New locally owned resort at Weerawila managed by Hilton commissioned

Tea centred KDU Group owns the hotel

The Hilton Group last week announced the commissioning of a new 78-room modern resort at Weerawila near Hambantota that it will be managing.

The locally owned property, Double Tree by Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort, is a spanking new three-story modern resort in Weerawila owned by KDU Adventures (Private) Limited. It joins Hilton Colombo and Hilton Colombo Residences as the third hotel to be managed by Hilton in Sri Lanka.

The KDU Group headed by Mr Saman Upasena is described as one of the most successful family owned conglomerates here comprising 15 thriving subsidiaries, including tea factories, hospitality, exports, real estate, petroleum and a hydro power plant.

The tea industry lies at the core of the group which is now a leading tea manufacturer and exporter, with some of the largest cutting-edge factories in Sri Lanka. 

Hilton said that six more resort properties here belonging to the Melwa (Steel) Group which it will manage is in the pipeline.

It said the Weerawila resort is located amongst lush bird sanctuaries and in the midst of three of Asia’s most visited wildlife parks. It will include “an exquisite ballroom, nature-inspired meeting spaces, stunning restaurants and bars” and make it a “natural choice for business and leisure travelers alike.

“We are thrilled to launch our first DoubleTree by Hilton resort in Sri Lanka with the opening of this stunning property which joins our Hilton portfolio in the country. The unique features of the resort, coupled with its location in the heart of Weerawila, makes it a prime choice for domestic and international travelers alike. I am confident DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort will be top of mind for those who are looking for an idyllic getaway while seeking the comfort of a well-recognized hotel brand that consistently delivers service that is authentic, reliable and straight from the heart,” said Paul Hutton, Vice President Operations South East Asia for Hilton.

The resort is located 25 kilometers from Mattala Rajapakse International Airport – a convenient 28-minute drive away – and just over a half hour drive from Hambantota Port district and is also uniquely situated within the Weerawila Bird Sanctuary which is home to over 400 species of birds and just minutes away from popular tourist attractions such as Kataragama Sacred City, Bundala and Yala National Parks.

Hilton said “DoubleTree by Hilton” is one of their fastest growing brands with a presence of more than 600 upscale hotels across 47 countries.

“Over the past decade, the brand has experienced exponential growth, close to quadrupling in size to accommodate the world’s thriving economic and business centers and growing tourism industries,” said Shawn McAteer, global brand head, DoubleTree by Hilton. “We are delighted to welcome this great new addition to our portfolio which is ideal for travelers seeking an unrivaled retreat underscored by superior service and hospitality.”