The Fortress pampers guests with 5-star butler service concept
The iconic Fortress Resort & Spa has scored another first by launching a butler service with a batch of 15 internationally-trained butlers. The hand-picked teams of butlers have graduated with honours following an intensive 4 week programme held by the Australian Butler School, whose philosophy is to train service professionals committed to the enhancement of gracious living within such luxury establishments.
The Fortress management, whose own philosophy revolves around the exceptional care and comfort of its clients, believes that the butler forms a key element in the team of professionals striving to deliver a level of personalised service which exceeds not only the expectations of the client but enhances the company’s success in targeting its niche market. In an industry which is completely premised on the idea of ‘service,’ and in which consistency in high service levels is a key differentiator, it therefore made astute commercial sense to introduce an enhanced Butler Service.
The Fortress Resort & Spa in Koggala was recently crowned the winner of the ‘Best Small Hotel’ category for Sri Lanka at the Asia Pacific Hotel Awards, one of the regional awards programmes associated with the International Hotel Awards. The Fortress, which constitutes not just the Vallibel Group’s but also Sri Lanka’s premier luxury tourism venue, also received a Highly Commended Award in the ‘Resort Hotel’ category at the prestigious awards ceremony.
Renowned for its sensual elegance as well as its reputation for attracting international celebrity guests, The Fortress boasts 53 luxury rooms and private suites boasting, amongst other things, indoor plunge pools and daybeds. Inspired by the colonial Dutch architecture of the famous Galle Fort, its decor may be described as modern yet lavishly understated. Indeed, the tranquil resort has been a frequent contender at the World Travel Awards, having been nominated in the ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel’ and ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Resort’ categories for three consecutive years. It is one of just 6 hotels in Sri Lanka recognised by ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the World’ and is also a member of The Kiwi Collection, an exclusive list of high-end locations aimed at the discerning traveller. According to Sumith Adhihetty, Managing Director of The Fortress, ‘The Fortress has had a truly landmark year, and these awards have shone the international spotlight on our unique resort. With the introduction of our enhanced Butler Service we expect occupancy levels to rise even further as we will now deliver a level of service that will take the industry by storm.’
This was a view reinforced by Dhammika Perera, Chairman of The Fortress Resorts PLC and the Vallibel Group, who stated that ‘Sri Lanka’s potential for luxury tourism is indisputable and we are anticipating increased demand for our most luxurious rooms in particular.
The new butler service reflects a competitive effort on the part of this fine hotel to win brand loyalty.’
Being close to Koggala Lake which serves as a landing spot for the Sri Lankan Air Taxi Service, The Fortress is just 20 minutes away from Colombo by seaplane for those special guests wishing to indulge in this permanent stronghold of fortified luxury whose battlements command endless views across the Indian Ocean. But whether they choose to fly in or simply swim in, they can be sure they will be met on the beach by a butler carrying a towel!
