain terrains. Open 24 hours, the fitness centre is fully equipped with all types of machinery – whether you want a quick run on the treadmill after a heavy meal or a full workout to keep up with routine. 

Pool & Wolf’s Deck:  Chase off the tropical heat by taking a dip in the pool or curl up and read a book on the private deck facing the Weerawila lake. 

Meetings & Events: Being that the resort is also tailored to business travellers – the hotel offers curated spaces for meetings and events. The Pelican Boardroom and the Weaver Meeting Room is designed for business meetings or conferences and the resort offers full service from food and beverages to multimedia facilities and stationery.  For events, guests can use the Lapwing Terrace for pre-event cocktails and the Grand Rajawarna Ballroom, which holds a capacity of 500, for weddings and parties.  

OVERALL 
DoubleTree Weerawila is one of Hilton’s most stunning properties. We received exceptional service from check-in to check out and spent our holiday indulging in their hearty meals and relaxing in the serenity and stillness the property offers.