Once upon a time, just a few meters from the vibrant shores of Negombo beach, stood a grand white mansion. It seemed to whisper tales of splendor with every sea breeze that brushed its walls. This was the beginning of what would soon become the famed Sea Horse Palace.

The story begins with two great visionaries, Earle Fernando, an experienced enthusiast of the Sri Lankan tourism industry and his Dutch partner, Jack Scholtman. It would be correct to say that their great friendship was the foundation upon which the Seahorse was built. Together, they envisioned a retreat that would encapsulate both opulence and familiarity of home. Motivated by Earle’s profound interest in the hotel business and Jack’s unwavering support, they set out to transform this splendid white mansion into a haven for travelers from all around the world.

The mansion itself was a marvel. It was equipped with everything a long-staying guest could desire: expansive dining areas, private spots for peaceful moments, state-of-the-art kitchen facilities, and luxurious washrooms. Each of the three main rooms of the mansion radiated elegance, while the additional four air-conditioned double bedrooms offered modern comforts such as televisions, telephone services with international direct dialing, mini-bars, and personal safety lockers.

The highlight of the property was the large, circular veranda overlooking a beautiful garden and a large swimming pool. Here, guests could enjoy al fresco dining by the pool, surrounded by the peaceful ambiance of the mansion.

The year 2016 marked a pivotal turn when the Semuthu Group took over, initiating a new chapter for this storied establishment. After a two- year period of extensive renovations, the doors of the Seahorse swung open anew on October 30, 2018, unveiling the Seahorse Hotel and Spa.

The new management was keen on preserving the essence that made the Seahorse Palace unique while introducing modern amenities and services tailored to contemporary needs. The original twenty rooms were expanded to thirty-one, enhancing the scope of hospitality while maintaining the essence of the original Seahorse Palace. The brilliant white façade continues to dazzle under the tropical sun, reflecting the hotel’s serene atmosphere. The circular veranda and adjoining patio still offer majestic views of the redesigned swimming pool, now surrounded by lush, tropical landscaping that invites guests to dine outdoors or simply unwind in the peace of their surroundings.

Inside, the hotel caters to both the leisure and business traveler with enhanced amenities. The modernized rooms feature high-speed internet, smart TV setups, and luxurious bedding, blending historical elegance with modernity. The dining facilities have also seen an upgrade, with the kitchen serving an array of local and international cuisine that showcases the cultural diversity of Negombo.

Beyond the confines of the hotel, the Seahorse is ideally located for guests eager to explore the cultural and historical riches of the area. Only fifteen minutes from the international airport and forty-five minutes from Colombo, the hotel serves as a perfect base for exploring nearby religious sites and historical landmarks, including several that date back to the Dutch colonial period.

As the Seahorse strides forward, it carries with it the legacy of its founders and the timeless allure of its past. Each guest at the Seahorse Hotel and Spa steps into a story that began as a dream and continues to be told with every stay, each visit weaving new threads into the fabric of its rich history. Here at the Seahorse, the past and present merge seamlessly, creating a timeless experience that beckons travelers back, time and again.