Pegasus Reef unveils plans for festive season

As the festive season approaches, Pegasus Reef Hotel Wattala is once again transforming into a hub of Christmas cheer, blending time-honoured traditions with renewed optimism. Despite recent disruptions caused by adverse weather, the hotel is pressing ahead with an ambitious festive programme, reflecting both the enduring spirit of the season and Sri Lanka’s unwavering resilience.

‘Coincided with its annual ‘Mixing of the Christmas Cake Ceremony’, held a few weeks before the calamity, the seaside hotel is rolling out an elaborate calendar of seasonal celebrations, reaffirming its commitment to joy, resilience and hospitality at a time when togetherness matters most.

‘Christmas in this part of Sri Lanka has always been grand, vibrant and deeply festive. Despite the recent challenges caused by adverse weather, we are fully prepared to move ahead with our celebrations. This season is about resilience, hope and togetherness, and we are committed to delivering our best festive experience yet’ said Renuka Coswatte, General Manager of Pegasus Reef Hotel.

Located in Hendala, Wattala, just a 30-minute drive from Colombo, Pegasus Reef Hotel enjoys a distinctive setting between the waters of the Indian Ocean and the lively fishing stretch of the historic Hamilton Canal. Popularly identified as ‘Colombo’s only Beach Resort’, the hotel offers a rare seaside escape within close proximity to the capital.

GM Renuka Coswatte

Inaugurated in 1971, Pegasus Hotel has long been regarded as a tranquil retreat defined by convenience and character. Its exotic beachfront location, complemented by a wide range of facilities, has made it a firm favourite among both domestic and international leisure travellers over the decades.

‘Pegasus Reef enjoys one of the shortest travel times from both Colombo and Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, making it a preferred choice for Sri Lankan leisure travellers’ said GM Coswatta. ‘Our Christmas Festival activities continue to attract visitors from Colombo and suburbs. In addition, our upgraded banquet facilities offer weddings and corporate events, positioning the hotel as one of the most sought-after MICE destinations in the district’ he added.

The festive spirit will come alive at Pegasus Reef Hotel as December unfolds, reaching full swing on Sunday, December 21, from 10.00 a.m. with the launch of ‘Santa Land at the Reef’. Designed as a fun-filled family experience, the programme will feature a host of activities including a Children’s Art Competition, calypso music, sandcastle competitions, treasure hunts, face painting, dining on the sand and special Christmas movie screenings.

Christmas Eve celebrations will see the Lounge Bar hosting Santa’s Cocktail Party, accompanied by seasonal carols, followed by a lavish Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet at the hotel’s main restaurant. On Christmas Day, guests can look forward to a signature Christmas Lunch Buffet at the main restaurant, with beach dining continuing into the night. Adding to the festive culinary offerings, ‘The Fishery’, the hotel’s newly launched seafood restaurant, will present an exclusive Chef’s Table on the Sands experience.

The celebrations continue on Boxing Day with a festive brunch, offering cheerful flavours and relaxed holiday vibes. Pegasus Reef Hotel will then bid farewell to 2025 with a celebratory cocktail at the Lounge Bar, followed by a grand New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet and fireworks at midnight. The night will be crowned by ‘Velvet Masquerade’, brought to life with live music by Summer Breeze, ensuring a stylish and memorable start to the New Year.

The hotel boasts of having 127 rooms and Suites including 52 Premium Deluxe rooms, Superior rooms and Garden View rooms providing a mix of modern comfort and classic charm with amenities like private balconies, minibars, satellite TV, and free Wi-Fi, catering to both leisure and business guests.

Cuisine plays a central role at Pegasus Reef Hotel, where dining experiences are designed to reflect both variety and authenticity. Meals are served at the hotel’s main open restaurant, which accommodates up to 200 guests or in the privacy of a guest’s own verandah. 

A standout dining venue is ‘The Fishery’, the hotel’s signature outdoor seafood restaurant overlooking the ocean, with views extending towards both the Colombo Harbour and the Fisheries Harbour. Built to accommodate up to 200 guests, the restaurant features a spacious garden setting and live cooking stations, making it a popular choice for private functions and special events.

‘Executive Chef Nalin Nanayakkara and Senior Sous Chef Abey and Pegasus kitchen team are well equipped to cater to the diverse culinary expectations of our guests’ said Renuka Coswatta.

Executive Chef Nalin Nanayakkara and Chef Abey

Adding to the hotel’s gastronomic appeal are its fusion cuisine offerings, which creatively blend Sri Lankan, Eastern and Western flavours, as well as the ever-popular BBQ on the beach and the hotel’s English pub-style bar, both firm favourites among returning guests.

The hotel is one of the largest hotels in Sri Lanka boasting of 14 acres and there are plenty of recreation facilities including two synthetic tennis courts, squash courts, modern gym and indoor sports.

The hotel offers a peaceful escape to two acre ‘Kurulu Kele’ a mangrove jungle with a manmade lake, birds’ sanctuary, traditional village setting for specific festivals and yoga and meditation facilities. 

Owned and managed by Carson’s Management Services, it also owns and operates the Giritale Hotel.

Pix by Sanath Weerasuriya

For more details log onto www.pegasusreefhotel.com