Business
Ocidental Eden Beruwala elevates Sri Lanka’s coastal resort scene on par with global standards
Occidental Eden Beruwala is the latest addition to the Barceló Hotel Group portfolio in Sri Lanka. Formerly known as Eden Resort and Spa, Beruwala, Occidental Eden Beruwala is owned by Browns Investments, and managed by the world-renowned Barceló Hotel Group under their Occidental brand. Occidental Eden Beruwala reopened its doors in May 2023 following the conclusion of an extensive renovation involving a total revamp of all 158 guest rooms, common spaces and guest amenities at a cost of Rs. 1.5 billion.
Located along the pristine sun kissed beaches of Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast on a stretch known as the “Golden Mile” in Beruwala, Occidental Eden Beruwala was redesigned to modern comfort and luxury, bearing in mind the evolving needs of the discerning traveler. The new unique design features of the Occidental Eden Beruwala are inspired by the art, culture and wonderful landscapes of Sri Lanka, while the resort-style ambiance creates an idyllic backdrop for a truly unforgettable island-holiday.
Occidental Eden Beruwala is the second hotel managed by Barceló Hotel Group in Sri Lanka, following the opening of Occidental Paradise Dambulla in 2021, a 4-star, 67-room hotel located in the cultural hub of Dambulla. The management of both hotels in Sri Lanka is the result of an agreement signed by Barceló Hotel Group in 2019 with Browns Investments, a subsidiary of the LOLC Group. This agreement also includes the management of two newly built hotels in the Maldives: a spectacular 100-villa resort located on the island of Bodufinolhu, set to open in August 2023, and an urban hotel in Malé, the country’s capital, scheduled to be opened in 2024. In addition, the agreement includes the future development of a complex of three 5-star hotels in North Male Atoll, also in the Maldives.
Speaking at the official relaunch of Occidental Eden Beruwala, Suresh Athukorala – Cluster General Manager of Occidental Hotels in Sri Lanka said “We have embarked on a substantial investment to elevate the standards of our facilities at Occidental Eden Beruwala. As we set our sights on the future, we are thrilled to embrace the promising prospects of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, with projections indicating a steady rise in traveler arrivals over the next 12 to 18 months. With our upgraded amenities and dedicated staff, we invite guests to immerse themselves in unparalleled hospitality Eden has to offer.
Also speaking at the occasion Adrian Jansz – Director Sales and Marketing – Occidental Hotels in Sri Lanka said, “The relaunch of Occidental Eden Beruwala exemplifies Barceló Hotel Group’s unwavering commitment to continuous innovation. With this endeavor, we aim to not only elevate the standards of hospitality, but also position Sri Lanka as a leading global destination. The partnership with Browns Investments as the property owner, has further strengthened our ability to deliver seamless management and exceptional hosting, ensuring a smooth and flawless guest experience. Together, we embark on a remarkable journey of excellence. Our goal is to attract discerning travelers from the mid-upper market segment, offering them an extraordinary experience to cherish”.
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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