‘Chaaya Reflections’ for holiday take away

Chaaya Hotels and Resorts have ventured beyond the traditional holiday experience. Whilst the resort chain creates memorable vacations, there was seen, a ‘need’ for guests to take away a memento or souvenir that would enable them to reminisce their holiday. From this there came the idea for ‘Chaaya Reflections’ a boutique located in the resort that caters to discerning clientele.

A collection of products including arts and crafts that extend beyond the traditional souvenirs; the idea was to live the ‘Chaaya’ brand through the products presented. The name ‘Chaaya’ derived from the ancient language Sanskrit means ‘reflection’. It is an image, or a representation of the surroundings. Rich in culture and full of vivid experiences that are native to its many localities.
The resort chain encourages guests to go beyond conventional sightseeing into personalised unique explorations. The chain consists of five resorts in Sri Lanka and three in the Maldives located in all the main resort destinations.
The ‘Chaaya Reflections’ shop presents products that have been derived from the locations of the resorts that represents the rich culture and heritage of Sri Lanka. A collection of flip flops was specifically designed for the brand and imprinted with bold colours that carry out the elements of the brand such as the star fish for Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa and the pug marks for Chaaya Wild Yala. Moreover there is a special collection of jewellery designed for the resorts, the most popular items being the pug mark cufflinks and pendants.
A line of t-shirts that caters to adults and kids, with colourful options and witty statements such as ‘I slept in the Wild’ to Polo t-shirts that feature the big three in safari; elephants, leopard and sloth bears. Moreover a selection of colourful table centres, wall hangings and mirrors have been sourced from a local entrepreneur in the Hikkaduwa area.
Handloom bags, soft toys, key tags and magnets are a favourite among guests to be gifted to their loved ones when they return. For this purpose gift packed items such as oil burners, candles, table mats and coasters are also available at ‘Chaaya Reflections’.
What is unique about the products on offer are that they are all personalised based on the concept of ‘Chaaya’ and each of its properties. The range of body care items are varied, such as sandalwood massage and bath oil, Chaaya Sleep and Chaaya Peace hand and body lotion, Chaaya cleansing bars scented with lemongrass, lavender, etc.
Giveaway mugs made in the shape of an elephant foot or with a leopard tail handle and miniature elephants and leopard figures moulded from clay are also a fast moving product that attracts the eye of young shoppers.
The first ‘Chaaya Reflections’ shop opened at Chaaya Wild Yala on 9 November 2011 and plans have been made to open the second shop in Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa. This innovative idea was the brain child of Shanez Wijeysinghe, who is attached to the Branding Department of John Keells Hotels Group and it is the first of its kind by a hotel and resort chain in Sri Lanka, thereby helping the John Keells Hotels Group live up to its vision of being the hospitality trendsetters in the industry.