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Nestled in the heart of a picturesque fishing village in Marawila, Club Palm Bay provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Colombo city. With its serene surroundings and laid-back atmosphere, guests can experience the authentic charm of Sri Lankan coastal life while enjoying all the modern comforts and conveniences of a top-rated hotel.
Club Palm Bay is home for the second largest Swimming Pool in the Puttalam district and the whole North Western Province. This Swimming Pool without a doubt, is a favorite recreational facility that almost all Foreign tourist groups enjoy while they stay at Club Palm Bay. It is quite the daily sight to see as many foreigners sunbathing around and inside this stunning pool while sipping into Cocktails and Mocktails from “Mangrove”, the Pool Bar at Club Palm Bay.
Club Palm Bay boasts a wide variety of accommodations to suit any guest’s needs, with 148 deluxe rooms (including 4 pairs of Interconnecting deluxe rooms and 6 differently abled deluxe rooms) and 2 charming junior suites, all designed as cozy chalets. Each room is tastefully decorated and features all the amenities necessary for a comfortable and relaxing stay. Whether you’re seeking a cozy retreat for a romantic getaway or a spacious room for a family vacation, Club Palm Bay has got you covered.
While the Deluxe rooms are of 510 sq.ft per room and can accommodate Double, Twin or Triple bed arrangements, they also have mesmerizing Lagoon and Garden views, along with a private terrace, and other standard amenities, where as the Junior Suites are of 1805 sq.ft, and have a stunning Lagoon view and a private terrace, along with some special amenities such as a Jacuzzi, Dining table, Sofa, Bath Robes, and even VIP amenities, apart from the other Standard amenities provided in every room which make the Suites extra special and extra comfortable. The Junior Suits too can accommodate Double,Twin or Triple bed arrangements. Furthermore, guests have the option of requesting Baby cots and Iron Boards if necessary as part of amenities itself.
The standard check-in time for guests at Club Palm Bay is 02.00 pm and standard check-out time would be 12.00 pm. There is a 24 hours working front desk and the resort provides room service until 11pm everyday.
Club Palm Bay is also a versatile venue that caters to a variety of events, ranging from weddings and conferences to parties and day outings. With a spacious ballroom capable of accommodating up to 350-400 guests, and a conference hall with a capacity of 150-200 attendees, the hotel can host a wide range of gatherings with ease and style. In addition to its other offerings, Club Palm Bay also offers special packages and menus tailored specifically for day outings, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a memorable day trip.
So, Shall we take a moment to explore our stay at Club Palm Bay?
A Traditional Welcome with a delightful stroll to our Junior Suite:
On arrival, the General/Cluster Manager for Club Palm Bay , Mr. Gamini Keerthisinghe and his very accommodating staff welcomed us with a traditional twist. We were invited to light the traditional oil lamp as a welcome tradition and were treated to a deliciously chilled Watermelon juice first and foremost.
Our luggages were taken care of and so were we, with a staff member guiding our way to our Junior Suite. We had a delightful stroll to our chalet, relishing the serene surroundings as each chalet was thoughtfully constructed to ensure privacy and solitude, with ample breathing space between them.
As we stepped into the room, we entered into a tastefully furnished dining area with a dining table and a mini fridge, and a cozy sofa with a TV in front, setting the tone for a luxurious stay. The pièce de résistance was the inviting bed, adorned with a thoughtful bouquet of flowers and a welcome note. To the left, the elegant bathroom beckoned, featuring a sink as you enter, a lavish Jacuzzi and a neatly tucked-away shower compartment on the right, while the commode lay discreetly towards the back. A breathtaking view of the tranquil lagoon is awaiting when you slide open the windows next to the bed.
The Junior Suite at Club Palm Bay screams luxury, ensuring attention to every little detail of comfort for its cherished guests.The chalet boasts an array of lavish amenities, from a well stocked mini fridge on one end, to a blissful Jacuzzi dip on the other, offering a truly luxurious stay befitting of this stunning property.
Resort Tour and an intro into Recreational activities:
Mr. Saman, the esteemed in-house tour guide took us on a short resort tour, expertly showcasing the property’s many charms, including a tour around the chalets, recreational activities available for guests, view points along the way, a friendly meet and greet with the other staff members, and also gave us an insight into the architectural and aesthetic elements that make Club Palm Bay such a distinctive and inviting destination.
Spanning a vast 30 acres, Club Palm Bay is a paradise for guests seeking an array of recreational pursuits within the property. Boasting an impressive range of recreational activities, guests can take a refreshing dip in the second-largest pool in the Negombo suburb, perfect their swing on the golf course, play a game of tennis, basketball or football, enjoy a thrilling match of squash or table tennis, and even explore the tranquil waters with kayaking, paddle boats, or fishing, all available for in-house guests to relish and immerse themselves in throughout their stay.
Beyond recreational activities, Club Palm Bay also offers an exciting lineup of animation programs, including water aerobics & other water sports, treasure hunts, bocce, and even croquet. Guests can also engage in entertainment options, such as the lively sounds of Calypso music and exhilarating live band performances, groove to the beats of the DJ, watch mesmerizing magic shows, and even represent in cultural displays, all designed to delight and captivate guests of every nature.
