From Exploring Sri Lanka - May 2004
Explore Sri Lanka, BT options, 2 Temple Lane, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka
Tel (9411) 259-7991 Fax (9411) 259-7990 Email esl@btoptions.com Web www.btoptions.com

Sta rdust Beach Hotel       Arugam Bay is one of the world's top ten surf locations, known for its fantastic waves, which attract surfers from overseas. Natasha Akolawala discovers the beauty and charm of this sandy paradise.

The Stardust is Arugam Bay's main hotel and enjoys a loyal clientele of resident foreigners and tourists* who anticipate an exciting and restful holiday. It is operated by a Danish couple, Merete Scheller and Per Goodman, assisted by friendly and competent local staff.   The hotel has expanded from rustic beach cabanas made with local materials to include a two-storey wing of smooth architectural design that houses airy rooms.   Accommodation comprises comfortable sea view double beach cabanas (Rsl,900 upwards), one very popular family cabana, double bungalows in Danish country style (Rs2,600 upwards), and cosy double rooms in the new wing (Rs4,600 upwards).   The spacious luxury rooms and pragmatic buildings were designed by Merete Scheller herself, an architect by profession, and have television and private telephones of a line quality that's suitable for internet connection.   The development is tamed to merge with nature, For example, the hotel's eco-friendly purifying system ensures appropriate disposal of waste. Also, locally made clay bricks are used as floorings, which helps the barbecue restaurant blend in with the beach.   In addition to the sophisticated ambience and clean1iness, intricate details add to the comfort of each room.These include quality mattresses and a mosquito net or repellent. All rooms are well ventilated and fan-cooled, assisted by breeze from the nearby lagoon and Indian Ocean.   The hotel's veranda restaurant overlooking the beach offers traditional Sri Lankan, vegetarian, Western and Eastern cuisine that include gastronomic delights like fresh prawns, crab, lobster, homemade ice cream, breads, cookies and mom's chocolate cake. Also available are salads, soups, sandwiches, pastas, sizzling BBQ and rice & curry. The restaurant is open for breakfast lunch and dinner, and Per Goodman, being a skilled chef himself, personally oversees, all meals to ensure quality and consistency.   All servings are plentiful, however it is advisable to order dinner a few hours ahead in accordance with the hotel's policy that all food should be freshly prepared and served immediately.   Throughout 2004, three chefs from Denmark and England who are connoisseurs in salads and seafood dishes will display their expertise and work with the hotel's Sri Lankan chefs, exchanging skills and experience.   Besides a delicious range of local drinks like lassi yoghurt drink and the 'Rehydration drink' (a concoction of water, lime, honey salt and potassium from baking soda used relieve dehydration), Stardust has a selection of wines from its well-stocked wine cellar.   The east coast offers possibilities for various kinds of water sports, yet the pinnacle is surfing. The season starts in eamest during April. In June, Arugam Bay will host the SriLankan Airlines Champion of Champions Surf Contest. The Stardust Hote1is one of the main organisers.   Due to the hotel's unique location - within easy reach of heritage sites like Kataragama as well as Yala and Lahugala National Park - it is rich in bird life and wildlife. Bicycles and canoes are available for nature expeditions to spot monitor lizards and wild monkeys around the lagoon.   If adventure is not an agenda, the hotel offers tranquil yoga lessons and relaxing reflexology massages from mid May to October. In addition to the many indoor games a two-and-a-half acre beach garden will keep children safely engrossed in play.   Stardust Beach Hotel, Arugam Bay, Pottuvil, Sri Lanka; tel/fax: (9463)- 063-224-8191 email: sstarcom@eureka.lk.   For details on how to get there visit www.arugambay.com