Colombo: Vibrant Culture & Mind-Blowing Cuisine

 

Colombo, Sri Lanka is an exotic escape full of fun, vibrant culture and mind-blowing cuisine!

 

Stella jetted off to Sri Lanka to escape into the world of brand director and budding nutritionalist, Shayana Ameresekere, in her new hometown of Colombo.

“After 20 years in Perth, Western Australia I felt it was time for a change of scenery. As my mother’s side of the family is originally from Colombo, making the transition to Sri Lanka not as daunting as expected. The amazing landscape and unique food here is an added bonus!”

 

 

Currently involved with a natural skin care brand as well as studying nutrition, Shayana is passionate about broadening the local knowledge of health within the country she now calls home.

 

 

With healthy living and natural beauty regimes as your top priority, what are some of the natural perks of being in Colombo?

The range of fresh fruit available, especially coconut, banana’s and papaya, it’s a fresh foodie’s dream. Women here love putting fresh, raw coconut oil on their hair and skin for its shine boosting and nutritional qualities! Not to forget the exceptional benefits of king coconut water, it’s delicious and full of goodness for your body.

 

 

When you aren’t brainstorming new product ideas at the office, studying or working out, where is your go to chillout place?

On a balmy Sunday morning, I like to wander over to Sugar Bar & Bistro right next door to the Cinnamon Grand hotel. Sugar is an open plan restaurant with a verandah that wraps halfway around the outside. Sitting outdoors, sipping tea and indulging in some French toast with local kithul treacle is a great way to soak in one of the most central areas of Colombo. You don’t need to worry about losing track of time though because Sugar’s main wall is filled with a bunch of cool clocks.

 

 

For a healthy get away I prefer the Barefoot Garden Café Restaurant which is connected to the art gallery and beautiful artisan store.

 

 

 

Where do you go when you want to slip your heels on?

I love to head over to the Sky Lounge at the Kingsbury Hotel. If you live in a place where you don’t get to see the sun set over the water often, then this is definitely worth checking out. The open rooftop lounge offers a sweeping view of the ocean and the Colombo city coastline. Sky Lounge is a great place for dinner and cocktails before you kick on and get lost in Colombo’s nightlife.

A top spot to head to is Silk; named the hottest bar / lounge, it is chic and relaxed with top beats and a great dancefloor. It’s my club of choice when I feel like getting my dancing shoes on.

 

 

Where is your favourite port of call for local, traditional Sri Lankan cuisine?

Nuga Gumma at Cinnamon Grand hotel. The traditional ambiance of a local Sri Lankan village mixed with candle lit dining under a majestic banyan tree makes this a must visit restaurant! The food is fantastic and the experience is definitely unforgettable.

 

 

If you’re seeking a little escape from the inner city life where do you head?

An hour and a half from Colombo is the laid back beach city of Galle. Not only does Galle have great beaches, but it has a bit of history. The Galle Fort was built in the late 1500s by the Portuguese and was a stronghold for the Portuguese, Dutch and British back in the day.

 

 

Whether you go down to Galle for a day or two, Citrus Hikkaduwa Hotel is as beachy as it gets. It’s literally a step away from the ocean. You can snorkel or dive the reef, surf, or just chill out by the pool and watch the sun set.

 

 

If you prefer a bit of the country (still with amazing sunsets) make a trip to Kandy and stay at the unique Theva Residency, a stylish boutique hotel nestled in the mountains. This hotel has won numerous awards and is based around the Sri Lankan Perahara theme.

 

 

How easy is transport around Colombo?

It’s pretty easy. In order of convenience and cost, you have a choice of your feet, buses, tuks, cabs or hotel cars. Google Maps function reasonably well if you have a smartphone.

 

 

Now to fashion, what local designer do you support?

I am a big fan of a Sri Lankan home grown brand 1948! Small, whimsical, predominantly jewelry pieces, you can be guaranteed a unique creation.

1948 was the year Sri Lanka gained independence and this brand is a true creative reflection of everything that is beautiful about Sri Lanka.

 

With luxurious packaging and wrapping I really feel special when I purchase a 1948 piece and the pieces make great gifts to bundle up and take home too.

 

 

 

Specialties include: Earrings, bangles, cuffs, cuff-links, hair

adornments, rings, necklaces, lockets and armlets plus many more beautiful items for the home and office.

 

 

Do you have a fav local clothing designer?

For clothing I definitely recommend Buddhi Batiks. Their unique style of traditional tie and dye mixed with luxurious fabrics to create modern ready to wear clothing is something that is distinctive to Sri Lanka.

 

 

 

Where do you go to treat yourself after a long week?

I can’t go past a salon. Chagall is one of the best in the heart of the city.The friendly staff make you feel at home and cater to every beauty whim and desire.

I also highly recommend asking for Lucky if you want wonderful nails. For perfect eyebrows, try the traditional art of threading.

 

 

After copious amounts of king coconut water, exotic local cuisine, sari, jewellery and batik shopping, plenty of dancing and magical sunsets, Colombo offered a non-stop adventure!

… next time we’ll road trip down south with Shayana and  discover the stunning beaches of Sri Lanka!

 

With Love S*M