Events In terms of communications , the resort has very good Wi-Fi and a back-up generator should power go down . It has 24-hour security and CCTV cameras on the perimeter of the property although Dinesh described the security threat as “ minimal ”.
At present rooms can be converted to stage events , although dedicated meetings space is something for the future . Victoria ’ s Secrets has used the resort to promote its underwear range .
In terms of its green credentials , ÀNI ’ s resort manager was keen to clarify that while the resort is currently using plastic bottles , this is only because it has been ordered to do so by the government because of Covid , and that from January it intends to go plastic-free .
CEO Ira Bloom underlines the vital importance of health and safety for the resort : “ At all of our properties , safety is paramount . ÀNI Sri Lanka is an incredible cost-effective destination to hold meetings , incentives , and small conferences . There is a strong desire to return to face-to-face meetings , and with testing and operational protocols we have in place , we are thrilled to welcome groups responsibly . ÀNI Sri Lanka offers MICE organisers peace of mind as everything is taken care of by our in-house team to deliver remarkable experiences .”
A star is born Visually , ÀNI Sri Lanka fufills all of the picture postcard images that make up a beautiful , secluded , high-end resort , and in terms of the level of service on offer , it cannot be faulted . In fact , like the liquorice flavoured star shaped seed from the fruit of the Illicium verum plant , star anise , it suggests star potential whatever the season ( ing ), as head chef Cyril would no doubt attest .
ÀNI Private Resort , Sri Lanka has prices starting from £ 2,030 per person for a seven-night stay ( based on full occupancy for 30 people ) including transfers , meals , beverages , daily spa treatments , and a choice of complimentary activities . Visit : www . aniprivatesresorts . com / srilanka
Qatar Airways – going from strength to strength Simon George flew from London to Colombo courtesy of Qatar ’ s national carrier , Qatar Airways , which operates one of the youngest fleets and , judging by the metronomic regularity with which it is scooping up awards , is in rude health . 2021 saw the airline pick up the Airline of the Year award from Skytrax , taking its tally to six ( 2011 , 2012 , 2015 , 2017 , 2019 ), a feat unmatched by any other airline . The airline has also scooped awards for World ’ s Best Business Class and Best Airline in the Middle East , among other awards .
On the ground , Qatar Airlines ’ hub , Hamad International Airport in Doha , was awarded Best Airport in the World ’ Best Airport in the Middle East for the seventh year in a row at the 2021 World Airport Awards organised by Skytrax .
The airline offers London Heathrow to Colombo via Doha with prices starting from : Economy – £ 805 and Business – £ 2,695 per person . Contact : www . qatarairways . com
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