Thema Collection Unveils Sri Lanka’s First Women-Led Resort: Amba Yaalu Kandalama

By Sara Pathirana

On 10th January, I found myself stepping into a landmark in Sri Lanka’s hospitality setting. Amba Yaalu Kandalama, the latest gem in the Thema Collection’s portfolio, has opened its doors on this day, marking a vibrant beginning to the year 2025. This was not just another luxury resort; it was a testament to empowerment, tradition, and sustainable innovation—a place entirely run by women, the first of its kind, for a resort, in Sri Lanka.

Mr. Chandra Wickramasinghe, Chairman and Managing Director of Thema Collection, delivered a heartfelt speech during the event. He revealed that Amba Yaalu Kandalama was dedicated to two significant women in his life: his mother and his wife. This deeply personal gesture added a layer of emotional resonance to the resort’s mission. It underscored the importance of acknowledging the pivotal roles women play in shaping our lives and communities.

The evening of the ceremonial opening was nothing short of magical. A talented group of traditional women drummers – Thurya Sri Lanka’s Female Drum Ensemble, performed their segment titled ‘A Fusion of Beats’, filling the air with vivacious rhythms that seemed to echo the very spirit of this trailblazing initiative. Their performance was an ode to the strength and artistry of women, a fitting tribute to a resort dedicated to celebrating femininity in all its glory. Amidst the enchanting beats, the ambiance felt alive, vibrant, and deeply inspiring.

Empowering Women in Hospitality

As the first women-led hotel in Sri Lanka, it addresses gender disparities in the hospitality industry and champions inclusivity. This bold initiative reflects a commitment to empowering women, providing them with opportunities to lead and innovate in a traditionally male-dominated field. This all-women workforce not only sets an inspiring example but also paves the way for more girls and women to embrace the field of hospitality in Sri Lanka.

It demonstrates that women are equally capable of excelling in roles historically dominated by men, and often, even surpassing expectations. By creating such opportunities, Amba Yaalu Kandalama encourages more women to consider careers in this vibrant and rewarding sector, showcasing the strength, talent, and resilience of Sri Lankan women.

The festivities did not end that evening. The following day, 11th January, the celebrations culminated with the third session of the second season of Thema Talks. Thema Talks, an initiative by Thema Collection, is a platform where experts and industry practitioners come together to discuss topics pertaining to sustainability, foster collaboration among stakeholders and address sustainability challenges and solutions.

This session, titled ‘Empowering Women in Tourism: Breaking Barriers and Shaping Destinations,’ brought together an esteemed panel of speakers: Ms. Jeewanthi Adhikari, Resort Manager of Amba Yaalu Kandalama; Ms. Subhashini Paul, Secretary to Chairman cum Business Coordinator at Connaissance De Ceylan; Ms. Subraja Subramaniam, Deputy Country Director of Market Development Facility (MDF); Ms. Shenelle Rodrigo, Travel Content Creator and CEO of Sheneller; and Ms. Shiranee Yasaratne, Advisor – Biodiversity Sri Lanka. Their discussions shed light on their personal stories of triumph and explored strategies to empower women in tourism, highlighting pathways to breaking barriers and creating inclusive opportunities in the industry.

As the panellists opened the discussion, they noted that women make up 54% of the global tourism workforce, according to UNWTO data. However, in Sri Lanka, significant barriers remain, including a lack of awareness about the opportunities available in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Ms. Subraja of MDF shared insights from a survey conducted among women, directly and indirectly, working in tourism. Research has revealed that while stigma surrounding the field was often cited as a deterrent, it ranked only third or fourth on the list of reasons. Instead, a lack of awareness emerged as the primary factor preventing women from entering the sector. This underscores the need for greater outreach and education to highlight the diverse and rewarding career paths available in tourism.

