Facilities

Clingendael's

lush tropical gardens, with its rich variety of flowering plants and majestic palm trees are ideal for finding a tranquil spot to relaxant. You set your own pace. Unwind at the pool whilst enjoying a pot of up-country tea or savour the delights of one of our slightly stronger cocktails. There might be time for a round of Croquet. Butlers at your beck and call.

PAR 73 CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE

The setting of Sri Lanka’s Victoria golf course stretches the imagination. To the south, east and west, it overlooks the mighty Victoria reservoir which in turn is dwarfed by palm covered mountains that comprise a nature park, the Knuckles range, and Coconut Hill. To describe it as awesome is an understatement. More simply its spectacular beauty is enhanced by rolling swathes of manicured turf amid coconut palms, tulip trees, tamarinds and marahs to single to single out just a handful of the countless stately trees. A significant feature are the large sloping greens. These offer a host of pin positions all of which require immense thought to determine both pace and line. Advice from one of the score or more of skilled caddies is strongly recommended. There may only be a dozen bunkers but most are massive, wonderfully sculpted, and best avoided. Ignoring the crows, which can intrude and with vengeful spite steal the golf ball-most noticeable early on in the round. This tranquil paradise is sanctuary for innumerable birds, 111 species have been sighted at Victoria, to enthuse not merely the knowledgeable. Not surprisingly, the visitor is mesmerized, with many returning year after year to relish the peace and utter splendour of it all.

Some golf courses have a splendid undulating terrain over which the holes are routed. Some have a scenic backdrop of hills and lakes that exite the senses. The Victoria Golf Course is blessed with both

(Course Architect Donald Steel - UK)

This will be one of the top 10 golf courses of the world - it offers a challenge
to even the most accomplished player

( Kitrina Douglas, European Ladies Champion and holder of 10 World Championships )

Clingendael organises on request for its guests individual Yoga classes for both beginners as well as for experienced yoga fans. The yoga sessions are conducted in the peaceful atmosphere of the Clingendael Gardens. An ultimate calming of the senses. The Yoga teacher is Maheshe Kodikara, who started learning yoga in 1980 from famous yoga teachers such as Swami Rasu and Venerable Yogavachara Rahula. In 2000 he went for further training in India under Swami Rudra (Lyenga Yoga method). Maheshe is practising Yoga Asanas, Pranayama as well as Taiji Quan and Qi Gong.
(Subject to availability and guests should preferably book their yoga session prior to arrival at the Hotel)

The first breath of inspiration for our Spa is drawn from the stunning scenery.
Paradise itself provides the essential ingredients for all our treatments.

The charming spa at the top of Clingendael’s garden is oh so inviting. Resident guests are treated to a complimentary 30 minute massage with the two night minimum stay. And after this relaxing taster, I am sure many will return for a longer treatment. I pop open the wooden gates and step across the small bridge to the wooden platform, being greeted with a cold towel and a smiling face is always a good start to any treatment. White curtains billow in the noontime breeze, shielding us from the Sri Lankan sun. Perusing the massage menu I select the Detox Massage, Monica had the Holistic, which she reported was very relaxing, and she adored the natural lime balm produced right here in Sri Lanka. Loving to see also locally sourced products being used. I’m presented with a basket and asked to select what I like. I’m torn between a gorgeous smelling ginger balm and the ayurvedic oil, but settle on the latter. The outdoor bathroom is sheltered by a glass roof but nonetheless gives the full sensation of being out in the elements. The water feature on the wall drips with a soft rhythm and this, together with the gentle wind creates a soothing natural sound bath that soon has me drifting away. The Sri Lankan masseuse is very thorough and takes care to attend to all those tricky spots behind the shoulders and at the base of the spine, gently wending away all tensions and niggling pains. Massage can also be enjoyed in the privacy of your own room, but this little natural spot has a special feeling that is really not to be missed

(The Yumlist -KL- Malaysia)

CUISINE

A TASTE OF NOSTALGIA

A selection of mouth watering Sri Lankan classics, Oriental favorites, as well as Western gourmet cuisine, are on offer. When you want and where you want. Your resident chef will be there for you to discuss with you on your preferences for any of our culinary delights. Our guests can opt to enjoy their meals at anyone of Clingendael’s many alluring locations: its cool verandahs, a garden setting, the pool side, or the lounge area overlooking the Koi pond. For, formal, dining in larger groups, there is the grand dining table which comfortably sits up to fourteen guests. Clingendael caters for Halal and Vegetarian requirements.

Complimentary WiFi in the rooms and throughout the house

Although Clingendael has much to offer an experience sometimes one just need to kick back and read a book or just take a nap. Our Clingendael gardens provide the right ambience to do just that. You may want to enjoy a pot of the Ceylon tea for which Sri Lanka is so well known or ask your butler to fix you your favourite cocktail.

All the cares and fatigue of your travels or your round of golf will slide away when you slip into the warm bubbling pleasures of our jacuzzi. One of life’s devine pleasures. Linger and luxuriate as the warm waters scale into your body and soul.