Buckingham Place Affirms Belief in Sri Lanka with New Boutique Resort

18th December 2010, www.theopenpress.com

While Hambantota Harbour, the new airport, plus a whole host of development initiatives progress rapidly, investors are keenly aware of associated benefits they will bring to the Hambantota District and Sri Lanka as a whole. High-end ‘designer’ tourism is yet another sector experiencing high investor confidence and with it, unparalleled growth.

British born entrepreneur Nick Buckingham clearly demonstrates his belief in Sri Lanka and Hambantota with his greatest commitment so far, Buckingham Place.

At this refreshingly new boutique resort at Rekawa near Tangalle, modern standards of comfort coupled with discreet service blend naturally with the tropical southern coastline and natures’ paradise.

Buckingham Place offer 11 ‘designer’ bedrooms and bedroom suites, designed with sensitivity to be at one in harmony with the natural environment. All have south westerly views over the vast Rekawa lagoon, home to many varieties of birds that you can watch either from the comfort and privacy of your balcony or by venturing out in one of the resorts canoes.

A spectacular deserted beach where the ancient leather back sea turtles nest is only 70 metres walk from the gates of Buckingham Place while a cycle ride through the local village is rewarded by glimpses of everyday life and quite often by monkeys swinging from trees – a real “off the beaten track” experience.

Inspired by his own love of the island, Nick aims to provide guests with an opportunity to experience some of the best that Sri Lanka has to offer. Scenery; its unspoilt beaches, tranquillity; Rekawa’s own lagoon – a haven for tropical birdlife and; adventure - with a taste of local culture, heritage and cuisine.

So what is behind the Buckingham Place byline - Believe in Sri Lanka?
“Unprecedented investment in sensitive, high quality tourism infrastructure and the current widespread optimism say it all. Sri Lanka is fast evolving into a must visit destination especially amongst discerning, independent travelers in search of an un-spoilt destination” says upbeat Nick. “…this is where my best life experiences have happened too so it makes perfect sense for me to be here and invest here. There’s something really special about Sri Lanka and when I’m away from it I’m homesick - in fact more so than when I’m away from the UK!”

So here’s a rare chance to experience Sri Lanka up close, by bicycle, in a canoe or on foot. If you’re in Rekawa more than a few days you might even get involved with ‘Community Links’ the resort’s own social responsibility initiative - support for village micro projects. You might just want total relaxation though – something not hard to enjoy at this unique boutique resort.

Soft opening
Opening its gates to acclaim, Buckingham Place warmly welcomes local and international travelers – mostly arriving from Colombo, the UK and Western Europe. “Over the coming months we’ll refine what we do and define what works. Being hidden away is our biggest headache” Nick jokes, “making sure people don’t get lost on the way” An excellent map on the website appears more than adequate however.

Happily the restaurant is very easy to find... Chef Wasana who hails from Moneragla produces a heartfelt array of fusion dishes as well as the traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry. “Cooking is hot and hard work but that doesn’t really matter, especially when guests congratulate us and appreciate our effort” You’ll even find an authentic fish & chip lunch as good anywhere in the UK (not to be missed) while vegetarians, dessert lovers and fussy kids are all looked after very well.

Whether you are visiting Sri Lanka to relax or explore it’s likely that within a day or so you’ll feel very reluctant to leave the sanctuary of a really great room, in this beautiful, homely and very hospitable ‘boutique’ resort.

During the resorts soft opening period great value introductory rates include a la carte breakfast for two plus all taxes and service charge – great value indeed for memories to treasure forever.

To check availability and rates please email: reservations@buckinghamplace.lk or check the website: www.buckinghamplace.lk. Alternatively, visitors can reach Director Nick Buckingham on his mobile phone by dialing + 94 777 717473.

Company history
In 2002, following several wonderful holidays in Sri Lanka Nick Buckingham formed a Board of Investment (BoI) approved company to construct Buckingham Place. Breaking ground the following year, works continued until the Tsunami of 2004. With an uncertain future at that time Nick remained in the country during its ‘hour of need’ initiating and managing the BTRTDH Trust – a massive and highly successful endeavor to rehabilitate and equip Tangalle’s only hospital.

With the hospital project complete, resort construction restarted in 2008, continuing through until September 2010.

Focused on directing the resort full time, Nick plans to expand operations in due course by completing ‘phase 2’ hopefully to coincide with the opening of the new airport.

“As soon as phase 1 is established and when we’ve had sufficient guest feedback I’ll get on with the expansion – in readiness for opportunities created by the development of Hambantota District and the airport in particular. For now I just want to relax a little, enjoy paradise and…. continue believing in Sri Lanka….”