Nestled between the serene waters of the Bentota River and the golden shores of the Indian Ocean, NH Bentota Ceysands Resort continues to offer a distinctive coastal retreat where relaxation, adventure, and authentic hospitality come together in a unique riverside and beachfront setting.
Leading the resort’s ongoing growth and development is General Manager Anil Chavan, a seasoned hospitality professional with more than 22 years of experience across sales, operations, hotel management, and commercial leadership in India and the Middle East. His appointment further reinforces the resort’s commitment to enhancing guest experiences and strengthening its position as one of Sri Lanka’s premier leisure destinations.
Having started his career in hospitality sales, Chavan spent over a decade with internationally recognised hospitality brands, including Marriott Hotels, Habtoor Grand Jumeirah Beach, and Oakwood, where he gained extensive expertise in business development, corporate sales, market expansion, and operational excellence. His diverse industry experience and strategic leadership continue to support NH Bentota Ceysands’ vision of delivering world-class hospitality while driving sustainable growth.
Commenting on his role, Chavan said, “Bentota is a truly unique destination, offering an exceptional blend of coastal beauty, authentic experiences, and warm hospitality. I look forward to working closely with the team to further strengthen the resort’s positioning, enhance guest experiences, and build meaningful partnerships across key markets.”
The resort features 165 spacious rooms and suites designed to provide comfort and relaxation, with views overlooking tropical gardens, the tranquil river, and the Indian Ocean. Each room is equipped with a private balcony or terrace, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the destination’s natural beauty and refreshing coastal atmosphere.
NH Bentota Ceysands also offers a diverse culinary experience that celebrates Sri Lankan flavours and the freshness of locally sourced seafood. Guests can enjoy all-day dining at Café Bem, savour fresh seafood specialities at 360 Seafood Restaurant, or explore Asian-inspired cuisine at Siam Pearl, each offering distinctive dining experiences complemented by warm service and inviting surroundings.
Enhancing its appeal as a family-friendly and activity-focused destination, the resort’s dedicated water sports centre offers a range of river and ocean-based adventures. Younger guests can enjoy engaging activities at Maxies Kids Club, which also includes dedicated baby care facilities, while the resort’s picturesque riverfront and beachfront settings provide an ideal backdrop for weddings, meetings, and special celebrations.
With Anil Chavan at the helm, NH Bentota Ceysands continues to elevate its hospitality offering, combining exceptional service, unique experiences, and stunning natural surroundings to create memorable stays for travellers seeking the best of Sri Lanka’s southern coast.
‘Ideal Abiyogaya 10’ Ends on a High Note in Habarana
Ideal Motors, one of Sri Lanka’s leading automotive companies, recently concluded the 10th edition of its flagship community engagement initiative, Ideal Abiyogaya, in Habarana, marking another successful chapter in its longstanding commitment to customer engagement and community development.
Launched in 2015, the Ideal Abiyogaya programme was created exclusively for Mahindra Bolero customers and the wider community. This year’s milestone 10th edition extended across the districts of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Matale, and Trincomalee, bringing together vehicle owners, students, and local communities through a series of impactful activities.
As part of the initiative’s educational outreach efforts, Ideal Motors donated a Mahindra engine and industrial equipment to the Technical Department of Habarana Maha Vidyalaya to support school-based industrial training programmes. In addition, the Ideal Singing Abiyogaya talent competition identified promising young performers from schools in the Kekirawa and Hingurakgoda educational zones, creating opportunities for aspiring singers to showcase and develop their talents.
One of the event’s key attractions was the Mahindra Bolero Off-Road Rally, organised exclusively for Mahindra Bolero owners. The rally provided participants with an opportunity to demonstrate their driving skills and the capabilities of their vehicles in a challenging off-road environment. The celebrations culminated with a free musical concert that attracted a large audience, further highlighting the popularity and community appeal of the programme.
Reflecting on the journey of Ideal Motors and the evolution of Ideal Abiyogaya, Founder and Chairman of Ideal Motors Group, Nalin Welgama, noted that the company’s partnership with Mahindra in 2009 marked a significant turning point in its growth.
“We achieved a major breakthrough when we joined hands with Mahindra in 2009. That progress was driven by building a relationship with customers that extended well beyond the point of sale. By delivering strong sales and after-sales service, we were able to introduce new technologies, experiences, and opportunities to Sri Lankan customers,” he said.
Welgama further explained that the concept for Ideal Abiyogaya was inspired by customer engagement initiatives such as the Mahindra Getaway competitions in India, which encouraged vehicle owners to showcase their skills and experience the full potential of their vehicles.
“Accordingly, I introduced a new programme in Sri Lanka called Ideal Abiyogaya. Through this initiative, Mahindra vehicle users were given opportunities to participate in competitions, have their vehicles assessed, and enjoy a free musical concert by one of the country’s most popular bands—an experience many had never enjoyed before,” he added.
Through Ideal Abiyogaya, Ideal Motors continues to strengthen its connection with customers while contributing to community development, youth empowerment, and skills enhancement, reinforcing its commitment to creating value beyond the automotive industry.
Anil Chavan Drives New Standards in Coastal Hospitality at NH Bentota Ceysands
