First Amari Hotel unveiled in Sri Lanka

Sino Lanka Hotel Private Limited, in collaboration with Onyx Hospitality Group recently celebrated the grand inauguration of a brand-new property in Sri Lanka’s historic southwest coastal city of Galle.
The 172-room Amari Galle, located a short distance from the UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort, is Sino Lanka Hotels’ third hotel in Sri Lanka. Onyx Hospitality Group, one of Asia’s leading hotel management companies, also celebrated the opening of its very first Amari branded hotel in 
Sri Lanka.

The grand inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe as the Chief Guest, and the Minister of Tourism Development John Amaratunga as the Guest of Honour. The ribbon cutting ceremony was fronted by the Prime Minister, together with the Sino Lanka Hotels Private Limited Chairman Bob Kundanmal, Onyx Hospitality Group President Douglas Martell, Sino Lanka Hotels Private Limited Joint Partner Manu Bhojwani and Italthai Group President and CEO Yuthachai Charanachitta.

Leading the Sino Lanka Group, Bob Kundanmal noted: “It is indeed a celebration of yet another milestone for Sino Lanka Hotels Private Limited as we unveil our third hotel in Sri Lanka. We are so thankful to everyone who has been with us every step of the way. It is no doubt that this big success is simply the result of tireless efforts, support and enthusiasm through the many stages of instituting this property.” He further stated: “We are proud to be a part of Sri Lanka’s inclining tourism sector, and as part of this community, we are ready to provide opportunities that will bring prosperity and well-being to our people, and to be part of the economic, commercial and industrial progress of the country. Travellers are now more discerning than ever, seeking unique and differentiated experiences wherever they go. Amari Galle has sought to differentiate itself as an iconic property for both local and foreign visitors.” This new beachfront hotel is prominently situated on the Colombo-Galle main road and offers easy access to nearby attractions including Galle Fort, the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by the Europeans, as well as Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa. Sri Lanka’s international airport in Colombo is about two and a half hours away by car.

“Originally from Thailand and expanding across Asia, Amari has a rich and long-standing heritage and is well known among travellers worldwide,” said Onyx Hospitality Group President and CEO 
Douglas Martell. 

“Amari celebrates the colours and rhythms of modern Asia with each hotel highlighting the textures and flavours of its unique setting through architecture, design, cuisine and service. With the opening of our first Amari in Sri Lanka, we are building a service culture which combines Asian hospitality values and the deep rooted local customs.”

Amari Galle’s architecture and design takes inspiration from the natural beauty of the Galle coastline. A panoramic view of the ocean, the gentle sea breeze and warm southern smiles of the Amari Galle team are what greets guests upon arrival.

Every guest room and suite at Amari Galle offers direct sea views and private balconies. Light filled and spacious interiors capture the tranquility of the coastline with soothing colour schemes that create a beach house feel and artwork which reflect the common sights of the surrounding area. The hotel offers accommodation options in five broad categories: deluxe ocean view, deluxe terrace ocean view and grand deluxe ocean view rooms, one bedroom suites and a 360 square-metre presidential suite complete with roof terrace and private plunge pool.

Ahara Gourmet Gallery, the signature market-style restaurant of Amari Galle, offers guests the opportunity to interact with chefs and experience the vibrant flavours of Asian and international cuisines inspired by the region’s rich street food culture. Shoreline Beach Club provides the ideal setting for guests to take in the calming view of the ocean while sampling a variety of snacks and cocktails.

The rooftop bar Bommu, named from the local expression ‘let’s have a drink’, is the ideal place to unwind and mingle. The ambience of the bar is picturesque with the serene and ever-changing ocean horizon as the backdrop. Bommu introduces a range of classic and innovative cocktails, locally inspired tapas and soothing tunes from the house DJ. Reflecting Amari’s commitment towards facilitating shared experiences, all three of Amari Galle’s dining locations provide the perfect atmosphere for sharing and togetherness.

Another feature unique to Amari is the Voyager Lounge, a corn and relaxed space ideal for informal gatherings, reading, working or light meals. Open to all guests, this 24-hour facility also features a library, showers and luggage-sized lockers, perfect for travellers who are arriving early or departing late at night. Amari Galle is well positioned to cater to a wide variety of guest needs. For families with children, there is a kids’ pool, a supervised kids’ club and babysitting services on request. Guests who want to indulge in complete relaxation can visit Breeze Spa which offers a range of mood-based therapies. Concocted specially for Amari Galle, the signature treatment at Breeze Spa is the Galle Ceylon Retreat Package, a locally inspired therapeutic ritual infused with the country’s iconic spices and herbs.

To help travellers enjoy the most of Galle and its diverse attractions, the hotel’s warm and friendly Amari hosts are on hand to provide local destination recommendations and tips.

Amari Galle is equipped to handle meetings, seminars, product launches and workshops with a ballroom that can accommodate approximately 350 people for seated dinners, supported by three ‘Idea rooms’ designed for creative meetings. Amari Galle is also a perfect venue for weddings. The hotel’s experienced team of wedding planners provide guidance from recommending enticing menus to creating stunning set ups for that special day.

Amari Galle is undoubtedly an ideal location for any occasion, be it business functions, weddings and celebrations or simply to relax and experience the very best of modern Asia and the historic town of Galle, rich in culture and tradition.