Fitness enthusiasts will be delighted to know that Club Palm Bay has an exceptional in-house fitness center, equipped with state-of-the-art machines and premium gym equipment, ensuring that guests can get themselves a workout anytime they desire. In addition, the center offers expert trainers and instructors to guide guests through their fitness routine. We had the pleasure of trying some of the equipment ourselves, and it’s safe to say that the experience was refreshing. We also noticed that after a satisfying workout, many guests who were keen to rejuvenate with Ayurvedic treatments, headed their way to the in-house Ayurvedic center, to further enhance their wellness journey during their stay.
As we walked more through the property, we noticed that the resort was flooded by several Russian and French tourist groups, some lounging by the pool, while others engaging in the many animation programs on offer. One thing that stood out was the exceptional hospitality of the staff, who demonstrated remarkable expertise and attentiveness in catering to the needs of every guest, regardless of their nationality or background, ensuring that each guest’s stay at Club Palm Bay was truly unforgettable.
Private Beach:
We took a peaceful walk through the old wing of the property, where we saw Local Toddy tappers on top of Coconut trees, tapping toddy out, and pots of tapped toddy tied into those coconut trees, which was a splendid sight for us as well as for a few foreigners walking by. Passing the toddy tappers, we found ourselves at Club Palm Bay’s private and secluded beach, located right across the road. We were right on time to catch the magical golden hour, and must say, the beach was breathtakingly stunning with its serene waves hitting its expansive shoreline. The vibrant hues of the sunset bid us farewell as we capped off our first day at Club Palm Bay on a truly magnificent note.
Seafood Market and Friday Night Grooves:
A delightful Seafood market took place on the night of our first day at Club Palm Bay, where the hotel staff were selling a selection of premium seafood, freshly caught from the lagoon, to guests staying at the premises. The prices were more than reasonable, and the spread of seafood on offer was impressive, ranging from jumbo to small prawns, cuttlefish, lobsters, crabs, lagoon crabs, and various types of fish. We think that these weekly and monthly markets are a fantastic way for the hotel to entice guests with a unique culinary experience.
It is worth mentioning that our first night at Club Palm Bay was a Friday night, and let me tell you, if you are worried that you may miss out on your groovy friday night vibes while on a trip here, the resident DJ at the resort has got all your worries covered with his happening music and entertainment every friday night at the resort. It was amusing to watch a couple of foreign tourists and guests swaying, singing and dancing the night away to groovy beats at the Bar “Ran Thambili”, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of fun and festivity.
Restaurant, Bar and Food Culture at Club Palm Bay:
“Kundira” the main restaurant at Club Palm Bay engages a seating capacity of 350 pax and serves not just the local cuisine, but also caters a spread of international cuisines too. Kundira offers an international buffet spread, an ala carte menu and also set menus for all guests alike. The restaurant operational hours are as below:
Breakfast : 07.30 am – 10.00 am
Lunch : 12.30 pm – 03.00 pm
Dinner : 07.30 pm – 10.00 pm
“Ran Thambili”, is the main bar of the resort, engaging a seating capacity of 150 pax and serves all sorts of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, bar snacks, finger food and nibbles. Ran Thambili will be open to guests from 10.00 am to 11.00 pm.
“Mangrove” is Club Palm Bay’s pool bar, engaging a seating capacity of 150 pax once again. Mangrove will be open from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm daily, and it serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. It’s speciality is that the chefs at Mangrove prepare some pool snacks for the guests wandering to and from the pool, to enjoy while having a drink. Mangrove serves snacks two times a day, once in the morning from 11.00 am to 12.00 pm and the latter in the evening from 04.30 pm to 05.30 pm.
Dinner on the boat:
Our dinner was an exceptional experience we never expected. We were treated to an elegant candlelight dinner on a beautifully decorated catamaran boat, complete with a delicious three-course meal. The presence of champagne and a personal butler who ensured that every detail of the meal was perfect, enhanced the ambience of this experience.
For starters, we had a delectable entrée of mixed Hawaiian salad along with a garnished smoked salmon, which turned out to be the highlight of our dining experience. The salmon was cooked to perfection, and it was pure bliss for our taste buds. The Hawaiian salad added an ideal balance to the dish, resulting in a harmonious combination of flavors that was nothing short of perfection.
Our main dish was a magnificent seafood platter, artistically arranged and served with a portion of garlic rice. The sight of the succulent jumbo lagoon prawns, juicy lobsters, meaty crabs, and perfectly grilled barramundi fish with tartar sauce was nothing short of a sensory feast. The aroma wafting from the platter was tantalizing, and we couldn’t wait to dig in to this mouthwatering delight.
Last but certainly not least, our dessert was a visual delight – a slice of chic red velvet cake with bougie strawberry mousse. Although the red velvet cake did not quite meet our expectations, the strawberry mousse was simply divine, topped off with a drizzle of strawberry syrup that added a touch of sophistication to the dish. We savored every bite of this delightful dessert, and it was the perfect way to end our exceptional dining experience.
