GRAND HOTEL
MORE JEWELS IN THE CROWN FOR GRAND
FFrom the quiet country home of the region’s governor 195 years ago, the Grand, Nuwara Eliya has grown into an iconic landmark of the hill country which serves as a home away from home for British civil servants, planters, military top brass and visitors from all parts of the world. Sir Edward Barnes would never have imagined that his tranquil abode would evolve into the iconic landmark it is today. In each decade, and, in recent times, in each year, the Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya has offered something new to its clientele. From speciality restaurants and sprawling lawns to verdant hedges and cosy lounges, the Grand, Nuwara Eliya is constantly enhancing its guest experience through significant additions. This year was no exception. In fact, it has been a year where multiple changes have been made with the discerning and sophisticated international and domestic traveller in mind.
A world-class spa, pool, sauna and gym now combine to invite guests to the Mindfulness Studio, where, after a dip in the temperature-controlled pool following a rejuvenating spa treatment, guests are invited to unwind and enjoy tranquillity. A healthy avocado burger, Portobello Mushroom fajita or spinach and banana blossom enchilada, washed down with a crisp bubbly glass of champagne, are some of the food and beverage options that a guest can be pampered with’ Resident Manager
Tyronne David explained the new additions to the hotel.
Since 1891, the Grand Hotel has been a cosy rendezvous for travellers, British planters and hunters. It is a stately abode where traditional food and wine are assured and served with style and finesse fit for royalty. In those pioneering years, the chef’s bill of fare featured steak and kidney pie, Haggis and Welsh cawl among other British favourites and of course the fresh game the triggerhappy hunters would bring home.
The Head Chef would be called upon to inspect the trophies of the beaming hunters and would scrutinise the fresh game laid on the back of their horses, most often striking a bargain of providing game roast for the marksman, on the house. The reputation for delicious food, good wine and gregarious parties at the Grand has stood the test of time, with the iconic property today serving discerning diners speciality cuisine from all parts of the world.
Not satisfied with the many laurels and accolades the hotel has received for its food, the directors found it fit to convert the old basement kitchen into an ultra-modern, super functional Culinary Studio, where an environment conducive for research, innovation and culinary mastery is created, making it more akin to a research and development facility than a kitchen.
With seven restaurants, two bars and 12 food and beverage offerings, the Grand Culinary and Service team is constantly looking at ways to create and maintain the edge in their art of providing superior dining experiences. This is where the all-new culinary facility comes into play. Here is a unique environment where the function of the main production kitchen is fused with a food and drink lab and restaurant, all rolled into a gastronomy hub, with the objective of turning out dishes in line with the international culinary trends.
The Grand Hotel team receives culinary intelligence from all parts of the world, with world-renowned chefs flown in for two-week stints to share their knowledge and expertise.
With heritage and luxury resting as the cornerstones of the Grand experience, this new food production facility is called upon to research, test and create cuisine that will complement the other key elements of the hotel.
The pool, spa, sauna and gym introduced in 2018 as the Mindfulness Studio have opened a whole new dimension to the hotel’s guest experience. The temperature-controlled indoor pool with a sky-lit roof and roman bath-styled interior is as close as you will get to ultimate tranquillity. With the Grand Spa’s well-trained Balinese therapist complementing the ambience, the Mindfulness Studio is designed to pamper both body and soul.
‘This holiday season, guests are welcome to be checking into a Christmas Palace at the Hotel, where the Christmas spirit starts as early as November 30th and unfolds an array of activities and experiences. The little princesses and princes are not forgotten. They will be able to enjoy activities such as a kiddies party, cooking session with a chef and movie times’ said Tyronne David, the Resident Manager of the Hotel.