Jul 31 2012.
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The myriad colours that adorn the roads down south, symptomatic of the eclectic and energetic vibrancy that form an inherent facet of the sights and sounds of the beach destination of Hikkaduwa; the esoteric lifestyles that fuse age old cultural beliefs with contemporary phenomenons; and into this, blend life on the beach - edgy, exciting and maybe a little wild aka the 'Hikka' feel and you've got Chaaya Tranz.
Chaaya Tranz which went under extensive reconstruction and refurbishment one year ago has come under the expert eye of master architect Channa Daswatte who says that the makeover includes some fundamental changes to the movement pattern and perception of the spaces, making them almost like new buildings. According to Channa, the internal spaces including the public areas have been totally rearranged and an addition of a gazebo like balcony that is not directly attached to the room but a little way forward, has transformed these spaces beyond recognition. “The interior decor is inspired by the general arty atmosphere of "Hikka".
Channa affirms that for those who have visited Coral Gardens, driving into Chaaya Tranz will evoke a sense of nostalgia and deja vu, as the forecourt has been left unchanged, even down to the plants and the original look of the building from the outside. “But when you step out at the old porte-cochere, that's where Coral Gardens ends and Chaaya Tranz begins,” he says with a flourish. A low entry area housing the concierge leads into a courtyard reception where upon one wall, Channa has placed an artistic rhapsody depicting 'Hikka' life. A small tunnel form this courtyard leads into the main space of the property, a dramatic verandah that runs the length of the hotel, overlooking a new free form swimming pool and lush landscape which subsequently takes the eye out to sea.
“The rooms are completely new and unrecognizable to prior visitors. Recycled wood, polished cement tiled floors and cane furniture are punctuated by chintz fabrics, forming the perfect background to the 12'x6' gazebo styled balcony which add a new perspective of depth to the room and are designed as outdoor living rooms with a day bed, dining table and chairs,” says Channa.
One of the most inventive designs within the resort is the main restaurant which blends seamlessly into its surrounds. Channa enthuses that, “The southern corner of the room which is an open veranda overlooks the reef and sea. Special cane and plastic furniture have been designed here and the interiors are based on polished cement tiles and recycled wood, which were a part of the original resort.”
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