Exploring the possibilities of utilizing landscape to generate sensorial experience within Sri Lankan resort industry

Abstract

Despite Sri Lanka’s rich natural biodiversity and cultural heritage, current resort designs often underutilize multisensory landscape elements, focusing mainly on visual aesthetics. The research investigates how landscape and architectural design in Sri Lankan resorts can be strategically utilized to create immersive multisensory experiences that enhance guest engagement and promote sustainability. The research explores five sensory modalities visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile, and gustatory senses using a mixed-method approach, the study combines qualitative case analyses of two resorts of Heritance Kandalama and Jetwing Vil Uyana with interviews of naturalists, agri-managers, staff members, guest surveys, and sensory mapping to explore how natural materials, spatial organization, and ecological features stimulate guests’ senses. Key findings reveal that both Heritance Kandalama and Jetwing Vil Uyana resorts effectively engage visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile, and gustatory senses, contributing to emotional connection and high guest satisfaction in Central Province, making the province as one of Sri Lanka’s top three travel destinations specifically for culture, unspoiled nature in Dambulla-Sigiriya area. Visual and gustatory elements emerged as particularly influential, while auditory calmness and tactile variety also enhance the overall experience. Recommendations include layering sensory inputs, promoting habitat diversity and enhancing soundscapes and scentscapes to create culturally and ecologically integrated resort environments. This research contributes practical insights for architects, landscape architects and hospitality managers aiming to advance eco-tourism through multisensory integration in Sri Lanka’s resort industry.