Splashmin's opens new eco tourism park
By Mondale Smith
Kaieteur News
March 18, 2007
Years ago, amidst talk of being a mad man, Lennox John made the “impossible” possible by changing swamplands into a much sought after tourism resort: Splashmin's. Then he dreamed yet again of giving Guyana a shopping mall, and amidst being labelled “insane” for his uncanny, unplanned creations, again, the impossible became possible.
Today, thousands flock to the more than 60 businesses in the nation's only fully operational mall, which has escalators to boot.
Now, John has upped his game yet again by opening two multi-million-dollar facilities, yesterday, that will serve Guyana's tourism and entertainment industries for Cricket World Cup and beyond.
Patrons can now overnight at the resort and enjoy all the modern and back-to-nature amenities that come with it.
World Cup guests can look forward to about 55 hotels, which have either been constructed from the ground up or have been upgraded and extended. All will have unique offers. Twenty- four of the lot will be new, and among them will be the Splashmin's Hotels.
Blessed by a pastor, the Guyana Tourism Authority and Go-invest, John, labelled “Mr Doer” by Geoffrey Da Silva, officially opened the doors to the long anticipated spanking new 24-room, fully air conditioned hotel with a series of adjoining buildings located in the water park.
Marketing Manager, Shaliza Alli, describes the hotel as easily accessible but is yet in a remote location.
“Each room at the hotel is a refuge with a unique décor and a combination of colours carefully chosen to provide refined comfort.
“The tranquil environment and attention to detail adds up to the happiness of an unforgettable stay,” Alli reiterated.
Splashmin's 24 deluxe rooms are all self-contained and feature a king size bed, bedside cupboards, built in closets, bathrooms, toilets, and wash sinks with counter tops for convenient use.
The hotel offers a promise that guests will “feel the comfort of home as you cuddle in the finest linens in an air conditioned environment.”
And as if that was not enough, tourists and locals looking for the eco-tourism camping experience can now do so on another 25 acres of John's property, ideally located in the discreetly sheltered atmosphere in the heart of the Madewini Basin.
Media operatives and tourism officials yesterday got a first hand tour of what will soon be known as the Splashmin's Eco Tourism Park. Located to the south-east of the resort, and accessible by road or by a less than 60-second speed boat ride across the Madewini Creek, the Eco Tourism Camping ground is a sight to behold and an experience that beckons.
Dubbed “a whole new world,” these 25 acres of land started from virtual jungle four years ago, John disclosed.
Upon arrival, Indira Anandjeet, head of the Guyana Tourism Authority, dubbed the park “fantastic… possibilities abound…” She further hastened to state that, “Out of madness comes something good.”
One guest opined that, while most people would have to take a plane or a boat and travel for miles to enjoy a true back-to-nature resort, “Splashmin's is now bringing the experience closer to locals, and at a most affordable price.”
The experience includes a picnic in the shade of palm trees on a well manicured lawn, or on benches and tables strategically placed under a tent.
It is also possible that one could encounter rabbits and monkeys in the wild, but there are several caged animals for one to view between some of the more exotic trees and plants. The caged animals include agouties, Guinea pigs, macaws and parrots.
Manager Nand Kumar hastens to warn of the hot tempered geese in the pen.
For now, guests can choose to relax in the shade of the trees under a hammock, or simply walk among the many fruit trees.
“In less than a year, there will be at least 20 cabins with kitchenettes over here,” John told this publication.
Several of the patrons and tourism officials enjoyed not only the serene experience, but also made good use of the opportunity to pick and munch on the fresh fruits from the many trees in the park.
The park also serves as the farm from which natural juices are made for sale at the resort. The fruits include passion fruit, cherry trees, oranges, guava, avocadoes, cashews, Papayas, tangerines, coconuts and awaras.
Patrons can also see the many fresh vegetables used in the preparation of foods in the park.
John expressed his willingness and plans to further contribute to the development of Guyana. “It's my nature with God, and I'm happy to do more for my country.”
In reference to Go-Invest's CEO Geoffrey Da Silva's comments, John further said, “I know I'm a doer, and I'm asking the nation for continued support…I need everyone's support to help make Guyana a more beautiful place.”