Construction commences on first Anantara Resort and Spa, Tangalle
View(s):The first five star US$40 million Anantara Resort and Spa in Sri Lanka scheduled for an early 2015 opening commenced construction recently, a media release issued by the local company Hemas Holdings PLC stated.
The project is a joint venture by Hemas Holdings PLC and Minor Hotel Group, Thailand, with an investment of US$ 40 million. Present on this historic occasion were Hambantota MP Namal Rajapaksa, Chairman Hemas Leisure Sector Abbas Esufally and Managing Director Serendib Leisure Management Ranil de Silva.
The 154-room luxury resort in Tangalle, on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, will cater to up-market tourists and will have luxury guest rooms and private villas with their own plunge pools, the release explained. The resort is expected to comprise three restaurants and a purpose-built spa.
The property would be operated under the Anantara brand, and would epitomise the very best in indigenous Sri Lankan design, and would be complemented with all the luxuries sought-after by the modern-day traveller, it was stated.
Currently there are 28 Anantara properties in operation in eight countries, with a pipeline of more than 15 under development. The international brand spans Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East and had recently added its first property in Africa in Mozambique, the release stated.
The local firm Hemas Holdings PLC has investments in multiple disciplines ranging from FMCG, healthcare, transportation, leisure and power generation. The Group’s leisure arm – Serendib Leisure Management Ltd owns and manages a series of hotels and resorts like AVANI Bentota Resort & Spa, AVANI Kalutara Resort, Club Hotel Dolphin and Hotel Sigiriya.
Minor Hotel Group (MHG) MHG is a hotel owner, operator and investor, with a current portfolio of 52 hotels and 42 serviced suites in operation under the Anantara, AVANI, Per AQUUM, Elewana, and Oaks brands across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. It comprises a portfolio of 101 hotels and serviced suites in operation under the Anantara, AVANI, Per AQUUM, Oaks, Elewana, Marriott, Four Seasons, St. Regis and Minor International brands.
Today MHG operates in 14 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Ocean. With ambitious plans to grow the hotel group to 150 properties, the release also noted.