Life style
Cosmopolitan elegance,exquisite cuisine and warmth of hospitality
By Zanita Careem
The Sheraton Colombo, was a recent addition to the tourist landscape of the hotel industry. Featuring elements from the brand’s new vision of fostering community,this 320 room hotel seamlessly integrates Colombo’s vibrant spirit and cultural richness into its ambience, making it the perfect retreat for both locals and tourists .
While the Sheraton Colombo has been in operation for a couple of weeks, recently the media was invited to experience some of the highlights of the hotel. Sheraton Hotel is a property that resonates with cosmopolitan elegance, exquisite cuisine and the warmth of hospitality in the heart of the capital of Colombo.
It is one of the 450 hotels in the Sheraton chain of hotels that cover more than 70 countries spanning in six continents with our rich history and iconic presence in the hospitality industry, we have been the first hotel to be there in many cities around the globe garnering acceptance and trust and establishing as the fabric of communities around the global said Rahul Maini, General Manager of Sheraton Hotel Colombo at a press conference held recently. This are some of the hotel’s special features highlighted by Marketing and Communication Manager, Nishani Pigera.
Strategically situated in the hub of Colombo Sheraton Colombo gives a convenient access to a distinctive mix of urban vibrancy and the timeless allure of old world charm Within a 2km distance are renowned landmarks such as Gangaramaya Temple, Viharamadevi park to mention a few.
Among, the many features that make Sheraton special among its many competitors is its lounges. It offers you the opportunity to immerse in a diverse range of culinary experiences at the numerous lounges. The Colpetty lounge is open from 9, a.m. to 11 p.m., and both residential guests as well as non-residential guests can walk in. The Ceylon Bake Shop is too open for all, and is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.. The main restaurant is named Colombo Kitchen and is open 24 hours. It is quite spacious and serves the best food from various cuisines. A feature that is unique to Sheraton is the community dining table you would find in any of the Sheraton Hotels worldwide,where they hope to foster a culture of friendship among the guests who come from various parts of the world.
The pool bar which is at the rooftop pool is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. but restricted only for the-residential guests . The restaurant – Bayu – on the rooftop, which allows the visitor to the breath-taking beauty of the city and ocean, while indulging on a journey of culinary excellence.
The Sheraton Club Lounge, the hotel takes pride in, but it is open only for the guests staying in Sheraton Club rooms or luxury suites.
Spacious rooms
Spacious and comfortable rooms
Sheraton features three categories of spacious rooms and suites to choose from, to make your stay cosy and comfortable. Starting from Deluxe rooms and Sheraton Club rooms – which are exclusively offered for Sheraton Bonvoy members – the hotel has a series of premier rooms and suites to suit the needs of the weary traveller. The Suites again are categorised as Junior Suites, Executive Suites and a Presidential Suite with varying amenities and space in each category. However, what is very compelling is that every category of room includes a bathtub, and even the Deluxe rooms, which are the most affordable, are very spacious. On top of everything, regardless which room option you go for, you are assured of a blend of city view and ocean view.
.The fitness centre at Sheraton is another addition to its amenities and is open around the clock every day, with trained physical instructors and best quality state of the art machinery. Sheraton believes that it is a top concern for the business travellers around the world to stick to their workout schedules and the fitness centre allows the guests to workout with convenience.
Sheraton highlights the Emerald Ballroom and other conference halls with top-notch facilities and service, where you could host your weddings, parties and corporate events without hassle. It is quite convenient since the ballrooms have an entrance separate from the main entrance, to provide more privacy and quicker access to the venue. Moreover, there is ample parking space extending up to three floors of car parks, which frees the guests from the trouble of finding parking spots.
Excellent service
Apart from the international standard amenities that Sheraton has to offer, their staff is well-trained, friendly individuals willing to assist and serve the guests to make their stay memorable and refreshing, after a hard day’s work,
The all modern Shine Spa is ready to take care of your physical and mental wellbeing with the best trained experts in the field. It is open for both residential and non-residential guests and offers a variety of packages to cater to your needs. All the treatment rooms are built on par with international standards to give the best relaxing experience. Balinese therapists will give you the best relaxing ,sensual massage after a hard day’s work.
Moreover, there is ample parking space extending up to three floors of car parks, which frees the guests from the trouble of finding parking spots.
What are the special features that make Sheraton Colombo unique ? Nishanthi said “everything we do in every space of the hotel is designed to welcome the guest rooms as part of our community . From our guests rooms to the spa to fitness centre ,restaurants to our Sheraton Club,where each guest belong”
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- GM Rahul Maini
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- Nishani Pigera
Pix by Thushara Attapathu
Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka
The 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the UK-based Institute of Hospitality’s Sri Lanka Chapter was held recently at the Ramada Hotel Colombo,.The event provided an evening of camaraderie , reflection of the past and present achievements,setting new benchmarks for the future
The AGM had the presence of two distinguished guests, the Chief Guest Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and the Guest of Honour British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick. Their inspiring speeches were lauded by all hoteliers who were present at the occasion
A special thanks was extended to Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality UK, along with his team, sponsors, committee members, and all attendees for making the event memorable.
