Hilton Yala Resort, nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s renowned Yala National Park, celebrates its first anniversary on 31 August 2024. In commemoration of this milestone and in alignment with its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement, the resort is rolling out a series of activities to improve public amenities at two iconic locations within Yala National Park: Patanangala, a scenic rock outcrop along the Yala coastline, and Parana Thotupola, a popular camping site. These efforts will focus on improving cleanliness, functionality, and the overall visitor experience, ensuring that these natural attractions remain pristine for both local residents and international visitors.
“We are committed to making a positive impact on our community and the environment,” said Gitanjali Chakravarthy, general manager of the Hilton Yala Resort. “By enhancing facilities at key locations in Yala National Park, we hope to contribute to the park’s sustainability and improve the overall experience for visitors. These initiatives are a testament to our commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the area while supporting local tourism,” she added.
Guests can craft their own pottery pieces through traditional pottery techniques guided by the property’s Master Potter on 31 August 2024. The anniversary-exclusive session is suitable for all skill levels and offers a relaxing and educational glimpse into the region’s cultural heritage. The resort will also offer an interactive wildlife session with its park rangers on the day, where guests can learn about local wildlife, including snake species native to the region. This session will include valuable advice on snakebite management, engaging discussions, and hands-on demonstrations, all designed to enhance understanding and promote safe interactions with these remarkable creatures.
To round off the celebratory experiences, Hilton Yala’s renowned culinary maestro Chef Jerome Tissera will present a special high tea experience for two, featuring an array of delicacies such as Strawberry Mimosas, Mississippi Mud Pie, Classic Fruit Pavlovas, Prosciutto Crostini with Compressed Apples, Braised OX Sandwiches with a French Dip, and Chili Jaggery Rooster Wings.
Hilton Yala Resort also takes this opportunity to recognize the achievements of its dedicated team members. The resort’s team members have been instrumental in delivering exceptional service and have been recognized in various industry competitions. Notably, Adhil Sama was named the Most Promising Bartender of 2024 at the 29th National Bartender’s Competition and also won the Bar Champs Regional Competition, and Chef Ruchira Siriwardane was lauded through Hilton’s global Hospitality Heroes program for his intuitive customer-oriented service, where he customised a chocolate bar for two Australian children with severe allergies, which transformed their stay into a memorable experience.