D Pavilion Inn: Dilshan’s new luxury resort
From cricket to hospitality

Colombo has many city hotels and business hotels catering mainly to busy business clientele.But luxury boutique hotels and villas are much in demand with high end visitors to Sri Lanka.

‘D Pavilion Inn’ is the latest top ended player in the luxury hospitality industry in the city. ‘D Pavilion Inn’, a luxury boutique Hotel owned and managed by Sri Lankan cricketer Thilakaratne Dilshan was declared open by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Stafford Avenue, Kirulapone recently. Formerly known as ‘Villa 82’ was the original Wimasurendra Walauwa, named after its first proprietor, the famous engineer D. J. Wimalasurendra, the ‘the father of Hydropower’ in Sri Lanka. The colonial villa is a significant landmark in the country’s architectural circles, with the original structure built in 1957, designed by the Edward, Reid and Begg architectural firm, where famed architect Geoffrey Bawa was an apprentice of.

This was bought by Dian Gomes, the CEO of MAS Holdings, in 2013. Named as ‘Villa 82’, he restored and renovated the old Walauwa under the Design Republic brand, working with Architect Sanjeewa Lokuliyana. The new concept, ‘D Pavilion Inn’ is Dilshan’s first foray into the restaurant and leisure industry.

Dilshan has been a successful captain on the cricket field, and his rock-solid nature has helped him become a successful businessman too. D Pavilion Inn, Boutique Hotel- is an ode to the golden age of grace and elegance.

The Villa D Pavilion Inn comprises of eight bedrooms including four deluxe rooms, three Penthouse rooms and one suite, dining and living areas, a pavilion, salt water swimming pool and a library. ‘The master bed room or the suite is the pinnacle of luxury. The spacious bathroom features a sunken Jacuzzi that can easily accommodate two people. The washroom area is as big as the rest of the bed room giving much needed breathing space at the private area,’ said Ruklanthi Jayatissa, the Sales and Marketing Manager of the property. ‘Of course, you will enjoy the all of the luxury amenities and services of the D Pavilion Inn’ she added.

Dining at Pavilion Inn is an experience too. It is an escape from the rush and lingers over great food and wine. The D Pavilion Inn boasts of three luxury restaurants and a bar. The fine dining restaurant - ‘The Gables’, which seats 40 in one sitting, is open from 12 noon to 2.30pm and from 7.00pm to 11.00pm. The Cricketers Arms is a restaurant with a seating capacity of 55, and serves global cuisine and is open from 11.00am to 11.00pm. ‘The Dili’s Turf’ is an exclusive private dining option for eight to ten people and is open for dinner time only with prior reservations. ‘The Kensington Oval’ is also a small dining area for ten people. The live interactive show kitchen showcases the enormous diversity of international cuisine and guests can experience the journey from the raw ingredients to the pan and to the plate.

For more details call 0112553436, 0765319800 or log on to http://www.dpavilioninn.lk.

By Sanath Weerasuriya