Daily Mirror - Print Edition

Hemas and Minor Hotel Group introduces luxury brand “Anantara” to Sri Lanka

18 Nov 2015 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}      


President Maithripala Sirisena with Dilip Rajakarier, CEO Minor Hotel Group at Anantara Siam - Thailand


Hemas Holdings in partnership with Minor Hotel Group will be introducing the leading hospitality brand “Anantara” to Sri Lanka with a soft opening of its first luxury property, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort in December 2015 with the official launch in early 2016.

With a project value of approximately US$ 50 million, the exclusive Tangalle property boasts 120 rooms and 32 stand-alone private pool villas, six restaurant and bar venues, an exclusive Anantara Spa, a 25 metre swimming pool, fully equipped cardio-gym, tennis and badminton courts. Easy accessibility may be undertaken via chauffeur driven resort owned luxury vehicles, seaplane or helicopter transfers. 

Abbas Esufally, (Group Director, Hemas Holdings & Chairman, Serendib Hotels) commented “The launch of the Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort in Sri Lanka, will open the doors for luxury travellers seeking authentic cultural experiences and exposure to the southern coast’s natural wonders, especially in a region that is fast developing its tourism potential.” 

Esufally further stated “Many of our executive level employees are those who have recently returned to Sri Lanka from international positions at other branded hotels. We are also proud to have in our cadre a large percentage of female associates.”

The Anantara brand currently boasts 35 stunning properties internationally with future properties to open in Mozambique, China, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Laos, Qatar and Oman. Anantara Siam – one of Bangkok’s most iconic hotelswas proud to have hosted the Hon. President of Sri Lanka - Maithripala Sirisena and his trade delegation at the recently held “Thailand – Sri Lanka Business Forum” whilst on his state visit to Thailand.

Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort is a joint venture between Hemas Holdings and Minor Hotel Group.The second Anantara branded property - the Anantara Kalutara Resort is scheduled to open in March 2016. Serendib Leisure Management Ltd– the leisure arm of Hemas Holdings manages Hotel Sigiriya and Club Hotel Dolphin and the internationally branded hotels AVANI Bentota Resort & Spa and AVANI Kalutara Resort.

Minor Hotel Group (MHG) is a hotel owner, operator and investor, currently with a portfolio of 135 hotels, resorts, camps and serviced suites in operation under the Anantara, AVANI, PER AQUUM, Oaks, Tivoli, Elewana, Marriott, Four Seasons, St. Regis, Radisson Blu and Minor International brands. 

Today MHG operates over 17,000 rooms in 22 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe and South America. With ambitious plans to grow the hotel group to 190 properties, MHG continues to expand the home grown brands of Anantara and AVANI, plus continues to announce strategic acquisitions.