FeatureThere & Back

Scenic Bliss- Sairu Hill Resort

Written by Naila Binte Zakaria

Away from the cacophony of the bustling city life, Sairu Hill Resort is a piece of heaven with pure scenic bliss that one can never get enough of. Set against the spectacular greenery covered hill range of Bandarban in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the place has quickly won hearts for its natural beauty, evoking mystic moods. No matter what season, Sairu leaves abundance of beauty and charm for the eyes to settle upon.

The beautiful land of Sairu Hill Resort is owned by Mr. Ranglai Mro, a Headman from the Mro Tribe. He had approached certain individuals with the idea of utilizing the land for a viable project without disturbing the environment.

These individuals took interest in exploring the potential and possibilities of the site and hence, the idea of Sairu Resort was conceived. One of the partners of Sairu is Architect Mustafa Ameen,

who is also the architect of the exquisite resort. The owners envisioned a project that would promote tourism and the culture and crafts of the local people in Bandarban, thus contributing to the economic emancipation of the community.

The resort draws its name from the mythical love story of Sairu, a beautiful young Mro maiden.

The trees that grew entwined on the hills at the crown on a spot along the top of the resort site is said to symbolize the love of Sairu. The spot is now known as the Sairu Point. Reaching the resort takes about an hour’s uphill drive over the terrain from the city of Bandarban. Upon entering the premise, you will feel like you’ve been transported to a secluded paradise upon the hills. The open reception area has a welcoming view with easy chairs for one to relax. You may also lounge under the willow trees with a steaming cup of coffee at the great hall of Sairu.

Upon entering the premise, you will feel like you’ve been transported to a secluded paradise upon the hills

The spaces were designed to obtain maximum panoramic views, taking full advantage of the topography while including the luxuries of a modern-day-resort.

The design and execution of the resort was carried out by DOMUS, a renowned Architectural Consultancy firm of Bangladesh. The Principal Architect Mustafa Ameen had the concept of designing a contemporary resort following the ‘less is more’ principle. The master plan was conceived by being sensitive towards the site and surroundings. Most of the structures have been built on steel stilts to minimize any change in the natural contours. The existing trees were left untouched and more plants were added while shaping the landscape of the resort. The spaces were designed to obtain maximum panoramic views, taking full advantage of the topography while including the luxuries of a modern-day-resort. Local materials such as stones and bamboos were used to achieve the rustic outlook which seamlessly blend with nature.

“Since the location of the resort was on a hilly area with no chunk of plane land, the planning and designing of Sairu was quite a challenging task”, says Ar. Mustafa Ameen. It was kept into consideration that the pristine beauty of nature could not be damaged unless it blended with the topography, keeping the contours intact. The construction of Sairu is a sensitive response to nature with only exception being the driveway which had been scrapped and curved out of the hill. Water had to be sourced from a spring almost 1200 feet below the Resort Site which proved to be a colossal task.

Local materials such as stones and bamboos were used to achieve the rustic outlook which seamlessly blend with nature

Once you are inside Sairu, you will not feel the need to go elsewhere, as the tasteful set up with modern amenities will keep you amazed. The cottages are competitively priced and you can choose your room according to your desired view. As the resort offers a panoramic sight of the tall hills and the Shanghu River, every view is a treat to the eyes. You may sit on the terrace and enjoy the scenic beauty of the cotton clouds floating in the sky.

You can discover your serenity in between the fantastic nature. The rooms have an attached bath, a private balcony, a green terrace having the  river and hill view, furnished with all modern amenities

Cool down and enjoy the 360 degree panoramic view of the area from one of the top features of the resort which is the Infinity Pool

While most resorts attempt to cater more to the luxury aspect, Sairu Hill Resort goes all out to bring one close to the nature by paying attention to the view it offers. While the morning is refreshing with gentle breeze blowing through the trees, the atmosphere of the nighttime is mystic, as the star studded sky leaves one mesmerized. The experience of Sairu Hill Resort cannot be expressed in words, it needs to be experienced.

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Naila Binte Zakaria

Lifestyle/Art Journalist who revels in the joy of eating spicy ramen, painting and watching absurdist films.

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