Per Aquum Resorts & Spas will be consulting on the construction and pre-opening phases of The Fortress effective immediately and as the appointed management company will be in charge of the continued operation of the property following its scheduled opening mid 2005.

Key to all Per Aquum properties is that they reflect the culture of the destination.  With this in mind The Fortress will echo the historic heritage of the Dutch fortress town of Galle combining indigenous architecture with cutting edge technology to create a naturally modern feel. 

Renowned architects C&C Studios, whose resort portfolio includes Thailand, India, Maldives and Bali, have also been appointed and on completion, The Fortress will feature a selection of stylish rooms and suites, bar, restaurants showcasing both local and international cuisine, gym, gallery, wedding chapel and the Per Aquum signature - a fibre optic pool.  A Sen Spa will complete the property and will offer a range of both indigenous and internationally renowned treatments.  The result will be a world class resort where guests can relax in luxurious surroundings in keeping with the natural beauty of the region.

Per Aquum Resorts & Spas� Managing Director Tom McLoughlin comments, �We are delighted to bring The Fortress into the Per Aquum collection.  Sri Lanka is showing tremendous potential for growth and we believe that Per Aquum�s management experience combined with that of Fortress Ltd will ensure The Fortress becomes Sri Lanka�s premium resort.� 

Fortress Ltd, owners of The Fortress, is equally delighted to be working with Per Aquum Resort & Spas as their representative, Dhammika Perera, comments �We are extremely impressed with Per Aquum as a company and the properties within their collection.  In particular Huvafen Fushi and Dhoni Mighili, which they have transformed into buzz words for elegance and sophistication.  Under Per Aquum�s experienced direction The Fortress will bring unsurpassed levels of design, service and hospitality to Sri Lanka whilst retaining a truly natural environment.� 

Chandra Wickremasinghe, Chairman Connaissance Holdings Ltd. and majority shareholder of Fortress Ltd is equally excited to be working with Per Aquum as he comments, �This is an exciting time for Sri Lanka as a destination and The Fortress, under Per Aquum�s knowledgeable direction, will set the benchmark for quality accommodation.� 

Malik Fernando, Director of Dilmah Tea and shareholder of Fortress Ltd, comments �As an established management company, Per Aquum Resorts & Spas� in depth knowledge of the luxury market will ensure The Fortress offers a unique experience for the discerning traveler.� 

Per Aquum Resorts & Spas, established by Universal Enterprises and Tom McLoughlin as Managing Director, currently manage two luxury properties and five spas in the Maldives.  The Fortress is the company�s first venture into the Sri Lankan market and a welcome addition to the Per Aquum collection of boutique style resorts & spas.

Per Aquum Resorts & Spas is a specialist resort & spa management company based in the Maldives.  The company is a subsidiary of Universal Enterprises Pvt Limited, the first and leading resort operator in the Maldives. 

The name �Per Aquum� translates to �through water�, and the vision of the company is to develop and mange properties located in pristine locations.  The vision is shared by luxury resort specialist Tom McLoughlin who, as Managing Director, is charged with realizing it.  Per Aquum Resorts & Spas currently manages Universal�s portfolio of new luxury retreats.