Heritance Kandalama, the celebrated flagship property of Heritance Hotels and Resorts by Aitken Spence Hotels, marked its 30th anniversary on 24 June. Nestled within the rich tapestry of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, Heritance Kandalama stands as the leading eco-retreat in the region, blending seamlessly into its natural surroundings while offering immersive experiences. Designed by Deshamanya Geoffrey Bawa, the resort holds the distinction of being the first LEED certified resort and the first Green Globe 21 certified resort in Asia, a testament to its commitment to environmental stewardship, and Sri Lanka’s longest-certified ISO 14001 environmental management system.
Constructed amidst initial community resistance and misinformation in the early 1990s, Heritance Kandalama opened its doors in 1994, overcoming significant environmental and cultural concerns. Criticisms primarily focused on potential disruptions to wildlife habitats and perceived impacts on local culture and community. In response, Heritance Kandalama implemented robust measures in its architectural design.
Elevated on columns, the design was specifically crafted to facilitate natural replenishment of the lake by rainwater and to enable wildlife to thrive freely, thus minimising environmental disturbance. The resort’s commitment to biodiversity conservation is evident in its 211-acre eco-forest reserve, harbouring 128 documented species of native flora, 64 butterfly species, 183 bird species, 19 reptile.
