The Dutch Bay Resorts is a Six star sustainable development, which is the first project initiated by Swarna Dweep "My focus is on developing a portfolio of environmentally and socio-economically responsible luxury resorts in my native Sri Lanka and the Indian Ocean region" – Neil D’Silva

It was a pleasure talking to Neil with reference to the newest Development project in Sri Lanka – Six Senses Hideaway at Dutch Bay.

After formally singing the agreement with Six Senses, the foundation was strategically placed on the 9th of September 2009 in Dutch Bay, Kalpitiya to construct one of the most luxury resorts on the island.

"I have always loved Sri Lanka and felt that it was a missed opportunity for many years. Due to the ethnic conflict that consumed this beautiful country for many years, the potential for attracting the upper echelon of tourism was put on hold. This gave rise to our neighbors to forge ahead and develop the tourism product in order to attract the top tier of the traveler and have prestigious brands enter their shores. Today, Sri Lanka is in a position to embrace the air of peace and open its doors to welcome the discerning traveler as well as the top end of investors to build luxury resorts on the island" said Neil.

The Dutch Bay integrated, sustainable, 6 Star Resort Development is a one of its kind and placed within the most beautiful parts of Sri Lanka. The concept of the development is to give substantial, socio-economic and cultural benefits to the country and its communities, by building more than a resort but a future.

The Dutch Bay Project is to become a benchmark for other sustainable and echo friendly developments with long-term objectives and action parameters based on sustainability, preserving the natural environment in a way that the traveler can be educated on the traditions of the land while maintaining its indigenous culture and create income opportunities to benefit the local communities.

"Swarna Dweep which is the owning company of this particular project combine our capital with your investment and jointly bring to life unique developments in the tourism, wellness and housing sectors" said Neil.

Swarna Dweep is set up to become a multi-component profit generator. Revenues differ from project to project, with time and location being important factors.

At these important cross roads, at which Sri Lanka finds itself at the very beginning of whole new era of its development as a nation, Swarna Dweep is focused on building long-term income generating, sustainable assets, which support Sri Lanka’s need to further develop its tourism, housing and wellness sectors.

Swarna Dweep has set itself clear objectives in terms of how it develops its business, and recognizes its ecologocical and socio-economic responsibilities. It aims to bring healthcare, education and commerce to less developed, rural parts of the nation.

The Dutch Bay project is situated on an island in the Kalpitiya Peninsular spanning 180 acres of land and is 103 miles (165 kilometers) from Colombo and is predominantly a fishing community.

This area is earmarked by the government of Sri Lanka for the development of high-end tourism.

Six Senses Hideaway at Dutch Bay will be a mixed-use 6 star Hideaway Retreat that will provide exclusive facilities for both Tourists and Signature Homeowners. The Villas will be sold to high net-worth individuals to retire or lease back the Signature home to its 6 star Hotel Operator.

The Development would feature Resort Facilities for VIP’s, a Premium Leisure and Spa Club,

Housekeeping & Commercial Laundry Facilities, a Maintenance Facility Area, Staff Accommodation, Entertainment Facilities and Floating Restaurants.

This particular location is in close proximity to the Wilpattu National Park which is just 26km north of Puttalam and is a mere 45 minute drive from Dutch Bay. The largest coral reef in Sri Lanka, known as the ‘Bar Reef’ is a few minutes boat ride away from the Dutch Bay and was declared a marine sanctuary in 1992 in accordance with the Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance" said Neil.

The Rationale behind the Six Senses group is "To create innovative and enlightening experiences that rejuvenate our guests’ love of SLOW LIFE*"

*Sustainable - Local - Organic - Wholesome Learning - Inspiring - Fun – Experiences

"I feel that this concept of SLOW LIFE is pivotal to "Six Senses" philosophy as it expresses a commitment to our guests to provide complete and unique experiences, while at the same time improving the lives of our hosts and our communities. It is about being at the forefront of environmental sustainability and offering the support, knowledge and simple message on how to rediscover a holistic lifestyle" added Neil.

Six Senses Group is a resort and spa management and development company, established in 1995, which manages resorts under the brand names Soneva, Six Senses Hideaway, Six Senses Latitude, Six Senses Private Residences, and Evason; plus Six Senses Spas and Six Senses Destination Spas. Six Senses is committed to remain innovative and at the forefront of creativity in the hospitality industry.

Neil D’Silva who is the Chairman of Swarna Dweep had a passion for the hospitality industry from a very early age and began his career in Sri Lanka prior to further developing his entrepreneurial skills in the Middle East region. At the age of 27 he decided to start his own real estate company, providing his services in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Neil was awards INTERNATIONAL QUALITY CROWN AWARD in London in 2005, and later also received the EUROPEAN MERIT AWARD in Frankfurt in February 2007. He established himself as a columnist for Middle East real estate publications, and was featured regularly in US and European publications, such as the Financial Times and Euro Money Magazine. Neil also appeared on German prime time TV as well as BBC Radio.