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Aman plans luxury resort in city

by Tharika Goonathilake

Aman Resorts International, one of the world's most luxurious boutique hotel chains, makes its debut in Sri Lanka with the chain's first Colombo based US $ 3 million (Rs. 291 million) property to be opened next year.

'Aman Colombo' will see the former Dutch Hospital building, situated in the heart of City, upgraded to the standards of the international chain, known for its stamp of opulence, comfort and style.

The MoU for the renovation of the building, was signed recently by the owner of Aman resorts chain Adrian Zecha and the Archaeology Department in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourist Board.

The Dutch Hospital Building, a world heritage site, is a legacy of Dutch colonists and was constructed in the early 1700s and served as a hospice and later as an arts and crafts centre.

The MoU will see the restoration of the building into a 24 luxury suite hotel, Attorney-at-Law Simon and Associates S.G. Senaratne representing Aman interests here told the 'Daily News' yesterday.

"The restoration work will be within the Archaeological Department specifications given its World Heritage status and a specialised committee will overlook the restoration and reconstruction work," Tourist Board Chairman Paddy Withana said. The Aman resorts, part of a chain of small upmarket luxury boutique hotels in key destinations including Thailand, Pamalican Islands, Philippines, Indonesia, USA, Mexico, French Polynesian Islands, France and India rely entirely on word of the mouth advertising, and are known to lure the high end travellers willing to part between US $ 500 to US $ 1000 per night.

"This will undoubtedly help to set the seal on Sri Lanka as a matchless destination and further enhance the country's efforts to offer a product to lure high end travellers," Withana said.

According to the Chairman, the move by the international chain will further facilitate efforts by Sri Lanka to cater to this fast growing niche market segment in tourism, given the interest expressed by the leisure magnate to invest in hotel properties here.

The conducive environment created for investment as a result of the peace process has undoubtedly resulted in these investments in the leisure sector, the Chairman said, adding that it augurs well for the country and the investor confidence placed in Sri Lanka.

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