Hotel Serendib Bentota rebrands as ‘Avani’

Serendib Leisure, in partnership with Minor International, yesterday announced the opening of the first-ever Avani property – Avani Bentota Resort and Spa – on Sri Lanka’s southern coast.
After a soft opening today (26 November), the new resort (formerly Hotel Serendib Bentota) will commence operations on 1 December 2011. It has undergone an extensive Rs. 650 million refurbishment and now exudes a contemporary ambiance.

Located on the best beach strip along Sri Lanka’s western coastline, 64 kilometres from Colombo and 96 kilometres from the Bandaranaike International Airport, the new-look hotel offers the ultimate in relaxed comfort and contemporary style.

Facilities include 75 guest rooms and suites, three bars and two restaurants, accompanied by private dining options on the beach. Complementing this is the chic Cigar and Wine Lounge, while meeting rooms seat up to 100 people.  This strategic move marks reputed hotel operator Serendib Leisure’s efforts to revamp its hospitality offering to cater to the constantly evolving needs of local and international travellers.

This seamlessly blends with the Minor Hotel Group’s ambitious plans to launch their newest international hotel brand – Avani Resort and Spas, with the first hotel opening in Sri Lanka. The reputed Thailand-based hotel group operates the famed ‘Anantara’ brand of hotels, resorts and spas and is a significant player in the global hospitality industry.
The Avani Bentota Resort and Spa was originally designed by Sri Lanka’s celebrated architect Geoffrey Bawa, regarded as one of the most influential Asian architects of the 20th century. Although the refurbished property reflects a modern and chic ambiance, it still retains Bawa’s signature style and offers an inimitable Dutch-colonial charm.
Serendib Hotels PLC Chairman Abbas Esufally commented: “The opening of Avani Bentota Resort and Spa is a defining step for Serendib Leisure. It demonstrates our capability to partner with a reputed hotel group of the calibre of Minor International, and, to deliver the superior hospitality experience guests seek globally.”
“The ‘Avani’ experience will be one-of-a-kind. Its unique offering will carve out a distinct identity and enable us to partner a brand that spearheads a new ethos in the country’s hospitality sector. With the strong backing of Hemas, the holding company, Serendib Leisure properties have built a reputation of a superlative service offering. I am confident that our strategic partnership with Minor International and the ‘Avani’ brand will create further value for all our stakeholders,” he added.
Minor Hotel Group CEO Dillip Rajakarier said: “We are excited about our decision to make Sri Lanka and the Serendib Leisure group hotel the launching pad for our new ‘Avani’ brand with the opening of the Avani Bentota Resort and Spa. Hotel Serendib’s existing brand equity, its unique architecture coupled with the sound credentials of the Serendib Leisure Group mirrored the synergy we were looking for. With Sri Lanka poised for a boom in tourism, this well-appointed property will offer the holiday experience that today’s discerning travellers are seeking.”
‘Avani’ stems from the Sanskrit word for ‘earth’ – a meaning which is expressed through a grounded personality and a clear sense of style. Avani’s service ethic further exemplifies its inspiring principles by placing a high value on a genuine welcome through staff, who respond to each guest’s individual needs, thereby ensuring memorable and meaningful experiences.
‘Avani’ is bringing this philosophy to life, firstly in Sri Lanka, through the Avani Bentota Resort and Spa. The new-look beachside resort introduces sophisticated travellers to the country’s rich, natural and cultural beauty, and showcases a resourceful attitude with its dynamic new resort experience.
Serendib Hotels PLC Managing Director Ranil De Silva said that the launch of Avani Bentota Resort and Spa was a moment of celebration for all of Sri Lanka. “This is the first global hospitality brand to debut in peacetime Sri Lanka and thus marks a brand new era for the sector. We are confident that Avani will offer an irresistible appeal to our guests and keep them coming back for more of our exclusive concept.”