Business
Avani Bentota Resort reopens its doors to the world
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held marking the official reopening of Avani Bentota Resort to the public and beckoning a new age in post-pandemic travel. It was attended by Kapila Jayawardena, Group Manager Director/ CEO of LOLC Holdings PLC & Chairman of Serendib Hotels PLC; Eksath Wijeratne, Group General Manager of Browns Hotels & Resorts; Adrian Jansz, General Manager-Sales and Marketing at Browns Hotels and Resorts and Channa Ekanayake, General Manager, Avani Bentota Resort.
Set along Sri Lanka’s western coastline, originally designed by world renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, the renovated Avani Bentota Resort is now fully geared to welcome travellers from around the world. Fronted by an investment of Rs.300 million by Browns Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of Browns Investments PLC; a full renovation was carried out to meet the present day traveller’s needs.
The revamped resort features 75 chic guest rooms and suites, 03 dining outlets, a gymnasium, spa, as well as 02 conferencing and event venues, in addition to the modernised facilities, guest support service area and kitchen, in the hopes of providing guests with a more superior and efficient service. While the recently renovated resort boasts of a contemporary and sophisticated design, it retains Bawa’s signature style and an inimitable Dutch-colonial charm.
Take a leisurely dip and enjoy tropical bliss
Take a leisurely dip and enjoy tropical blissGuests are sure to be spoilt for choice with one of the most extravagant breakfast buffets in the west coast, which also includes Sri Lankan specialties. For a more intimate setting, guests can indulge in exquisite dining experiences right on the beach with carefully curated menus, simply sip sundowners by the pool, or order in. Culinary adventures enhanced with dreamy ocean views are assured at Avani Bentota Resort.
LOLC Group’s investments in the leisure sector are clustered under Browns Investments, which maintains controlling interest in a number of properties in iconic locations in the country. The portfolio currently consists of Avani Bentota Resort, Club Hotel Dolphin, Dickwella Resort & Spa, Hotel Sigiriya, The Calm Resort & Spa, 5 boutique properties under Reveal The Collection, Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort, Occidental Paradise Dambulla and Occidental Eden Beruwala. A further 2 projects; including a 5-star resort in Beruwala, and Port City Mega Leisure development comprising of a 5-star city hotel are scheduled to be unveiled in the near future. A series of offshore investments in the Maldives including 4 resorts and 1 city hotel/condominium, and a 5-star resort in Mauritius too has been added to the development pipeline.
Commenting on the recent acquisitions, Kapila Jayawardena said, “With a steadfast approach to innovation and bold strategies, Browns Investments will continue to invest in the leisure and hospitality sector both in Sri Lanka and overseas, as we believe that there will be an upsurge in travel globally.”
left to right; Channa Ekanayake, General Manager Avani Bentota; Kapila Jayawardena, Group Manager Director/ CEO of LOLC Holdings PLC & Chairman of Serendib Hotels PLC; Adrian Jansz, General Manager-Sales and Marketing at Browns Hotels and Resorts and Eksath Wijeratne, Group General Manager of Browns Hotels & Resorts.
left to right; Channa Ekanayake, General Manager Avani Bentota; Kapila Jayawardena, Group Manager Director/ CEO of LOLC Holdings PLC & Chairman of Serendib Hotels PLC; Adrian Jansz, General Manager-Sales and Marketing at Browns Hotels and Resorts and Eksath Wijeratne, Group General Manager of Browns Hotels & Resorts.Eksath Wijeratne added, “While the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the hospitality industry worldwide, the global vaccination drives have been instrumental in regenerating and boosting tourist arrivals in to the country. Most tourists currently gravitate towards the informal sector. Nevertheless, we are hopeful that a steady increase in the overall tourist arrivals to the country will result in positive occupancy levels across both formal and informal sectors by end 2022.”
The unwavering efforts of Browns Hotels & Resorts in uplifting tourism even during the toughest of times, make it one of the most sought-after hospitality brands in the region, and is a testament to the optimistic outlook the Company has on post-pandemic travel, as they prepare to welcome travellers from around the globe.
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
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