OKTOBERFEST AT ANANTARA KALUTARA RESORT
A night of gastronomic delights and plenty of fun
The rainstorm certainly didn’t dampen the mood at the first ever annual Oktoberfest held at Anantara
Resort Kalutara, where guests devoured German fare, chugged cold local brews and danced the night away.
Guests were welcomed to the venue by ladies wearing Dirndl, traditional Bavarian garb, and once the property’s General Manager,
Darren Darwin, tapped the first keg, the festivities began. The revellers were treated to a festive atmosphere with Bavarian and German food, brews, competitions, great music and fun. Staying true to the many tenets of Oktoberfest, guests enjoyed a sense of community as they sang along and danced together, and cheered each other on during the many games and competitions held throughout the night. From brew chugging to picking up the Significant Other and racing to the finish line, the competitions kept guests and competitors engrossed. Winners walked away with exciting gifts, including stays at the hotel’s sister property in Tangalle.
Providing the entertainment for the night were local Alternative Rock band, Magic Box Mixup and DJ
Niranjan. The band's energetic set ensured that revellers of all ages were drawn to the dance floor. Magic Box Mixup consistently engaged the crowd and wowed everyone with their top notch performance. DJ Niranjan kept the momentum going when he took over from the band as they took a break, playing a stream of chartbusters.
The buffet spread for the night comprised a selection of authentic Bavarian dishes such as Schweinebraten (Roasted pork knuckle), Würstl (sausages),
Leberkase (meatloaf), Brezn (pretzels) and Käsespätzle (cheese noodles). From the salad counter, to the bread counter, mains and dessert, there was something for everyone, and the food was fabulous.
Despite the event being relocated to the ballroom - it was initially to be held at the hotel’s poolside overlooking the lagoon - the staff took the setback in their stride and put on a great event for the attendees. The first ever Oktoberfest was a resounding success in spite of the weather, and we have no doubt that the next year’s event will be bigger and better!