LOLC Leisure rebranded as Browns Hotels and Resorts
Browns Investments PLC (BI) on Monday announced the re-branding of LOLC Leisure to Browns Hotels and Resorts, aiming to eventually raise to 1,000 its stock of rooms.
In March this year, Browns Investments acquired sole shareholder status of LOLC Leisure. BI previously held a minority interest of 30 per cent in LOLC Leisure; the investment into the hotel sector was made jointly along with BI’s parent company, LOLC. As part of its consolidation efforts, LOLC divested its direct exposure in leisure to BI, giving the company the opportunity to focus on nurturing and growing this sector. LOLC continues to be the holding company for the Browns group, according to a media statement from Browns.
Hotels under the group include: Eden Resort & Spa, Dickwella Resort & Spa and Green Paradise, Dambulla. The company also announced the construction of a 71-room four star hotel in Passikudah, which is scheduled to be opened later this year.
The company’s current portfolio holds 308 keys, with plans to increase it to around 1,000 within the next few years.
“Browns Investments has expanded its footprint in the leisure sector and made a number of significant acquisitions. This increased interest will lead us to soon be one of the largest hotel operators in Sri Lanka. This is extremely timely, considering the country’s increased focus on tourism,” said Rimoe Saldin, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Browns Investments PLC.
A 363-roomed, 25 acre property located along the golden mile of Beruwala, currently under construction and scheduled to be completed in 2016, will be included in the portfolio of hotels; as will be a 172-roomed five-star property, already under construction in Kosgoda which will be completed during the first half of 2015. The company also owns properties in Nilwella and Trincomalee, and is looking at options for a new city hotel.
Adrian Jansz, Head of Sales & Marketing, Browns Hotels and Resorts, also added, “This is an exciting year for us, with our current properties being upgraded to suit the demands of the modern tourist. Our current portfolio includes a number of landmark properties, with the promise of more exquisite properties earmarked. The changes taking effect have made us step back and re-evaluate our offerings, and has led us to draw parallels between the emotional connect of our customers and their satisfaction.”
Browns Investments PLC is a subsidiary of the legendary 135+ year old Brown & Company PLC, with its ultimate parent company being LOLC. Browns Investments operates in fast-growing sectors of the economy such as leisure, agriculture and plantations, construction, marine and manufacturing and power generation.
Eden Resort and Spa is a five star resort on the golden beaches of the southern coastline in Beruwela. The resort offers its guests 158 recently renovated luxury rooms and suites, an Ayurveda spa, signature restaurants, cafes and bars to indulge themselves in.
Nestled away within the jungles of the Cultural Triangle adjacent to world heritage sites, Green Paradise offers luxury to all its guests whether it’s by dining above the trees, relaxing by the padded pool or in the comfort of your Italian crafted villa.
“Dickwella Resort and Spa is located on a peninsula on the golden sands of the Southern Coastline in Dickwella, and offers its guests a very relaxing experience where simple pleasures like breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and tucking into the catch of the day can be enjoyed by everyone,” the release said.