The panellists emphasised that initiatives like Amba Yaalu Kandalama serve as powerful examples of what women can achieve when given the opportunity. By demonstrating that women are equally capable of excelling in roles traditionally dominated by men—and often exceeding expectations—the resort sends a strong message of empowerment. Sri Lanka, being a globally celebrated travel destination, is uniquely positioned to lead by example in fostering gender equality in its tourism industry. As tourism arrivals steadily increase, creating inclusive opportunities for women will not only enrich the sector but also contribute to its sustainable growth.

A Blend of Heritage and Modernity

Nestled amidst a sprawling mango plantation with 457 thriving TJC mango trees (named after Tom Ellawala and Juwan Carlose who were the first producers of this mango variant), Amba Yaalu Kandalama offers breathtaking views of the Sleeping Soldier Mountain. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Sri Lankan novel ‘Amba Yaluwo’ and the golden era of Sri Lankan cinema, the resort seamlessly integrates cultural heritage with modern luxury. The resort’s architecture invites guests to reconnect with nature. Open, airy interiors create a calming atmosphere, while large windows frame picturesque views of Kandalama Lake and the surrounding mango gardens. Each detail is meticulously crafted to offer an immersive experience that honours Sri Lanka’s rich traditions.

Luxurious Amenities with a Purpose

The resort features 33 elegantly designed rooms, including 15 twin rooms or 14 double rooms, and four suites, each with panoramic views of Kandalama Lake and the Sleeping Soldier Mountain. The Saraswati and Lakshmi Suites offer spacious balconies, luxury bathrooms with Jacuzzis, king-size beds, and sofa cum beds, while the Parvati and Durga Suites include charming attics, adding an element of playful elegance.

Guests can indulge in a variety of culinary delights. The main restaurant, Bioscope (or Biscope, as many Sri Lankans fondly call it), celebrates the cinematic heritage of Sri Lanka. As the name suggests, any lover of film and cinema will be greeted by walls adorned with Sri Lankan film posters both, old and new, scaling the lengths of the walls mainly on the walls of the stairwell, as well as the restaurant.

When you enter the restaurant, and to the immediate left, guests will be greeted by a mini-museum of cinematic artefacts and equipment, known as ‘The Cinema Collection’, that were once used for film shoots from days gone by. They have on display items such as film cameras, projectors, a spotlight, and a seagull camera among other things.

Wewa Langa, their BBQ terrace overlooking the lake, provides a relaxed setting for evening meals. For those seeking plant-based options, the open-air vegan and vegetarian restaurant offers innovative dishes. The signature Yaka Bar serves cocktails infused with local flavours, creating a unique sensory experience.

Ayurvie Spa provides traditional Ayurvedic treatments, while the serene yoga terrace offers a space for mindfulness and relaxation. The infinity pool, overlooking the lake and mango gardens, invites guests to unwind amidst nature’s beauty. Adventure enthusiasts can choose from a curated selection of activities, including bird-watching, hot air balloon rides, scenic e-bike tours, and immersive village walks.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of Amba Yaalu Kandalama’s ethos. The resort is powered by a rooftop solar farm comprising 157 solar panels, generating 140.4 kilowatts of energy. This initiative significantly reduces the resort’s carbon footprint, aligning with Thema Collection’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The on-site Mango Farm further promotes sustainable farming practices and biodiversity conservation, offering guests an educational glimpse into eco-friendly agriculture.

A Celebration of Culture and Community

Amba Yaalu Kandalama’s dedication to cultural appreciation extends beyond its architecture and amenities. The resort’s team of naturalists’ curate personalised experiences, from kayaking on Kandalama Lake to cooking demonstrations and trekking, to name just a few. These activities provide guests with a deeper connection to the local culture and natural landscape.

The ceremonial opening set the tone for what Amba Yaalu Kandalama represents: a harmonious blend of luxury, culture, and empowerment. This resort is not just a destination; it’s a movement—a celebration of women, nature, and the enduring spirit of Sri Lanka. Amba Yaalu Kandalama invites guests to experience hospitality redefined. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or a meaningful connection to culture, this remarkable resort offers it all.

(Source: https://www.unwto.org/gender-and-tourism)