Sri Lanka is all set to launch its first-ever floating resort, embracing an agro-tourism theme that will feature around 50 floating cabanas. Located in Katana, Bolagala, the Floating Agro Tourism Resort close to the Negombo tourism hub, will be the
latest addition to offer unique experiences to those visiting the country. The hotel plans to open its doors in the end of June, and is currently catered towards locals due to the travel restrictions, but they hope to soon cater to high-end tourists.
The resort, owned by Kelum Perera, focuses on being sustainable and promoting organic living. Speaking to Head of Sales and Marketing Dilruk Salgado, he informed us that one of their major investors is cricketer Tillakaratne Dilshan.
Salgado explained that before the property was built, the land used to be a clay mine – once a land becomes a clay mine, there is nothing that can be done with it, unless one fills it up. “This was a huge problem to the authorities, so the owner thought that he needed to do something to save the environment and the area,” he said.
To eradicate this problem, they decided to fill up the entire 13 acres of land with water and then came up with the innovative idea of floating cabanas, so all of the resort’s 50 rooms are floating on a man-made lake.
During the creation of the resort, they faced many challenges. The people living around the area were not too happy with such a resort being built, but after much negotiation, the team behind Floating Agro Tourism Resort and the people of the area came to an understanding. Commenting on this, Salgado added: “We had to explain to them that not many people knew about the existence of an area called Bolagala, and that the building of this resort will help their livelihood once it becomes a tourist destination.” 
Perhaps the most interesting factor of the resort is that their cabanas are tracked by a GPS, so not only do they float, they are also able to move around without going astray, and the main desk at the resort will have the ability to locate them in a heartbeat. Salgado stated that only the main desk of the resort is on land, while the rest of the hotel's facilities like the restaurant, pool, pub, and karaoke lounge will be on water.
The resort even boasts of an underwater gym and spa in order to provide guests with an absolutely unique experience. Salgado explained that there is a pathway to the cabanas and other facilities on land, and there is no need for customers to take a boat.
Another key aspect that stood out was the fact that Salgado informed us that each cabana comes with a greenhouse blooming with fresh produce. They even grow silver tip tea on the property. The resort takes the wellbeing of their customers quite seriously, and combined with their aquaculture cultivation, even their seafood is fresh and organic, providing their customer with the highest quality and healthy food. This factor has allowed them to receive a World Bank grant.
Tourists will also enjoy a combination of other experiences, such as watersports, jogging and bicycle tracks, a tennis court, fishing, and an electric car experience. This sustainable tourism venture will introduce the organic farming concept, where visitors will also be allowed to enjoy hands-on experience of farming in Sri Lanka. Reports have it that this is the first time the concept of organic farming has been put into use in the Negombo area.
Salgado stated that they have already begun their marketing campaign and are looking forward to a successful venture ahead.
latest addition to offer unique experiences to those visiting the country. The hotel plans to open its doors in the end of June, and is currently catered towards locals due to the travel restrictions, but they hope to soon cater to high-end tourists.
The resort, owned by Kelum Perera, focuses on being sustainable and promoting organic living. Speaking to Head of Sales and Marketing Dilruk Salgado, he informed us that one of their major investors is cricketer Tillakaratne Dilshan.
Salgado explained that before the property was built, the land used to be a clay mine – once a land becomes a clay mine, there is nothing that can be done with it, unless one fills it up. “This was a huge problem to the authorities, so the owner thought that he needed to do something to save the environment and the area,” he said.
To eradicate this problem, they decided to fill up the entire 13 acres of land with water and then came up with the innovative idea of floating cabanas, so all of the resort’s 50 rooms are floating on a man-made lake.
During the creation of the resort, they faced many challenges. The people living around the area were not too happy with such a resort being built, but after much negotiation, the team behind Floating Agro Tourism Resort and the people of the area came to an understanding. Commenting on this, Salgado added: “We had to explain to them that not many people knew about the existence of an area called Bolagala, and that the building of this resort will help their livelihood once it becomes a tourist destination.”
Perhaps the most interesting factor of the resort is that their cabanas are tracked by a GPS, so not only do they float, they are also able to move around without going astray, and the main desk at the resort will have the ability to locate them in a heartbeat. Salgado stated that only the main desk of the resort is on land, while the rest of the hotel's facilities like the restaurant, pool, pub, and karaoke lounge will be on water.
The resort even boasts of an underwater gym and spa in order to provide guests with an absolutely unique experience. Salgado explained that there is a pathway to the cabanas and other facilities on land, and there is no need for customers to take a boat.
Another key aspect that stood out was the fact that Salgado informed us that each cabana comes with a greenhouse blooming with fresh produce. They even grow silver tip tea on the property. The resort takes the wellbeing of their customers quite seriously, and combined with their aquaculture cultivation, even their seafood is fresh and organic, providing their customer with the highest quality and healthy food. This factor has allowed them to receive a World Bank grant.
Tourists will also enjoy a combination of other experiences, such as watersports, jogging and bicycle tracks, a tennis court, fishing, and an electric car experience. This sustainable tourism venture will introduce the organic farming concept, where visitors will also be allowed to enjoy hands-on experience of farming in Sri Lanka. Reports have it that this is the first time the concept of organic farming has been put into use in the Negombo area.
Salgado stated that they have already begun their marketing campaign and are looking forward to a successful venture ahead.