Dr. Harsha Jayasingh, Past President of the Institute of Hospitality (UK) Sri Lanka Chapter, emphasised the Institute’s longstanding history and the strength of its Sri Lankan branch. “The Institute of Hospitality (IH) UK has a history of 86 years, and we are proud to be the Sri Lanka Branch. IH Sri Lanka is much stronger now with many members from all areas of the hospitality industry,” he stated.
Dr. Jayasingh highlighted the significant role of tourism in Sri Lanka’s economy,. He said tourism it is the third-largest source of revenue for the country. “Tourism accounts for about 13.3% of total foreign exchange earnings and employs 450,000 people directly and indirectly. The hospitality industry in this island of pearl holds tremendous potential for economic growth, job creations, and cultural exchange,” he added.
He also pointed out more women should be attracted to the industry and advocated for the use of technology in hospitality sector to attract the younger generation.
The newly appointed Chairman Ramesh Dassanayake spoke about the challenges faced by the industry, including the reluctance of youth to join the sector. . Dassanayake expressed concerns over the migration of staff between hotels and the overall ‘brain drain’ in the sector. ” We must maintain high standards in the hotel We must try to attract tourists to Sri Lanka, we must have with many facilities Hence, hotel schools and other professional institutions involved in skills development mustincrease their intakes,” he pointed out.
Chief Guest Sajith Premadasa emphasised the importance of eco tourism and said “We need to have an environmental policy related to tourism in place,” . .
The 32nd AGM of the Institute of Hospitality UK, Sri Lanka Chapter, was a testament to the strength and potential of Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry. The insights and commitments shared during the event set a new benchmark for the future.(ZC)
Pix by Thushara Attapathu
Life style
He recognizes human identity beyond boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
Visit of Sri Gurudev to Sri Lanka
Humanitarian, spiritual leader and Global Ambassador of Peace Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Sri Gurudev) was in Sri Lanka on a three day tour on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunewardene. Gurudev who inspired a wave of volunteerism and service to moot one of the largest volunteer-based organisations in the world – The Art of Living – visited the various projects under the aegis of the foundation and launched twelve vocational and technical centers around the island. He was accompanied by thousands of followers from Sri Lanka and around the world.
Gurudev who visited Sri Lanka for the sixth time also had a first day cover launched in honour of his visit. He is a strong proponent of spreading happiness, using the unique Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, meditation and practical wisdom to unite people, empower individuals and transform communities. His programmes provide techniques and tools to live a deeper, more joyous life, while his non-profit organisations recognize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
The Art of Living which has more than 30,000 teachers and over one million volunteers across 180 countries has touched in excess of five hundred million people around the world. CNN called it “Life Changing” and The Washington Post headlined it, “Fresh air to millions”.
In Trincomalee, Gurudev met with war victims and had a heartwarming engagement with the children from the children’s homes run by the Foundation. He also visited the Koneswara Temple in Trincomalee and graced the Kumbhabhishekam at Seetha ecogPnize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion. Amman temple at Nuwara Eliya. He held discussions with the trustees on the progress of the foundation’s social service projects, while also holding a special event – Ekamuthuwa – attended by a large number of dignitaries and his devotees from around the world.
His time with the Prime Minister was spent discussing the prospects of unity in diversity and uniting Sri Lanka by adding happiness into the formula of living. In addition he had discussions with the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, prominent business stewards and civil society leaders.
by Zanita Careem
Envison your dream wedding day come to life at the Epitome Hotel, a prestigious city hotel in Kurunegala offering an unrivalled luxury rendors experience for weddings.
The venue is designed to embody opulence and luxury from all quarters for a spectacular wedding in kurunegala,Thier ballroom is the largest banquet facility in Sri Lanka It can be divided into six luxurious pillarless wedding halls on the ground floor and 25pax smaller banquet halls.
It can be easily named as a five star heaven in the heart of the city contributing to a myriad of immense experiences tailored to inspire and delight wedding experiences.
From opulent décor set up to exquisite table decor, lavish food, every detail is meticulously curated to spark your imagination and ignite creativity for a perfect wedding. The previous prestigious wedding shows season one and season two attracted large crowds
were unique events which gave the wedding vendors and potential clients had an opportunity to connect and interact with each other. Beyond being a showcase it was a chance for the wedding vendors to unite and contribute to the vibrancy of the wedding industry. The wedding show covered all area of the bridal industry providing a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became the most popular bridal exhibitions in Kurunegala.This bridal exhibitions allowed brides and grooms to experience first hand the products and services available from suppliers in Sri Lanka
These wedding shows held at The Epitome created a benchmark and gave an opportunity for vendors to create connections to the utmost satisfaction said Harshan Lakshita Executive Director. of the magnificent Hotel
Our wedding shows featured experts and professionals in every field‘ It covered all areas of the bridal industry provided a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became most popular bridal exhibition in this region.We are always open to everyone to join us at our wedding shows in the future. It is an opportunity to discover the incredible talent within our local wedding and bridal vendors to make meaningful relationships and plan thier special day at our breathtaking hotel The Epitome said General Manager Kavinda Caldera
The Epitome Hotel’s bridal show which will be held end of June will buzz with great ideas,advice and inspiration for all those who plan thier dream wedding
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The Hotel Epitome’s Wedding Season 3 will marked excellence, celebration and inspiration for those in the wedding industry. The exhibition halls will resonate with ideas on exquisite bridal wear to decor, florists , photography etc and showshowcase the rich tapestry of talent within the local wedding industry. .
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