Cinnamon Lakeside bringing out the Best of the Best

Demi Hewamanna

Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo won the Best Five Star Hotel Award and the Best Host Hotel Spa for the second time in a row at the 5th Sri Lanka Tourism Awards organized by the Tourist Board held last month. A very elated General Manager Denis Gruhier went on to say he is very happy and proud that Azmaara Spa on board with them as their partner.

"Sometimes you can be the best, and if no ones knows about you are not going to be successful", Cinnamon Lakeside GM Denis Gruhier said at a press conference to announce their victory.

Denis went on to explain that to win the Best category they had to surpass 5 sections - Product Facilities, Business plans, Marketing strategies, Customer service and Sustainability.

"We are the first hotel to be re-certified the Green Globe certificate three times", Denis added. The hotel has strengthened its activities in contributing to a greener environment by educating their staff and guests on being greener to carrying out a set of green initiatives on a regular basis. The hotel also has done many CSR projects such as cultural restoration projects that aims to contribute to the various religions within the country.

Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo awarded the Best city hotel has maintained a high level of service and quality to hold on to this prestigious award for the second year running. The hotels contribution towards the Best Five Star City Hotel category has been vast with innovation being the key to their success. The launch of 8°on the Lake, the first purpose built floating venue has added an edge to the hotels persona.

Azmaara Spa, the luxury spa at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo was also recognised as the Best Host Hotel/ Establishment Spa for the second consecutive year.

"The spa was begun nine years ago and John Keells Hotels was helping us grow", Azmaara Chairman Peter Arendtsz added.

This was the biggest challenge we took taking the Spa to a next level at first it was not easy but gradually we grew.

In 2009 we launched the Spa and taught our staff on how to give a full experience for the guest form the moment they are welcomes to the spa, getting the treatment and leave the spa. Plans are being made to expand Azmaara to the Middle Easts in 2013.

Azmaara Spa combines a variety of quality products imported from France, Italy and Australia that is specially blended with local ingredients to add that homely touch.

Sri Lanka is a country that are full of people with genuine smiles. Many people don't about the country and it is out job to promote it to the world. And it should not be just one man's effort but it hsould be many people's effort to improve it, Denis Gruhier said in conclusion.

Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo's success at the Sri Lanka Tourism Awards takes them to further heights after their recent success on an international stage both with the Green Globe certification and winning Best Luxury Hotel Sri Lanka at the Business Destinations Awards 2012.