Breakfast Buffet Next Morning:
While the breakfast spread was delightful, it could have been better organized. We noticed that the items and cuisines were not sectioned in a cohesive manner. For instance, the soup was located in one corner while the bread was placed in another corner. The salads were positioned close to the main dishes, but the main dishes were somewhat separated between curries and starchy items.
One of the highlights of the breakfast buffet was the action stations for omelets, waffles, and bacon. The omelet station was particularly impressive, with a skilled chef whipping up made-to-order omelets with your choice of ingredients. The waffle station was equally delightful, with fluffy waffles made fresh right before your eyes. The bacon station was a real crowd-pleaser, with crispy bacon cooked to perfection.
Apart from the action stations, the buffet also featured an extensive selection of Sri Lankan breakfast favorites, including Milk Rice with Katta Sambol, String Hoppers and accompaniments, Pittu and everyone’s favorite, Hoppers. Hoppers was made in another delightful action station and you can make a choice of plain hoppers and egg hoppers. The egg hoppers were top notch with the egg made freshly and groovy, just how we like it. Other common breakfast items such as fresh fruits, yogurt, cereals and much more were available. The bread selection was very impressive as it did not cater just normal bread, but also had brown bread and other types of bread appropriate for all kinds of requirements.The fresh juice bar offered an array of freshly squeezed juices and smoothies out of fresh fruit, live at the buffet.
The buffet was well-stocked, and the staff was friendly and attentive, ensuring that everything was always fresh and replenished promptly. The ambiance was cozy and relaxed at Kundira, the main restaurant, making it an excellent spot to enjoy a leisurely breakfast with family and friends.
Bubbly Brunch:
“Bubbly Brunch” ; a delightful new concept introduced recently by Club Palm Bay, specially designed for couples who want to indulge in a brunch as effervescent as their love. Guests can savor the delectable items from the brunch menu while enjoying the serene and picturesque views of the lagoon from a beautifully set up garden area. This exclusive facility is available upon request, offering guests the option to skip breakfast and enjoy a warm and sumptuous brunch instead.
Delightful and diverse Lunch Buffet at Kundira:
After a refreshing morning swim in the pool, we headed to Kundira for a hearty lunch buffet. The spread was impressive, featuring an array of fresh salads, a choice of mouth-watering tom yum or creamy pumpkin soup served with delectable bread rolls, along with a creamy coleslaw and cold cuts, along with a refreshing guava shooter. The starters were a perfect way to satiate our appetites and get us excited for the main course.
There was a plentiful collection of mains at this spread, and few action stations to go along with it, where skilled chefs were preparing dishes to order. As we watched one chef expertly cook a spicy marinara spaghetti dish to perfection in one corner, another chef was grilling the juiciest pork belly I have had in a while. We also loved the batter-fried chicken thighs, topped with a delicious pineapple sauce.
This was not it. The spread consisted of an aromatic Sri Lankan corner once again, with all kinds of Sri Lankan curries and staples. One specialty in the buffet spread at Kundira is that since they cater to a wide number of foreign guests and as we all know that the foreigners would prefer mildly spicy or no spicy food, the chefs have taken such remarks into consideration when preparing these buffet spreads. Hence we came across a whole section of food labeled Mildly Spicy/No Spicy especially tailored to the preferences of foreign guests and children.
While the buffet spread at Kundira was undoubtedly impressive, the dessert section unfortunately did not quite meet our expectations, with a relatively limited selection of sweets on offer. The selection was limited to a maximum of 5-6 categories which included Slices of Mango Cheesecake, Slices of Date Cake, Bread Pudding, Ice Cream of various flavors and Fruits of course. The bread pudding stood out, especially with a bit of Vanilla Ice Cream and Chocolate Syrup dropped on it and topped off our moods. Overall, the variety and quality of dishes on offer at the Kundira buffet spread were truly impressive, leaving us satisfied and wanting more.
Conclusion:
We have come to the end of our delightful staycation at Club Palm Bay Marawila, which has undoubtedly been one of our most cherished experiences. Our first day was filled with tranquility as we enjoyed a leisurely resort tour, a sumptuous lunch, a breathtaking sunset, and a splendid dinner on a boat. On the second day, we started our morning with a misty breakfast, a refreshing dip in the pool, a delightful bubbly brunch, and concluded our stay with an impressive lunch buffet. The resort’s recreational activities are meticulously organized and offer top-notch experiences to guests during their stay. The resort’s bars, including “Ran Thambili,” and “Mangrove,” and the main restaurant, “Kundira,” are impeccably maintained. We would like to suggest improving the cuisine selection and display of the buffet.
The resort staff was exceptional, from the personal butlers and front desk staff to the tour guide, chefs, restaurant staff, and the general manager, Mr. Gamini, and his amazing team, who did an outstanding job with the resort.
With the country’s tourist industry gradually resuming, Club Palm Bay in Marawila, Puttalam district, is a highly recommended resort for both locals and foreigners. With an enhanced and top-notch experience, it has the potential to become one of the best resorts in the region. We eagerly anticipate our return, and we are certain that you will feel the same.
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