Legend speaks of Aditya and Aditi, who bore 12 children who in turn manifested form as the solar deities of the universe. Had the story spun on to include the dwellings of said deities, surely the scenic beauty of hotel Aditya would emerge somewhere in the tale.

A secluded granite driveway off Galle Road leads to a spacious clearing where Aditya makes its home. The scenic ambiance at the heart of the Aditya artistry begins at the shady clearing leading up to the entrance of the boutique hotel, blending shades of leaf green and ivory into the wooden finish; a humbling entree to the Aditya experience, the stuff of legends.

Soul seduction is the operating theme of the location, shares the charming Shanika Salih, Marketing Manager of Aditya. “Aditya is an experience that needs be experienced, not bragged about” she added with a smile, a subtle indicator of the pride she takes in her job.

True to her words, Aditya is indeed a seductive experience looming majestically amid spacious hallways and high ceilings.

Nature is a strong element in its composition, complete with cold cement floors and timber tapestries complementing the rejuvenation that is one of its many highlights.

After a complete refurbishment, the hotel has opened its doors to guests complete with a brand new fully operational spa. Fifit, the resident masseuse from Bali, is the perfect addition to an almost hypnotic encounter.

The soothing music and plush resting arrangements are a welcome complement to the aromatic oils handmade by Fifit. In essence, the spa treatment is a seduction of the soul via all of its senses and faculties.

The dining area is a luxurious one with wooden seating arrangements that although simple, are nevertheless comfy and homely.

One of many signature twists is the untimely dining schedule or near lack of one. As part of their Aditya experience, guests have the luxury of indulging in their meals at their own personal pace.

“It’s common to find guests having their breakfast at 3.00 pm and following it with their lunch at 6.00 pm” Fathima, the young Management Executive was quoted saying. If the loose meal patterns aren’t enough to guarantee total comfort, pair it with indulgent six course meals.

All meals at Aditya are five to seven courses of sheer gourmet delight, courtesy of head chef Namal, who handcrafts a unique menu on a daily basis.

The sequence of food served follows a truly unusual pattern. The serving sizes are foretelling of the attention and detail which goes into designing these meals, perfectly sized and combined to compliment each dish’s flavour. All baked confectioneries and yoghurt are created in-house.

The 63 member strong staff goes to painstaking lengths in order to ensure absolute excellence in their service to every guest.

The attention paid to each guest is unbelievably maintained all throughout, yet surprisingly the staff is scarce and quiet within the confines of the long hallways and corridors.

Aditya classes its 12 suites into one of three categories based on the view; Ocean view, Garden view and the magnificent Surya suite, each offering their own unique touch of sensuality.

The perfect getaway for anyone looking to escape the stresses of city life, Aditya offers the luxury and comfort of seclusion and oneness with nature.

Anyone with a craving for rejuvenation and indulgence should make their way to Rathgama and find for themselves the inexplicable experience that waits at this destination.

The integrity of the boutique hotel being a rounded experience that treats the mind, body and soul wholly through its comforts, the Aditya experience is as all-encompassing and overwhelming as the solar deity after which it takes its name.

Review by Dilshan Senaratne