Jetwing partners with Geoffrey Bawa Trust Award 2011
by Jetwing ·
He has been described as ‘immortal,’ his works ‘awe inspiring’ and his life ‘one of constant discovery’. The genius of this man has never been questioned; his creativity innate rather than taught.
Geoffrey Bawa was, and still remains through his works, as one of Sri Lanka’s greatest treasures, paving the way for many to shine in the field of architecture. The Geoffrey Bawa Trust carries on the master’s wishes by advancing and promoting education and knowledge, interest in ecological and environmental studies, architecture and fine art.
On 23 July 2011, the Geoffrey Bawa Trust presented the Award for Excellence in Architecture, which celebrates outstanding contemporary architecture in Sri Lanka. Held once every three years, beginning in 2008, the award remains the pinnacle of prestige for the talented winners as recognition for the creativity and skill displayed.
This year, Jetwing proudly asserts its position as the main sponsor for the award, one which cannot be contested as the relationship between the organisation and Bawa has been a long, and rewarding one. Bawa has personally overlooked and created three iconic Jetwing properties; the Royal Oceanic Hotel in Negombo, expansive in design originally by Bawa, then re-visioned by a protégé of his; Vinod Jayasinghe and rechristened Jetwing Beach. Many have said that Vinod’s re-vision would have made Bawa very proud, as it was in line with the designs and thoughts of the master.
Others include the soon to be re-launched Jetwing Lagoon, formerly known as the Blue Lagoon in Negombo, and the bastion of Galle, Jetwing Lighthouse, the hotel they said “couldn’t be built” which will be refurbished again in the near future by a protégé of Bawa, Channa Daswatte.
“In sponsoring the Geoffrey Bawa Trust Award for 2011, we hoped to further develop the potential and creative spark that Bawa prized and his obsession with perfection,” said Hiran Cooray, Chairman of Jetwing.
“We have recently acquired the Blue Lagoon in Negombo and are currently in the process of transforming it into Jetwing Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon was the first resort to be built in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) and it is an honour for us to be the owners of the property. We plan on eight villas, in the style of another Bawa designed property, the Villa Batujumbar in Bali, in addition to over 50 rooms. We would like to bring back aspects of his original design. Vinod Jayasinghe is the architect in charge and David Robson, who is an authority on Bawa, has shared with us plans for the pool at Jetwing Lagoon. This pool is similar to the one originally designed by Bawa for the Hyatt in Bali, though it never came through to actual construction. The pool will also be the longest pool in Negombo at 100 metres in length.”
Jetwing Hotels is amongst the foremost resort chains in Sri Lanka, with 12 unique properties spread across the country. Renowned for its hospitality and spectacular designs, Jetwing Hotels is present in Negombo with four hotels; Jetwing Blue again recreated by Vinod Jayasinghe; Jetwing Beach – a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World; the recently transformed Jetwing Sea by another student of Bawa, Murad Ismail, and Sri Lanka’s first purpose built property, Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions.
Other locations include the historic city of Galle with Jetwing Lighthouse – another member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and a platinum sponsor of the prestigious Galle Literary Festival since its inception and the elusive Jetwing Kurulubedda by Channa Daswatte.
In addition, there is the quaint Era Beach, a luxury eight bedroom villa on the shores of Thalpe and the re-launched Tangalla Bay, the only hotel in the country designed to look like a ship ready to put to sea; both under the wings of Jetwing.
With an unmistakable presence in the Cultural Triangle, Jetwing Vil Uyana is a testament to the harmony between nature and human ingenuity; it is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World as well, while the Hill Country plays host to Jetwing Hunas Falls, Jetwing St. Andrew’s and Jetwing Warwick Gardens offering romance and colonial charm in equal measure.
With unique hospitality and service standards Jetwing Hotels offer its guests from around the world an unforgettable holiday experience.
Source: http://www.ft.lk/2011/07/27/jetwing-partners-with-geoffrey-bawa-trust-award-2011/
